January 15

"Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus."—Colossians 3:17.

In the name of the Lord Jesus—let me write the legend over whatever I do in word or in deed. "This is the famous stone that turneth all to gold."

Let me pray in the name of Jesus. Just as He would pray, if He were kneeling in my place; just with His desires, His compassions, His importunities, His holy violence which carries the citadel of the heavens by storm; just as His representative, there in the Father's sight.

Let me live my daily life in the name of Jesus. Seeking not to be original, but to reflect Him, my peerless Pattern, my Master without blemish and without spot; walking in His footsteps; carrying about with me His zeal for God and His love for men; suggesting Him to everybody whom I meet.

Let me suffer and be still in the name of Jesus. When the dark days come, the desert-place, the sick-room, the weakness and impotence, let me reproduce Him who took the cup and said, Not My will, but Thine be done. Let me walk, my hand in His, through the shadows, over the crags and torrents.

Let me enter heaven at last in the name of Jesus. As one who believes in Him, who has received His word, who glories in His love, who is immeasurably in His debt, who has been smitten with the hunger and thirst to win Him, I shall be welcome there. It is my only title to the mansions in the skies.

In His name: over life and death and eternity I shall grave the ennobling and transfiguring inscription; it will make them all sacramental and sweet.

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