PREFACE

Older sheep need better feeding than younger ones ( Hebrews 5:12-14 ) ; we cannot live on milk all of our life ( although many attempt it ). The old disciples are fast approaching a time when they shall almost be in view of Home, and their concern is to be ' ready to depart ' ( Philipp.1:23 ). The old are aware of a decline in many areas of their life, but there is no necessity for spiritual decline. These Readings are written to encourage elderly believers, to help lift the mind onward and upward, - a comfort which only God can give with His Word. May the Spirit work with His Word in us.

None of us knows if we are on the last page of the last chapter of our life in this world, and from that perspective these readings are profitable for all ages.

Rev J.Clark. BA(hons.) MA. BSc(hons) MSc. MEd. MTh.

 They stopped, and the father asked the son, ' Do you know the way home, son ? ' The reply, " No, but you do, father." We must trust our Father also.

DECEMBER 1

" Set thy house in order, for thou shalt die and not live."  2 Kings 20:1.

Each hears such words with differing responses inside. For the unbeliever it is the death knell of all worldly hopes. For the Pharisee, the doubts resurface," Have I done enough to get to heaven ? "Some believers are overwhelmed with sadness as there is a reluctance to leave earth ( like Hezekiah). Other believers are glad and say with the apostle, " I have finished my course." Some believers wind down and perhaps take to their bed, like Hezekiah. Others have the will and energy to make visits and say things to certain people that they had delayed doing before. There should be attention given to getting the conscience clear before we depart, to get rid of all ' baggage ' and to set the house, family , relationships in order ; we cannot take anything with us. We need to pray for wisdom to make good decisions and not leave 'disorder' behind. - What is our response to this universal sentence about death ?

" Life - we have long been together,

  Through pleasant and through cloudy weather ;

 'Tis hard to part when friends are dear,

 Perhaps 'twill cost a sigh, a tear ;

 Then steal away, give little warning,

 Choose Thine own time.

 Say not, "Goodnight", but in some brighter clime

 Bid me, " Good Morning."    ( Anna Barbauld )

DECEMBER 2

" For what is your life ? It is even a vapour."   James 4:14.

James reminds us of the frailty of life. In the context he draws attention to the self confident plans of unbelievers in this world ; their ambitions lie here, they think nothing of beyond it. Their plans become the centre of all their thoughts and efforts ; the eternal dimension is neglected. But many human plans are not accomplished. Moreover, their plans are in conflict with God's plan, and God's plan overcomes all others. A vapour appears for a while and then disappears from view. But although such lives become invisible to us at death, the person still exists somewhere else. The soul is invisible as it leaves the body, death is not the end of existence ; there is no annihilation at death ( as many would like). To be secure we must turn our future over to God. Those who are conscious of their frailty and the unknown time we have on earth live a life of confidence in God and not in themselves, submitting their lives to His plan and guidance. If we seek to save our lives our way, we shall lose them. Life is only meaningful if we commit our lives into His hands. A vapour is temporary here, and no-one can stop it rising away from the earth into its future. But to which of the two eternal places shall they go ?

DECEMBER 3 

" All them also that love His appearing."  2 Timothy 4:8.

This is what the people of God are waiting for ( Titus 2:13). They have heard of Him and they want to see Him. He was 'aged' when he wrote this Epistle, and was looking more often than before. The nearer the event came the more wonderful it appeared. His appearing will be His manifestation to us, not as it was on earth in the days of His self-humbling obedience, but  a glorious manifestation of His Person ( 2 Thess.1;10). This appearing is loved and therefore valued ; this sight will change us forever ( 1 John 3:2 ). We will not only see Him in glory, but also His church. Gone are all its imperfections, its treachery, its defiance, its mixture of wheat and tares. Gone are all the faults that belong to childhood ; the vanity, presumption,self-confidence. Gone is the persecution, the conflict with ungodly government and false religion.His appearing will end all of that ( Coloss.3:4).

At present Christ is hidden from our eyes, we live and love by faith. Many are hardened in their unbelief by this hiddenness. But one day He shall appear. The world has had its day, now comes the Day of the Lord - a day desired and anticipated by God's elect. " He shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed."  ( Isaiah 66:5).

DECEMBER 4   

" When I remember Thee upon my bed."  Psalm 63:6.

It is said that older people need less sleep, but it is probably more accurate to say that older people have trouble sleeping. Sleeplessness is a problem, but insomnia is troublesome. David, in his seasons of distress, hardly slept in the same bed two nights in a row. He was on the move, slept in different places, but his God was always with Him, He does not change ( Ps.4:4). What He has been to us, He will be. Lying awake, you can, like David, pray, meditate and sing, not necessarily aloud. Like him, you can remember how God has helped you along the way ( vs.7) and be glad. In the daytime we can be so busy that we struggle to retain God in our thoughts, but at night we have less distractions.( Although some distress may arise even at night to take away our thoughts then also).

We may be upon our bed because of weariness, illness, or be in pain. It may be the bed upon which we are to die. But the best thoughts are thoughts of God, and we should be thankful to the Holy Spirit that He gives them ; they are not ours by nature." Communion with God in secret is a heaven upon earth. They that know what it is to enjoy God in secret would not leave it or lose it, no matter what the world offers."  ( George Swinnock)

DECEMBER 5 

" He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief." Romans 4:20.

Abraham did not debate the possibility of it, he accepted that God, having said it, would do it, and He walked on by faith. There are always temptations to question what God has said ( beginning from Gen.3), eg. to think that faith in Christ is not enough to bring us eternal justification, that we are debt-free in the eyes of God. The devil likes to provoke turmoil in the mind, especially as we near our destination. He cannot destroy us but he can disturb us. Abraham knew that God's promise depended on the supernatural to be fulfilled ; it was beyond human nature to fulfil. This especially applies to death,He alone can bring us to heaven ; at that point we are completely without strength to do anything, He must carry us over.

The ' blessedness ' is conferred upon Abraham, David and those who have like-faith ( vs.6). Only a faith which rests on Him, without the works of the law, can glorify God when we come to die. Faith is glad to rest upon Christ alone and on nothing in ourselves (vs.21). Great promises attract great temptations, as Abraham, David and others found. O to have a childlike faith ! Then we shall not stagger, but hold on to our Father. Believer, you shall never walk alone.

DECEMBER  6   

" The lord is thy Keeper."    Psalm 121:5.

This means that at no time and in no degree can we ever keep ourselves. If left to ourselves even for a moment we would fail. The perfect angels and perfect Adam failed to continue even in perfection; but sought independence from God. This led not only to rebellion and destruction, but also to a mistaken self-confidence. However, the believers are secure in their Covenant-Head, Christ Jesus. God has in their salvation anticipated and provided for every need ( Philipp.4:19) ; help, comfort, supplies, deliverance, corrections. He knows our weakness more than we do, and none of us know just how much He has sustained us over the years. The Lord is the Keeper of His people, He has to be, and He keeps forever. His immutable love guarantees it ; all those loved by Christ shall be in heaven. We have need of this assuring comfort in His word.

The Lord uses many different ways to remind us of our weakness and insufficiency to keep ourselves. The more we are aware of our weakness the more we will watch and pray to be  ' held up ' by His power ; as His power is the only power greater than sin. Psalm 23, sung often in the heart, will remind us that " The Lord is my Shepherd ", and how much comes with that title and promise !

DECEMBER 7 

" Fear thou not, for I am with thee."   Isaiah 41:10.

" This promise supposes that the people of God are subject to fears. For a season they may be under a legal fear of God "I am troubled at His presence ...

I am afraid of Him." ( Job 23;15). They are also afraid of their own hearts when they look within. They are ready to say,' Alas, this vile nature will be too hard for me at the last.' They are afraid of outward enemies, Satan and the World... They are assaulted by them, and do not always escape without a wound. The promise supposes that they have no ability of their own, as Jehoshaphat ( 2 Chron.20:12). And though they profess and desire to trust the Lord yet...they do not find it easy to keep their hold. It also supposes that they who have God on their side ( Rom.8:31) have no just cause for fear, be their discouragements or difficulties ever so many or great...The skill of the Pilot is best evidenced in the storm.

Against me earth and hell combine,

But on my side is power Divine ;

Jesus is all, and He is mine. "     (John Newton)

DECEMBER 8   

" They shall ask the way to Zion. " Jeremiah 50:5.

This shows they have experienced a great change in their life. By nature we are unwilling to be taught by God ; this includes those who wish to mix God's teaching with the world's, and thus become inconsistent. These are genuine disciples, willing to be taught by God ( John 6:44,45 ) as Christ was promised. All turn to their own way as soon as they enter the world (Isaiah 53:6 ), but the Holy Spirit will give some understanding and a desire for guidance by His word. They have a healthy fear of being mistaken as they progress towards heaven, afraid of ' leaning to their own understanding.' How thankful they are for God's word to give them certain and definite guidance. Their prayer is, " Teach me Thy way," ( Ps.27:11) and are encouraged to ask God for wisdom ( James 1:5). Those who are sincere will set their faces towards heaven. " Though they meet ( as they surely will) with discouragements from within and around, they will keep their faces the right way and dread the thoughts of turning back." ( John Newton)

" The Gospel shines to give you light ; no longer then delay.

  The Spirit is given to guide you right, and Jesus is the Way. "

DECEMBER 9 

" It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. " Lamentations 3:26.

The years go by and we persevere in waiting for the fulfilment of the plan of grace in our individual lives. It is an endurance test, watching and waiting, but God says,despite our hurtful weaknesses, that " it is good." His words address our impatience and discouragements. This exhortation from God needs to be echoed in our minds each day. It is a ' good fight ' and a good wait ; we are waiting upon Him, and this is how our strength is renewed ( Isaiah 40;31). Impatience can lead to bouts of unbelief, self-pity, carelessness and sinning without sensitivity. The waiting is ' good'. It is reasonable to wait for something great, and it is a' great salvation ' ( Heb.2;3), greater than we can imagine with our limited minds. Moreover, as sinners we cannot discuss the terms of this with God. If God says, ' Wait ' ( Ps.31: 24. 33;18-20 ), it is our wisdom and shows loving obedience to do so, and to trust Him. Faith and patience will be tried in all of us - He will not make an exception for any of us. Our patient , trusting character will affect others. Paul prayed for this, " And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of [for] God and into the patient waiting for Christ." ( 2 Thess.3:5).

  " Afflictions make them love the Word,

    Stir up their hearts to prayer ;

    And many precious proofs afford

    of their Redeemer's care."       ( John Newton)

DECEMBER 10

" Better is...the day of death than the day of one's birth."  Ecclesiastes 7:1.

Many do not think so, especially when they see an ' early ' death. They are rather shocked at this pronouncement by God. But surely ' the end of a thing is better than its beginning ' ( vs.8) When we came into this world we did not have a good beginning, ' conceived and born in[ a state of guilt and] sin ' ( Ps.51:5).If we die with grace, faith and peace in Christ Jesus, surely that is better ? We come into this world as those who were born slaves in Egypt and know not how we shall end our days. But after a meeting and deliverance by Christ, we know with certainty how we shall end our days here ; there is a ' better country ' promised to those who follow Christ out and beyond. we have taken the words, the promises of our meeting with us: ' we have the ' minutes' to remind us.The day of death is when all pain ceases ( Rev.21:4) - the pain of fear, anxiety, hurts, sorrows and wounds. The Christian dies with a ' good name ' (vs.1), the Name of 'Christ ' is bound up in his ; this is the Name he gladly calls upon. He may not manage to speak at death, but the Name is in the heart.

" By faith see what the end will be, and with patience expect it." ( M.Henry)

DECEMBER 11 

" The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death."   1 Corinthians 15:26.

This is an enemy we shall have to face, and therefore it is wisdom to learn how to confront it. Only those who are prepared for death are prepared to live well. Society ( and many churches) tell us to prepare for many things, but hardly mention preparation for death. and yet it is one of the great certainties of life. It is security and comfort to have Christ on your side as you face death - He is the only One who has overcome it. This means that you must be on His side, who is the Resurrection and the Life ! If we are to cry out for His help against fears we must know Him. What can sheep do without a Shepherd to lead them through the valley of the shadow of death ? " Fear not, only believe." says Christ ( Luke 8:50).

Death is an enemy because it takes away life, it separates souls from bodies, and close relationships are dissolved. But it cannot separate the sheep from the Shepherd, the children from the Father, the believer from the indwelling Holy Spirit. What belongs to God, purchased by Christ's blood cannot be taken away from Him ; rather, it is taken to Him at death. Death is the messenger to call the children Home. It may have a fearful aspect, but it must do God's bidding. What was once a barrier has become a door to heaven. Such is the great work of Christ !

DECEMBER 12

" In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind."     Job 12:10.

Attitudes to death depend on what we believe about it. Is it a natural, random event or is it under God's control, as everything else is ? God says," I kill and I make alive ; I wound and I heal ; neither is there any that can deliver out of My hand." ( Deut.32:39) This overruling Will of God cannot be avoided. Man thinks that he is free and unaccountable, but there is a greater power at work than his own. Sometimes God's people are in so much suffering that they ask God to take them out of this world ; they ask to die. Moses found the burden of leading the Israelites too much, they were continually grumbling and rebellious ( Numbers 11:15). But God said No, He still had work for Moses to do. Elijah, worn out with exhaustion, seeming failure with all its disappointments, asked to die ( 1 Kings 19:4), but God sent an Angel to sustain him in life. God was not finished with Elijah either. Job, wracked with dreadful mental and physical pains, felt he could take no more and asked God to take him out of this ( Job 6:9 ), but God enabled him to endure beyond what he thought himself capable of. God had not finished with him either. Our desires for end of life here are frequently premature. ' Set thou thy trust upon the Lord ' ( Ps.37:3)  and so get through the day - the last day will come in God's time.

DECEMBER 13

" Many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him."  John 6:66.

Why do so many lose their initial interest in Christ ? Alexander Smellie answers," It is when the greatest Preacher, Christ Jesus, emphasises the spiritual and not the temporal. The crowds followed Him for material advantages and political ends, for physical healing and feeding. Never was there such a Leader. The statesmen and the priests and the plotters wanted to use Him to promote their own ambitions...One day He tested them. In Capernaum He spoke of Himself as the Living Bread and that the soul will die who does not feed on Him by faith. But this affirmed need of regeneration [to be born again], this Christ who is to be enthroned not in Jerusalem but in the humble heart, these spiritual freedoms and satisfactions, were not what the people [ who professed to be His 'disciples'] wanted ! These things were personal, pure, invisible, drastic - they failed to appeal and attract. They were irritated and annoyed." And so they turned away, with the heart first, and then with their legs. A spiritual

salvation, a spiritual message, a spiritual worship is still a stumbling-block to a professedly religious people. Only faith can see the difference, only faith can say to Christ, " Thou hast the words." (vs.68) - This is how we know we are still following Him to the end.

DECEMBER 14

" Him that speaketh from heaven."      Hebrews 12:25.

Many say that they believe there is a heaven, so why do they then ignore the subject ? Why do they act as if it doesn't matter, and say ' Heaven can wait,'

while they busy themselves and try to make a heaven upon earth ? The whole concept of eternity has been smothered by earthly prosperity and its pursuit of happiness here. Delayed gratification has gone out of fashion. The church also has become more of a religious social work department than a hospital for lost souls. The great Physician has been relegated to a great Example of earthly morality. Nevertheless, God has spoken from heaven and calls us to set our thoughts there, to travel there and help people on the way there. However, we are not to delude them that they can be uninterruptedly happy here or that they can rest on the outward forms and organisations of religion. God's words are to be taken personally. Other words, other people, can help you in life but only God and His Word can help you at death. Paul writes to the Hebrew Christians, ' Do not turn away from Him who speaks from heaven,' and give your attention to something else, to non-eternal matters. Yes, we have responsibilities and priorities, but let us put first things first, and not second. On earth we tend to think of ourselves and others, but in heaven Christ alone and His glory alone will be at the centre of everything.

DECEMBER 15

" Cast me not off in the time of old age ; forsake me not when my strength faileth.   Psalm 71:9.

A lifetime of learning about the weakness and deceitfulness of our own hearts produces this prayer. As David grew older he felt his need for Christ increasing. His own strength, in mind and body, was failing. As today, he had seen some give away the truth of God in old age, and he was wary of his own fragility. " He is a rare old man that can say with Caleb,' Behold,the Lord hath kept me alive'. Joshua 14:10,14. " ( John Trapp) The Chriatian sees how many changes have come into the church as he grows older ; many have been bold to tamper with God's blueprint for the church. It is scarcely recognisable in its beliefs, standards and worship when the New Testament Scripture is laid beside it. David was determined to keep God's Word. The greatest battles are often fought at the end of the campaign, as we see also in the Book of Revelation regarding the church. David expresses the fear of many older people who feel their weakness, but faith can pray amid fears. God is greater than our fears and He will yet prevail. " In Thee LORD do I put my trust." (vs.1)

DECEMBER 16   

" The end of that man is peace. "  Psalm 37:37.

Which man ? The man described in the Psalm, and he had his fears. Adam and Eve were afraid of death. They, like us, were not able to interview lazarus, Jairus' daughter or the young man at Nain, who were among the few who actually died and came back for a while to speak to others. Some have apprehensions " because of the novelty of the case.For, as Joshua said to the Hebrews, this is a way they have not gone before. In this their previous experience affords them no assistance, nor can they derive advantage from the experience of others...But why should we be afraid at the prospect of death ? Is not death conquered and rendered harmless with regard to the believer ? The serpent may hiss when it cannot bite. The poisonous fang may be extracted before our eyes, and yet we may feel fear in contact with it. There are many Christians whose anxieties and forebodings with regard to death, are only dispelled and destroyed when the event itself comes." ( William Jay) The world avoids the mention of, or the looking into the valley of the shadow of death, but the Christian can contemplate the other side of the valley, where " God's House ' lies ( Psalm 23:6).

DECEMBER 17

" If I wait, the grave is my house."    Job 17:13.

Job knew that at death his soul had a place to go to, and his body had a place reserved also. We may have marked out that place for burial ourselves, but God has it marked out too, and it may not be where we thought it would be. What a vast graveyard this world has become, and yet there is room for more.The grave is the great equaliser, and shows the vanity of earthly honours. A grave is a testimony to sin entering the world - there were no graves in the Garden of Eden ! But there are no graves in heaven either, and this shows the perfect work of Christ in redeeming His people ; they have been ransomed from the grave ( Hosea 13:14).

There is a waiting in the grave, for reunion of soul to body, of loved ones to loved ones.It is a waiting for the glorification of the body ( Philipp.3:21). The grave shall restore the body in an improved condition ( 1 Corinth.15:44). Christ's body also waited in the tomb three days, His people united with Him in hope ( Ps.16:9), and when He rose from the dead, they rose with Him ! ( Isaiah 26:19)

DECEMBER 18

" Who hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."  2 Timothy 1:10.

The heathen had no definite truths ( apart from those few who knew the Old Testament Scriptures) until the gospel came. The Old Testament already had statements about the truth of the Resurrection, but Christ came to personify the doctrine ; " I am the Resurrection and the Life." ( John 11:25). We do not have a full disclosure yet of the heavenly world, but we do have clear and definite revelation of it.It is where Christ is, and His people with Him. Everything there is pure and lovely ( Philipp.4:8) - a great contrast to this world ! No-one there has any thought to change anything, as they do here. There shall be service there without dissatisfaction or grumbling ; there is no failure or discontent, and our power will be equal to our tasks.

To think that heaven is just a giant singing-school is a childish notion. There shall be worship ' in Spirit and according to the Truth ', sincere gratitude and joy which is not carnal. There shall be progression in learning, understanding and doing ( being finite creatures). God shall be perfectly glorified. " This people have I formed for Myself, they shall show forth My praise." ( isaiah 42:21) We therefore are not at home in this world, but often attempted to be !

DECEMBER 19   

" For we do not have a High Priest who cannot be touched with the feelingof our infirmities.  Hebrews 4:15.

' Though Jesus was free from infirmities Himself, yet sin and its consequences,  (for our sakes) were charged upon Him. This experience gave Him an empathy with His poor people. He knows the effects of sin and temptation upon us, not only by that knowledge by which He knows all things, but also by the  experiences of suffering  He passed through for our sake. By this He is able to give us suitable comfort. By this fact arises our encouragement, that He was in all points tempted even as we are. When I add to this the consideration of His power, promises and grace, and that He is exalted on purpose to pity, relieve and save, I gather courage. With Him I dare to be free and am not sorry, but glad that He knows me perfectly, that not a thought of my heart is hidden from Him. For without this infinite and exact knowledge of my disease, how could He effectually minister to my cure ? 

Alas ! Most gracious Lord, what shall I say ? I have nothing to offer for all thy goodness but new confessions of my guilt. That Thou art kind to the unthankful and the sinful, I am one of the most remarkable instances ! '    ( John Newton)

DECEMBER 20

" Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul...within the veil."   Hebrews 6:19.

This anchor is used to stop us drifting away from God, which we all do by nature. It is insecure if tied to anything of this world ; it must be secured from heaven itself, where Christ is. Our vessel here may be lying calmly in a harbour, with no ripples upon the surrounding water. But storms can rise up suddenly here, and then calmness disappears. We need the anchor at the front of the ship to keep us heading forward, to face into the opposing wind. Hope is faith looking forward. Without hope there is only discouragement, and hope is necessary for our devotion and holiness.Severe storms come into every life and it can be very difficult to keep our feet steady. There are often circumstances beyond our control, real crises, and we need to ' ride out ' these storms. However we must avoid the phrase " a hopeless situation ". With Christ there is always hope ( the opposite of Ephesians 2:12), we are a people who live upon His promises. Remember that the tide can turn against you. " Hope to the end," says Peter, no matter how things appear.

" My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness ;

  I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' Name

  On Christ the solid rock I stand,all other ground is sinking sand.

  When darkness seems to veil His Face, I rest on His unchanging grace ;

  In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds, within the veil. "

DECEMBER 21   

" I know whom I have believed."  2 Timothy 1:12.

Every believer's faith is tested here, some more than others. We shall hear voices, including our own thoughts, but we must listen to His in the trials of life. No other words compare to His ; by His words we live and with His words we die. Why do we believe Him in things that eternally matter, and no-one else ? Because we have been ' taught by God ' ( John 6;45 ) and we know Him whom we believe. We do not trust someone we do not know ; that would be foolish indeed. But Christ is credible, He is to be believed.

Paul was approaching death, and he was forearmed for the coming conflicts. He did not know what details to expect, but He expected Christ to be with him in whatever may arise. Christ is the one Person who is not taken by surprise regarding the events of our life and the event of our death. " I will be with him in trouble, " He says ( Ps.91:15). We may be uncertain about how we shall react in  troubles, but we are certain of Him. He is a good Master, and we are"' not ashamed of anything he has said or done," ( Spurgeon ).He is eminently and eternally worthy of our trust. To whom shall we go ? Only He can help us, and He has promised that He will. " None perish that Him trust ! "

DECEMBER 22     

" Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus...through the blood of the everlasting covenant."   Hebrews 13:20.

Because of His love Christ died willingly for His sheep. Because He lives they shall live also ( John 14:19), He is our Lord Jesus. there is an indissoluble union between us. His blood gives us peace with God ; there is no other way. He is exalted to save, there is forgiveness with Him, pardon for the most vile sinner. We could not keep the law, but He has kept it for us. The gospel is a wonderful message ! His blood and obedience is " the only plea which the Scripture affords or will be accepted in the great Day." ( John Newton) His blood confirms and validates the Covenant of Grace to save Christ's chosen sinners. His blood released Himself and releases us from the grave. It is all of grace, there is no boasting in God's way of salvation, no reward for our disobedience. There is only praise for the Shepherd, the Lamb, the eternal Saviour.

  " Let us love and sing and wonder,

    Let us praise the Saviour's name !

    He has hushed the Law's loud thunder,

    He has quenched Mount Sinai's flame.

    He has washed us with His blood,

    He has brought us nigh to God. "        ( John Newton )

DECEMBER 23    

" He restoreth my soul."   Psalm 23:3.

" Though we can fall of ourselves, we cannot rise without His help.Indeed every sin, in its own nature,has a tendency towards apostasy. But there is a provision in the Covenant of Grace, and the Lord, in His own time,returns to convince, humble and pardon us, to comfort and renew the soul.He touches the rock and the waters flow. By repeated experiences of this sort we begin to learn at length that we are nothing, have nothing, and can do nothing but sin. And thus we are prepared to live more out of ourselves, and to derive all our sufficiency, of every kind, from Jesus, the Fountain of grace.

We learn to tread more warily, to trust less to our own strength, to have lower thoughts of ourselves and higher thoughts of Him ; this is what the Scripture means by growth in grace, as I apprehend...Every day shows the Christian more of his own heart, and more of the power, sufficiency, grace and pity of his adorable Redeemer. But this growth will not be complete until we get to heaven." ( John Newton)

DECEMBER 24   

" We have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him."  Matthew 2:2.

The Lord His people and He will use mens to bring them to know Him. Like ourselves these men came a great distance, they were ' far off ' and needed to be brought near ( Ephes.2:13). The true Israel, the " Israel of God " ( Galat.6:16.Rom.2:29) will not reject Him because of His self-humiliation ( John 1:11), especially the circumstances of poverty at His birth. The scribes confirmed the reality of their search by the statements in the Word ( eg. the quote from Micah 5:2) and they headed for Bethlehem to see Him, and they did see Him. Sadly, the Scribes, despite their Biblical knowledge showed no desire to see Jesus, and died in unbelief. Many are so near, and yet so far !These men came to worship Him as the Son of God ; they saw His glory and went back home with joy. They were earnest enquiring souls, and needed answers, and they found the answer at Bethlehem.

" Shall these wise men condemn us in the judgement ? You also have seen the star ( in Scripture) and heard the message. Do you yet sit still ? You that have indeed come to worship - admire His love and learn more of Him ! He that once lay in the manger will be there for you." ( John Newton)

DECEMBER 25

" I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth"     Job 19:25

Job knew this by the Word ; given, but not yet written down ( as far as we know). He says, " I have heard of Thee,"( Job 42:5). He had the faith of a saving knowledge of the Redeemer. Christ stood upon the earth at the Incarnation and later at the Resurrection ( and all the time between ). When He returns He shall not stand on the earth but we shall be caught up from the earth to meet Him ( 1 Thess.4:17).He looks forward to seeing ' God manifest in the flesh ' ( 1 Timothy 3:16). When he dies he shall see Christ with the eyes of the soul ( as the angels do, who have no bodies), but at the resurrection it will be with the eyes of the body also.

Luther says that salvation is decided in the pronouns. Job says that he is " my  Redeemer ". Neither Job nor we can trust Christ unless He is my Redeemer, and not just a Redeemer in general. If we have faith, it is because He gave us this trust in Himself. If you have this faith, the faith of Job and others, you have the proof that He is your Redeemer - because you would not have this faith unless He was ! ( Ps. 68:18.  Galat.5:22 ff.  Ephes. 2:8).

" The promise is to all those who are (made) willing to receive the promise."(Spurgeon)

DECEMBER 26

" Take with you words and turn to the LORD."   Hosea 14:2.

God tells us how to come back to Him, how to return after we have turned away. This of course implies that we shall be welcomed back, and not rejected ; always a happy thought for the backslider under conviction. " Take with you words," when you come back.What words ? The words given by God in verse 2," Take away all iniquity, receive us graciously," and this shall lead to praise and thanksgiving from our lips ( instead of the backslider's guilty silence). The freeness of God's love is matched by the freeness of His forgiveness ( vs.4). No backslider can return without repentance, and God calls us to it. The sinner sins, he has an Advocate with the Father ( 1 John 2:1), and all saved sinners sin daily. " Those warm desires that burn within were kindled by reclaiming grace." ( O.Winslow in his book 'Personal Declension', the finest book on this subject) Christ came into this world to save sinners, including backsliding sinners eg. Samson, David, Solomon, Peter, Mark. And how gently He treats them ; David was restored by using a parable, Peter by a look." Return, ye backsliding children," says God ( Jerem.3:22). Get your backsliding soul restored before you lose your assurance. Take the steps back, and ' take with you words.' He delights in mercy, He will abundantly pardon.' " I am not what I ought to be, but by God's grace I am not what I shall be ! "  ( J. Newton)

DECEMBER 27

" And about the 11th hour He went out...and says to them, Go ye also into the vineyard. "   Matthew 20:6,7.

Christ savingly calls some sinners to Himself at the end of their day(s) on earth. He is sovereign in His actions, no-one can dictate the times or terms of salvation with Him. What He promises He gives. The thief was saved as he was dying, few were. However, the Lord's actions show that there is hope for those who are no longer young. We do not know who God's elect are until they come to believe in Christ, and then we know. These ' idlers' probably thought that it was too late for them to enter the vineyard ( Christ's kingdom ), but He came back for them. No-one ought to say that they are ' too old to be saved ' ! This is the devil's lie. All, of whatever age, should apply TODAY ( Ps.95:7). Too many are waiting for the end and not waiting for Christ. " There are many souls resting on Christ, and there is room for yours also." ( Samuel Rutherford).

" It is too late ! Ah, nothing is too late

  Till the tired heart cease to palpitate...

  What then ?  Shall we sit idly down and say,

  The night hath come, it is no longer day ? '

  For old age is opportunity no less

  Than youth itself, though in another dress. "   ( H.Longfellow)

DECEMBER 28

" Our God is the God of salvation, and unto God the Lord belong theissues from death. "    Psalm 68:20.

God is the God of deliverances, and the issues, the 'goings out' from death are under His control." God hath all ways that lead out from death in His own keeping, He keepeth the key of the door that lets us out from death. When a man is in the valley of the shadow of death, where shall he issue out ? Where shall he have a passage to ? Men say, ' Nowhere, he shall have no escape'. But God keepeth all the passages ; when men think they have shut us up in the jaws of death, He can open them, and deliver us. To Him belong the issues from death. This is an illusion to the one who keeps the passage or a door. God is a faithful Keeper and a friendly Keeper, who will open the door for the escape of His people when they cry out to Him." ( Joseph Caryl) Our deliverance from death is the result of another death, the death of Christ, accomplished by the God of salvation.

" I rely on His life for my eternal life,

  I rely on His death to be delivered from mine.

  The journey here is but trouble and strife ;

  I collapse in His arms at the end of time."     ( Anon.)

DECEMBER 29   

" Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. "  Romans 13:11.

The Bible makes it clear that it is by believing in Christ that we enter into the state of salvation. It is a complete salvation, but not yet a full experience of it while we are in this world. Death will perfect the soul and rest the body, and this is what the Apostle is referring to in this verse. Every day brings us nearer Home and perfection of our experience of communion and sanctification, conformity to Christ. Time brings us forward on the journey, and the last step over the line, into eternity, may be nearer than we think. There was a time when we were far away from knowing Christ and salvation, but when grace came, enabling us to know and follow Christ, every day was a day leaving the world behind and stretching out ( Philipp.3:12-14) to our Divinely planned destination. These words are given to stir us up and awaken from sleeping here, settling down here (vs.11). Desire for Christ is love looking forward, and He looks forward to seeing us too ; nothing less shall satisfy Him( Isaiah 53:11).

DECEMBER 30    

" I go to prepare a place for you."    John 14:2.

' Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people', and there could be no preparation for sinners unless Christ ascended there in triumph first. It is the best place,the richest inheritance. It is a place chosen and designed by the Father, purchased by the Son and populated by the Holy Spirit. The redeemed shall enter as the Father's children, the Son's bride and the Spirit's dwelling forever. We deserved the least but are given the best. It is the Home for all God's prodigals, the door unlocked, and those ' made willing in a day of His power', the justified, shall enter in ( Ps.110:3. Ps.118:20.).

In heaven nothing enters in to defile it, nobody is wounded by others ( or self), there are no misunderstandings or alienation's, no suspicions, no armour worn, no tears, not death, no parting. May this prospect cheer,sanctify and comfort us. It will not be long before the labour and battle are over. We shall soon be changing our place, but not our company ; He is with us always, as He promised. Soon He will bring us Home with Him to heaven. The Bible is faith's telescope to see inside. The last stage of our life is on the last page of this Book.

DECEMBER 31 

" Father, I will that they whom Thou hast given to Me be with Me where I  am."    John 17:24.

When a Christian dies, this is the Will of Christ going into action. He wills that they be brought to Him where He is ie. heaven, and no power can prevent it happening. There they shall ' behold Christ's glory. ' They were made to be with Him ; this is the Father's loving gift to the Son, and the Holy Spirit shall bring them. Heaven is where Christ is. Christ suffered before He entered into glory ( Luke 24:26,46), as do we, but not for the same reason as He did. Had He not suffered the penalty for our sins voluntarily, we would have no glory to go to. All of our life here is preparatory for this ending. And so ends our time here, enclosed in the Intercession of Christ. He waits no more, and neither do we. This prayer is fulfilled in the lives and deaths of Christ's people, according to His will in His own time. It is time to go Home...and what a welcome !

" Thy love will fill our hearts, Thy beauty will engage our thoughts, and Thy praise will employ our tongues throughout eternity." ( O.Winslow)

" Which when I saw, I wished myself among them ! "  ( John Bunyan)