names in His Book of Life. Ponder the sorrowful "But," so true of some, in next verse. February 2.-Ch. xliv. 5. Yes, but say it now. Confession is one of the conditions attached to salvation. Unless we confess Him here there is no promise that He will confess us by-and-bye (Matt. x. 32). Confess Him, not only before Christians, but before every one: then the strength and comfort of ver. 8 will be yours (Rom. x. 9). February 3.-Ch. xlv. 2, 3. "Treasures of darkness." This makes the dark places in our lives sacred spots. We can listen better in the dark. He is Himself in each dark place (Ps. xviii. 11). "Hidden riches." "His secrets are always told in secret." Here is cheer for every tried one. Trace the matchless results of dark times in the lives of God's witnesses. February 4.-Ch. xlvi. 11. See what unexpected agencies God uses to work His pleasure. Passive in His Hand He may use us as of His counsel," perhaps more in unseen ways than seen. men February 5.--Ch. xlvii. 10. How often we have proved the truth of the second part of this verse. Are we willing to surrender all our fancied "knowledge," and "wisdom," and early formed opinions, so that our hearts may be like a sheet of white paper spread before the Lord for Him to write on? February 6.-Ch. xlviii. 17. The Lord's teaching generally has reference to the way in which He is about to lead us. This is one reason why if we have not been sitting in the learner's place, when difficulties arise we find ourselves unprepared to meet them. "Lord, prepare me for what Thou hast prepared for ver. 18). me! " (See February 7.-Ch. xlix. 2. The Lord's polishing-so often done in “shadow ”—always in seclusion with Him. Are we willing to go through this double hiding which alone prepares us for special service, and keeps us in the place from which we may be sent forth? (Zech. ix. 13, 14; Isa. li. 16). February 8.--Ch. 1. Shall we dwell to-day simply on the one word "I," often emphasised "I, even I," so constantly and preciously before us in this book? "Ears to hear" would recognise His "It is I” (Ch. lii. 6, etc.), behind every circumstance of life, and answer back in that one comprehensive word of acquiesence, "Thou!" February 9.-Ch. li. 10. Through death alone can we reach Christlife. Ilave we experimentally (not merely through adverse circumstances) known what the "depths of the sea" mean? If so, we have found them to be the grave of sin, and of the old self-life. In other words, have we literally "died with Christ" yet? sion, it follows it. (See Rom. vi. 6). February 10.-Ch. lii. challenge (verses I, 2); This experience is not conver Then comes in this Chapter the resurrection its joy (ver. 9); CLEAN vessel-bearers (ver. 11); the perpetual Presence, before and behind (ver. 12). February 11.-Ch. liii. 6. The "ALL" beginning and ending this verse has been the means of bringing many anxious seekers into peace. If you are among the first "all you may claim your place among the last. February 12.—Ch. liv. Are verses 6 and II descriptive of you ? Then "kneel down upon the promises "-claim them, appropriate them, that they may be true to you in their satisfying abundance Only what we appropriate is ours to enjoy. February 13.-Ch. lv. 5. Blessed fruitfulness! Just to be transparent enough for His glory to shine through! All real success is "because of the Lord." February 14.-Ch. lvi. 2-5. We often lack fulness of blessing by resting merely on what God has already worked in us, without this active going forward. "Doeth this "-" layeth hold "--"keepeth." As also in Matt. xviii. 8, 9; and in tpye, Josh. v. 2; Col. iii. 5. February 15.-Ch. lvii. 19. Do we know Him as our Peace? Let us never separate His gifts from Himself. "Prince of "The Peace of God (Christ Himself), shall garrison your hearts," etc. we must open the door," and let Him in. 66 But first February 16.-Ch. lviii. 9. See how blessedly the Lord has bound Himself to respond to the call of the lowly (Ch. lvii. 15). And when He answers He comes Himself with all the blessings which follow. Notice the conditions-"if." February 17.-Ch. lix. 19 (margin). Here is the Conquering Spirit of the Lord, who came to "abide with us for ever." No need then for us ever to be overcome. The sword of the Spirit which Jesus used (Matt. iv.) is ever victorious. Last clause of ver. 13 February 18.-Ch. lx. The Lord wants this wonderful and glorious description to be true of each saint even now. shows how it may be maintained, and of ver. glory. "Even so, Lord Jesus!" 21 that it is for His February 19.-Ch. lxi. 4. Here is comfort for those who in true and deep repentance and godly sorrow mourn over a wasted past. (See also Joel ii. 25). February 20.-Ch. lxii. 1. "I will not rest-till "-etc. (Compare with Ruth iii. 18). Christ's rest, perfect and complete will be in "the day of His espousals (Cant. iii. 11; Rev. xix. 6, 7; Matt. xxvi. 29 ; Zeph. iii. 17), when the last soul is gathered in. Are we one with Him in this "" no rest" of verses 6, 7? and so hastening His joy? February 21.-Ch. lxiii. 9. Because His whole heart was set upon them (Deut. vii. 7, 8; Ps. xci. 14). Observe how absorbingly the Lord's love is about His own. Is this same love shed abroad in our hearts? or is Phil. ii. 20, 21 sorrowfully true of us? February 22.-Ch. lxiv. I. "My soul is athirst for God." Then let the further language of your soul be (1 Sam. xxiii. 20), and hear His immediate responses-"I am come for thy words" (Dan. x. 12). The result of His coming must be deep self-abasement, (See verses 3, 6), and entire self-surrender (ver. 8). 66 February 23.-Ch. lxv. 1. "Behold Me!" How do you expect to see Jesus? Do you recognise that He is waiting to reveal Himself to you in every one of His leadings, to-day? Lord, open our eyes that we may know Thee, and "cease not to be seen " of us! February 24.-Ch. lxvi. 3, etc. Observe the strong words used about offerings in Is. lxi. 8. "Everything which is for self is stolen from the rights of Him who bought us for His own." Let us seek to be really, in heart what He looks for. February 25.-Jer. i. 6. How many have echoed these words! See the Lord's answer, Jeremiah acquiesed and obeyed. Have you? If not, go forward shod with His Promise which cannot fail. February 26.-Ch. ii. 6, 8. As each fresh difficulty arises in our path, each fresh Jordan to cross, let Elisha's appropriating faith be ours, "Where is the Lord God of Elijah?" and striking the waters with the mantle of His Power, let us go forward confident of victory, for "He always causeth us to triumph in Christ Jesus" (2 Cor. ii. 14). 66 February 27.-Ch. iii. 21, 22. Sin always brings sorrow, but only "godly sorrow which worketh repentance' turns the sinner round to return." We must be brought back to the very point of departure in brokenness of spirit. There we shall find as we come to Thee (ver. 22) that "This man receiveth sinners" (Luke xv. 2). 66 February 28.-Ch. iv. I, 3, 4, 14. Three things put before the "returning " soul. I.—A real breaking down, contrition (ver. 3). II. Circumcision of heart to the Lord, true cutting off of all known evil (ver. 4). III.-Cleansing of the heart from the inbred sin itself (ver. 14). (See 2 Cor. vii. 1). Scripture Reading and Prayer Union. 1. Every MEMBER reads daily the same Chapter of the Old Testament, and a short Evening Portion of the New. ASSOCIATES read only the New Testament portion, any time during the day. 2. Persons of all ages and all denominations may join. All readers of "CHRISTIAN PROGRESS are invited to join this Union, either as Members or Associates, and to ask their friends to do so. They should send their full names and addresses (stating whether Rev., Esq., Mr., Mrs., or Miss) to the Rev. ERNEST Boys, Beverley, Sidcup, Kent. One stamp must be enclosed, and a card of Membership will be forwarded. THE last month of the year was one of large increase; so were the first days of January. Our resources were taxed to the utmost to get out all the cards that were required. We have to report an increase of 1,660 Members, and 1,081 Associates up to the 10th of January. Our registered total on that day was as follows: Members, 59,261; Associates, 27,564. CIRCULATION OF LETTERS OF INVITATION. We have received many applications for our Letters of Invitation from those who wish to distribute them amongst friends; but not nearly enough. Every reader should send for some, and send one to every friend that can be called to mind. FINANCES OF THE UNION. Through the kindness of friends we have been enabled to lay aside £50 as a reserve fund. This has been placed in deposit account at the Bank, and will only be touched in case of emergency. For our current expenses, we had, on January 1st, a balance in hand of about £55. We are very thankful to have met all expenses with a balance on the right side. But our friends must kindly remember that we need about £600 a year to support our Union, including salaries of three secretaries and a clerk, office rent and expenses, cost of magazines for new members, printing circulars, cards, &c., postage, and various incidental expenses. Hitherto we have "lacked nothing," and we have full confidence that it will always be so. We look to our members and associates to make a small contribution whenever convenient. QUOTING CARD NUMBERS. Will our friends bear in mind to quote their card numbers in any communication of any sort. Many fail to do so, and give much trouble by the omission. A request to do so is printed on the cards, but some do not seem to read their cards. NEW SECRETARIES WANted. We should like to receive more applications in connection with the suggestion under this heading last month. REQUEST FOR PRAYER FOR FEBRUARY. For a great blessing on the young women of our country. A special season of prayer for them is arranged to commence February 11th, in connection with the Young Women's Christian Association. |