I hope these readings may lead to such practical meditation upon the Word of God that it will supply vision to common tasks, and daily nourishment to the conscience and will. And I trust that it may so engage the thoughts upon the wonders of meditation that it will fortify the soul for its high calling in Jesus Christ our Lord.

- John Henry Jowett

SAMPLE DEVOTIONAL

January 1

The Unknown Journey

Hebrews 11:6-10

He went out not, knowing whither he went (Hebrews 11:8). Abram began his journey without any knowledge of his ultimate destination. He obeyed a noble impulse without any awareness of its consequences. He took "one step," and he did not "ask to see the distant scene." And that is faith - to do God's will here and now, quietly leaving the results to Him. Faith is not concerned with the entire chain; its devoted attention is fixed upon the immediate link. Faith is not knowledge of a moral process; it is faithfulness in a moral act. Faith leaves something to the Lord; it obeys His immediate commandment and leaves direction and destiny to Him.

And so faith is accompanied by peace. He that believeth shall not make haste (Isaiah 28:16) - or, more literally, "shall not get into a fuss." He will not get into a panic, neither bringing fears from his yesterdays nor from his tomorrows. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me (Psalm 139:5). Concerning his yesterdays, faith says, "You have beset me behind." Concerning his tomorrows, faith says, "You have beset me before." Concerning his today, faith says, "You have laid Your hand upon me." That is enough, just to feel the pressure of the guiding hand.