January 1

In Tune with the Master

You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

Out west an old sheepherder had a violin, but it was out of tune. He had no way of tuning it, so in desperation he wrote to one of the radio stations and asked them at a certain hour on a certain day to strike the tone "A." The officials of the station decided they would accommodate the old fellow, and on that particular day the true tone of "A" was broadcast. His fiddle was thus tuned, and once more his cabin echoed with joyful music.

When we live apart from God, our lives get out of tune—out of harmony with others and with God. But if we live in tune with the Master, we, too, will find ourselves surrounded by his beautiful music.

As this new year begins, ask God to help you tune your life every day to his word, so you can bring harmony and joy to those around you.

January 2

The Sun Still Shining

They looked ... and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. Exodus 16:10

Without the clouds we wouldn't be shielded from the burning sun. Without the clouds there would be no lavish sunsets, no beneficial rain, no beautiful landscapes.

The same is true with life's clouds. When hard times come we easily get discouraged. But behind the clouds God is still present, and can even use them to water our souls with unexpected blessings. Longfellow once wrote, "Be still, sad heart, and cease repining; behind the clouds is the sun still shining." As God's people wandered in the wilderness, he declared, "Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud" (Exodus 19:9).

Each of us experiences clouds in life—sometimes slight, but sometimes dark and frightening. Whatever clouds you face today, ask Jesus, the light of the world, to help you look behind the cloud to see his glory and plans for you.

January 3

A Spring for the Soul

For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light. Psalm 36:9

Sadly, many people get their happiness only from outward circumstances. As long as their lives are untroubled, they feel happy. But when illness strikes, or a relationship breaks down, or any of a thousand other unexpected troubles engulf them, then happiness flees.

Near my home is a spring that never varies its flow. Floods may rage, but its output doesn't increase. A long summer's drought may come, but it won't decrease. Its flow is steady, reliable, and unending.

Such is the peace we all yearn for—and such is the peace Jesus promises to all who trust in him: "The water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.... My peace give to you" (John 4:14; 14:27).

Have you come to that unending spring, which is Christ? Are you coming to him each day?

January 4

The Promise Is Ours

I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20

When David Livingstone returned to his native Scotland after sixteen difficult years as a missionary and explorer in Africa, his body was emaciated by the ravages of some twenty-seven fevers that had coursed through his veins during the years of his service. His left arm hung useless at his side, the result of his being mangled by a lion.

Speaking to the students at Glasgow University, he said, "Shall I tell you what sustained me during the hardship and loneliness of my exile? it was Christ's promise, 'lo, am with you always, even to the end of the age.'"

That promise is ours as well. No matter what trials we face, Christ never leaves us. He is with us every step of the way! Keep that promise before you today—and always.

January 5

He Is Here to Help

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Romans 8:35

After his resurrection Jesus came to disciples, meeting them between the garden with its empty tomb and the city with its mob still passionate with hate. He said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren" (Matthew 28:10).

In the midst of a world filled with danger, hatred, and war, the words of our lord Jesus Christ are just as relevant as when he spoke them. Still says to all who love him, "Do not be afraid."

He comes to you in the hospital room or in the midst of a family tragedy. He comes to you in the midst of an unexpected business reversal or physical crisis. And says, "Don't be afraid. I'm alive, and here to help you. The Cross shows the depth of My love, and the resurrection shows the depth of My power. Nothing can ever separate you from Me!"

January 6

The Glory of God

In My Father's house are many mansions.... I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2

There was once a little boy who was riding alone on a train, and the scenery was not too interesting. A woman sitting beside him asked, "Are you tired of the long ride?"

The boy smiled and said, "I'm a little tired, but I don't mind it much. You see, my father is going to meet me when get there."

Sometimes we get tired of the burdens of life, but we know that Jesus Christ will meet us at the end of our life's journey—and that makes all the difference. Paul wrote, "Therefore we do not lose heart.... For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:16, 18). Knowing we will be with Christ forever far outweighs our burdens today! Keep your eyes on eternity!

January 7

A Spirit of Thankfulness

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. Philippians 4:12 NIV

Some years ago I visited a man who was wealthy and successful, the envy of all his friends and business associates. But as we talked, he broke down in tears, confessing that he was miserable inside. Wealth had not been able to fill the empty place in his heart.

A few hours later I visited another man who lived only a few miles away. His cottage was humble, and he had almost nothing in the way of this world's possessions. Yet his face was radiant as he told me about the work he was doing for Christ and how Christ had filled his life with meaning and purpose.

I went away convinced that the second man was really the rich man. Although he had very little, he had learned to be thankful for everything God had given him. A spirit of thankfulness makes all the difference.

January 8

The Triumphs of Grace

I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions. Isaiah 43:25

When Charles Wesley experienced the joy of divine forgiveness, he told a Moravian friend of his new sense of pardon and added, "I suppose had better keep silent about it."

"Oh, no, my brother," came the reply. "If you had a thousand tongues, you should go and use them all for Jesus."

Charles Wesley went home and wrote the great hymn: "Oh for a thousand tongues to sing my great redeemer's praise, the glories of my God and King, the triumphs of his grace!"

To a burdened, benighted world, crushed under the weight of its own wickedness, God says, "I, even am he who blots out your transgressions." This is glorious news, and it applies to all people everywhere—including you. Have you received God's gift of forgiveness? If you have, thank him for it—and if not, by faith invite Christ into your life today.

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