The great Missionary to China, Hudson Taylor, said:

Let us see to it that we keep God before our eyes; that we walk in His ways, and seek to please and glorify Him in everything, whether great or small. Depend upon it, God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s Supplies.

But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you. (Jeremiah 7:23)

 

Be of good courage

If life for you is hard, remember that things will be easier if you face them bravely. Remember that hard work helps you to worry less. Remember that patience often enables you to triumph. and remember that kindness to those around you, comes back to you and strengthens and sweetens as it does.

And remember, that those who put their trust in God can endure when others fail.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!  (Psalm 34:8)

 

 

People who never gave up

When David Livingstone felt he could not march another mile in darkest Africa, he knelt down, prayed, and marched hundreds of miles more.

When Sir Walter Scott might well have regarded himself as a ruined man, he wrote his way to immortality.

When Roosevelt was at the end of his tether, he tied a knot and held on.

When Sir Winston Churchill saw all Europe under German domination, he declared we would fight on the beaches and in the streets, and we secured the victory.

When Christ knew that to go along a certain road meant the agony of the cross, he steadfastly set his face towards Jerusalem.

When you dear friend feel like giving up, keep going, do your duty whatever the cost, and you will come through.

But he who endures to the end shall be saved. (Matthew 24:13)

 

 

 

Kindness with Patience

One day a long queue for Sultana Cakes gathered outside a baker’s shop when one lady got into the shop the assistant handed her a cake, saying “That’s the last one."

The lady immediately said, “would you cut it into two and give a half to the lady behind me? she has been waiting as long as I have.”

It’s these little things that make all the difference Don’t you think?

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  (John 13:34)

 

 

Eyes set on the future

One time a salesman was calling in on a city firm, and was kept waiting a few minutes. He noticed in the lobby a small boy – evidently very fresh from school and dressed in his very smart and new school uniform. The salesman, having a sense of humour, politely spoke to the boy. “Excuse me, are you the manager?”

Equally politely, came the reply: “No, Sir. Not yet!”

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.  (Jeremiah 29:11)

 

 

All things bright and beautiful

In London’s Kensington Gardens there is a bronze statue of Peter Pan. Around the pedestal on which he stands are his friends the rabbits, a snail, fairies, rats, a hare and a serious old rook. When the sun has sunk low in the sky, you can see the little animal’s heads and backs not looking like they are made of bronze – but shining like Gold!

These little creatures are so highly polished because of the loving hands of tens of thousands of children who had caressed them before turning away out of ‘Never, never Land’ into the world governed by clocks and customs, the hard tasks ahead, the poor home, the daily chores.

But love turns the commonest stuff of life, to God, and things are then turned to Gold.

Remember this one from school?”:

All things bright and beautiful
All creatures great and small
All things wise and wonderful
The lord God made them all.

“You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honour and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”   (Revelation 4:11)

 

 

Enchanted by God’s gifts

A kind neighbour, once invited their friend’s little boy to go away on holiday with them. It was far away from the dull, city streets and deep into the countryside.

The little boy ate his meals in a big farm kitchen, and was shown around the farm, and was allowed to climb a gate and run around and roll about in grassy meadows. The little boy rushed around until he was tired out - laughing and singing, and now and again he would stop and gaze around as if completely enchanted.

When he said his prayers that evening, he added a little impromptu prayer….  ”Oh and please God, forgive me for trampling on your daisies…. I couldn’t help it.”

He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen.  (Deuteronomy 10:21)

 

 

The Class Lesson

A School teacher asked her class during a scripture lesson, “How many of you would like to go to heaven?”

The whole class held up their hands excitedly, except for one little girl, who sat solemnly with head down. Then, just as the teacher was about to ask why she didn’t want to go to heaven, the little boy sitting next to her, nudged her and said “Put up your hand Sophie - she doesn’t mean right now!”

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  (John 14:2)

 

 

Teach us Thy ways – A Prayer

O Lord, who knows us all together, reveal thyself afresh to us, and let Thy presence shine more clearly in the darkness of this day.

The thoughts and fears of our innermost heart are secret from all who know us, yet they are known to thee.

Teach us, O Lord, to know Thee better, to serve Thee more wholeheartedly, to put all our trust in Thee, and so live that our spirit may ever be quick to respond to Thy prompting, that we may ever hear Thy silent voice, and be cheered and strengthened and guided by the in-dwelling of Thyself, in us.
Amen.

So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.  (Psalm 90:12)