Daily Devotional

Faith, the apostle says, "is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." The faith of the Christian rests on the Word of God, which is a lamp to the feet of his people. Following its rays, they walk in the light; but those who reject the light, determining not to hear and obey, will be left in the darkness of error. The day of God's vengeance is just before us. "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince that standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that same time; and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book." When the time of trouble comes, every case will have been decided.

No longer will probation linger; no longer will there be mercy for the impenitent. Our own course of action is determining whether we shall be destroyed with the workers of iniquity, or delivered with the people of God. The Lord is willing to help us. While his face "is against them that do evil," his eyes "are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayer." What we need now is a living, active faith in God. You do not know, dear reader, that you will live one day longer. You cannot call one hour your own. You do not know how soon death may feel for your heart-strings. Will you, then, let envy, hatred, and jealousy live in your hearts? or have you gained one precious attainment after another, until pride, malice, and selfishness have been swept away, and there remain the graces of the Spirit,--meekness, forbearance, gentleness, charity? God will help every one of us, if we will take hold of the help he has provided.

This is an individual work. Every man is to build over against his own house. You have nothing to do with the sins of others, but you have much to do with yourself. Take your Bibles, and in humble faith send your petition to God. Do not rest day nor night until you can say, Hear what the Lord hath done for me,--until you can bear a living testimony, and tell of victories won. Jacob wrestled with the angel all night before he gained the victory. When morning broke, the angel said, "Let me go, for the day breaketh." But Jacob answered, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." Then his prayer was answered. "Thy name shall be called no more Jacob," the angel said, "but Israel; for as a prince hast thou power with God and men, and hast prevailed."