"But Thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." Psalm 86:15
Thy Works, Not Mine, O Christ Philippians 3:9 Author: Horatius Bonar Tune: I Love Thy Kingdom (Aaron Williams)
1. Thy works, not mine, O Christ, Speak gladness to the heart; They tell me all the work is done, They bid my fears depart.
2. Thy wounds, not mine, O Christ, Can heal my sinful soul; Thy stripes, not mine, O Lord, contain, The balm that makes us whole.
3. Thy death, not mine, O Christ, Hath borne the awful load; Of sins that no one else could bear, But our incarnate God.
4. Thy Righteousness, O Christ, Alone can cover me; No other Righteousness avails, Save that which is of Thee!
****** Mapped, Arranged, & Provided For "But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10 Untried, untrodden, and unknown as your future path may be, it is, each step--mapped, arranged, and provided for, in the everlasting and unchangeable covenant of God! To Him who leads us, who accepts us in the Son of His love, who knows the end from the beginning--it is no new, or uncertain, or hidden way! We thank Him that while He wisely and kindly veils all the future from our reach; all that future--its minutest event--is as transparent and visible to Him as the past. Our Shepherd knows the windings along which He skillfully, gently, and safely leads His flock. Oh, it is a thought replete with strong consolation, and well calculated to gird us for the coming year--that the Lord knows and has ordained each step of the untrodden path upon which I am about to enter! The infinite forethought, wisdom, and goodness which have ordained each step of our new path--have also provided for its every necessity. Each difficulty in the new year has been anticipated. Each need will bring its appropriate and adequate supply. Each perplexity will have its guidance. Each sorrow will have its comfort. Each temptation will have its shield. Each cloud will have its light. Each affliction will suggest its lesson. Each correction will impart its teaching. Each mercy will convey its message of love. The promise will be fulfilled to the letter, "As your days, so shall your strength be!" --Octavius Winslow
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If We Had God's Power We Would Change Everything! "Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter." John 13:7 If we had God's power we would change everything--but if we had God's wisdom we would change nothing. "He hath done all things well!" Mark 7:37 --Scott Richardson
Mysteries and Perplexities "Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things." Matthew 6:32 What a rest is this for weary, burdened wayfarers! It is the assurance not only of a 'needs be' in whatever befalls them; but that all are the appointments of their heavenly Father. "Your heavenly Father!" With tender care for the minute and lowly, He . . . - makes grass to grow for the cattle, - pencils the flower, - sculptures the snow wreath, - watches the sparrows fall, - and feeds the young ravens. The unslumbering Shepherd keeps watch and ward continually, whether under the infinite blue of day, or under night with its starry galaxies. Though mysteries and perplexities are on every side, yet we can rely on the assurance that His are no arbitrary dealings, swayed by caprice, marked and misdirected by human blindness and ignorance; but the dictates of unerring wisdom and of unchanging everlasting love. Mark the Savior's words. They are not "My heavenly Father;" but "your heavenly Father." He would have each child to know His individual, particular affection and pity; and, despite baffling providences, to cleave to the unforgetting love of God. All which befalls His people is meted out by One who is too kind to mingle an unnecessary or superfluous drop in their cup of sorrow. This is the resting place, let the weary rest. This is the place of repose. “To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing:"(Isaiah 28:12). --John MacDuff
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