December 8

Twenty-first Sunday after Trinity

My brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:10, 11.

We have a warfare to wage, a warfare within ourselves, against ourselves, and against those, more powerful, subtle, skilful than we; enemies who know, many of you, your weak points better than you know yourselves. We have "a strong man" with whom to fight; a stronger through Whom to overcome. Against us is the craft of Satan to overthrow us. The strength, the wisdom, the love of Christ our God may be ours, through which to overcome. And about what is the strife? The soul, its life or death. And what the loss? To be shut out from the love of God, and be the companion of devils, hating and hated. What the reward? God Himself. He Himself says, "I am your exceeding great Reward." And what are ye doing then? Fighting, surely, with your whole might, with the whole grace of God, straining every nerve, watching at every moment, guarding against every peril! This is surely your first thought in the morning, "What may I do this day to make this great prize my own, to escape that unbearable woe?" This is your last thought at night, "Wherein have I failed this day? what can I amend on the morrow?" Whatever else ye do, this cannot but be your first thought. This must be the aim of all your aims.

Hush thee and seek, With thoughts in prayer and watchful eyes, My [Christ] seasons sent for thee to speak, And use them as they rise.