November 12

They shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee.

Jeremiah 1:19.

What a comfort it is for us Christians to know that we always have some one near us who is ever ready to protect us from harm and danger and in whom we can fully trust. And especially is it comforting for us to know that we have such a Friend near us when we take an important step in life, and do not know whither it may lead us. Often we do something which will influence our whole future life and bring to us, as it has brought to many before us, both weal and woe. We do not know how much of each it will bring to us; this is hidden from our eyes. But, be it little of the one and much of the other, we, as Christians, have the assurance that we have One with us who will be our constant Companion and Friend, who will guide, lead, and protect us, that, whether it be weal or woe, all will be well with us if we but trust in Him. Whatever we do, whatever we undertake, according to the will of God, we Christians have this confidence, that the Lord is with us.

Once the Lord dwelt visibly with His disciples in Palestine, walking with them, teaching and consoling them. And He is still present with us, though invisibly. Before He ascended into heaven, He said to His disciples: "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach," that is, disciple, "all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." This is indeed a most precious promise. Jesus, their blessed Savior, is always present with His disciples with His divine grace. Therefore they have everything and have no reason to fear anything. And He is just as anxious to help all His disciples now as He was when He walked visibly on earth. How blessed you are because you are a disciple of Jesus! He to whom all power is given in heaven and in earth is your Savior. And He is with you with His grace every day.

Prayer.

O Lord, Thou faithful Savior, who canst not lie, Thou hast said: "Lo, I am with you alway." Therefore, O Lord, bless us with Thy gracious presence! Be merciful to us poor sinners! Do

not let Thy wrath over our sin shut out Thy compassion; do not take Thy grace and mercy from us. Preserve us from dearth of bread; but above all give us at all times the wholesome Bread of Life. Thus we shall see that we are truly Thy children, for whom Thou dost faithfully provide, and honor and praise Thee as our Redeemer and Savior all the days of our lives. And when our last hour has come, even then be with us. "I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me." Amen.

I need Thy presence every passing hour; What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power? Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me!