God's Minute

February 18

For the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sins.--1 John 1:7

O LORD, Eternal God, our Heavenly Father, receive our grateful and loving thanks for Thy love declared in Jesus Christ, Thy well beloved Son. For our share in this love we are unspeakably grateful. That we can through the darkness and pain of Calvary see the reconciled face of our Father makes it for us the place of peace. That the precious blood there shed cleanses our souls from sin and gives us victory over temptation, that the love of sin is gone and with it the fear of death and condemnation, that God's love working through His almighty power is ours and for us, for all of these amazing gifts and mercies our words are too poor to express our gratitude, we can only adoringly worship Thee and marvel at Thine unspeakable gift. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Maitland Alexander, D.D.,
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

God's Minute

February 15

Wait on the lord, and He shall save thee.--Proverbs 20:22

IN the Name of the Lord Jesus we bow in Thy holy presence, O God, to thank Thee for all Thy goodness and mercy to us as a family and a household, and to ask Thy forgiveness for all wherein we have sinned and grieved Thy Holy Spirit.

We pray for grace and guidance that we may so walk as to please Thee. Grant us Thy protecting care to shield us from accident and danger. And above all, we pray that, thus walking in Thy fear and love, we may know the joy of Thy salvation.

And what we ask for ourselves, we pray for all who are dear to us. And very specially we commend to Thy Fatherly goodness any who are in sickness or sorrow or trouble, that Thou wilt graciously bless and sustain and comfort them.

Thou hast given Thine only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him may have eternal life. Such is Thy love to the world. But Thou hast a still tenderer love for thosw who believe in Christ and are one with us in Him. For them we make our prayer to Thee.

Hear us and bless us, we pray Thee, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake.

Amen.

Sir Robert Anderson, K.C.B., LL.D.,
London, England

God's Minute

February 14

Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion and righteous. A good man sheweth favor, and lendeth; he will guide his affairs with discretion. Surely he shall not be moved forever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.--Psalm 112:4-6

ALMIGHTY GOD, our Heavenly Father, we thank Thee that Thou hast taught us to call Thee "Father." In the strength of Thy Name we go forth to meet the temptations and the duties of this day. May we be worthy of being called Thy children. May we have Thy patience and tenderness in our dealing with others, especially with the members of our own household. May we have pity for all weak and tempted persons, and lend them our strength, as Thou dost lend Thy strength to us. Clothe us this day with the armor of light. May we have Thy purity, the horror of all evil thoughts and all unholy desires, and may they be overcome and cast out of our hearts by a passion for holiness. Whatever we have to do, may we do it so that it shall be well pleasing to Thee. Help us to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. Preserve us in all danger; keep us in the way of life; and bring us at last to our Father's house in peace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Henry Evertson Cobb, D.D.,
New York City, New York

God's Minute

February 13

I have loved thee with an everlasting love.--Jeremiah 31:3

WE thank Thee, our loving Father, for Thy watchful care over us through another night. Thou dost neither slumber nor sleep, and Thy ever-wakeful eye has been upon us in our unconscious moments, and Thy protecting and upholding hand has been underneath and about us. Thou art setting before us a new day, with all of its opportunities and possibilities for good or evil. This is one of the days concerning which Thou hast promised, "As thy day so shall thy strength be." Is not this one of the days for which Thou hast made such bountiful provision? Let us not venture forth upon the day's duties or difficulties without Thy guiding, upholding, protecting hand. Thou art able to do for us exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think. Give us strength to conquer every temptation. Surround us with Thy gracious presence as a shield from every danger. Bless with us all whom we should specially remember at the Throne of Thy Grace. Wherever we can send a thought, Thou canst send a blessing. Let Thy blessing be suited to the capacities and needs of every one of them. May every heart be turned to Thee as the morning-glory turns to the light, and may their souls and ours be enlivened, purified, and strengthened by the light of Thy health-giving countenance.

Amen.

R.J. Miller, D.D.,
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

God's Minute

February 12

He forgave their iniquity.--Psalm 73:38

O LORD, who hast proven that we may trust Thee, we seek Thy blessing in the beginning of the day, that we may carry its influence with us into the toil and trial of our busy life. We claim Thy sufficient grace, that we may be equal to every severe test.

Give us wisdom, that we may undertake our tasks and do them as those who have learned of the Divine Workman. Take possession of our minds that today they may think Thy thoughts after Thee, and be intent upon working out Thy great plans through the best lives we can live.

So rule us with Thy Spirit that our senses may be harnessed for Thy uses. Save us from falling into shameful sin. Prevent us from being mean, small, disagreeable, irritable, unsympathetic, as we touch other lives. Be our unseen Companion, as we earn our daily bread--and help us to earn it honestly.

Make us wholesome; keep us sweet. May others know today by our unobtrusive goodness that Jesus lives at our house. May we somehow be instrumental in opening the doors of other homes for the incoming of this Heavenly Guest.

We ask these favors in His Name,

Amen.

J. Bradley Markward, D.D.,
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

God's Minute

February 11

He is faithful that promised.--Hebrews 10:23

OUR Heavenly Father, we thank Thee that Thy watchful care has brought us safely into another day with its obligations, labors, delights, and trials. Give us strength to resist evil, and to cleave to that which is good. Help us to let our light so shine that others may see our good works, and glorify Thee. Be with those of us who go to work, and those of us who go to school, and those of us who take care of the home. Bless with us all other families that remember Thee, and grant that in many homes who know Thee not, family altars may be erected, so that Thy Name may be glorified in the family life. Bless the officers, members, workers, and enterprises of our Church, and of all churches that seek to enhance Thy Kingdom. Thrust more laborers into the Kingdom, and through increased missionary efforts let the world speedily be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord. Bless our country and those who are directing its affairs. Give them grace, wisdom, and courage to promote righteousness at home and in our relations with other countries. Bless all the other nations of the earth, with their statesmen and rulers. May the spirit of fairness take possession of all of them, so that they will project into all international relationships, peace and harmony. We ask these favors in the name of our blessed Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Rev. Chr. Staebler,
Cleveland, Ohio

God's Minute

January 10

I will bless the Lord at all times.--Psalm 34:1

O Lord and Father of us all, we come with glad hearts to this hour of prayer. When we recall the infinity and eternity of Thy power and wisdom and goodness, we bow in reverence to Thee. Love invites imitation, and we choose Thee as our example. May Thy Spirit change us into likeness to Thyself. Love craves the privilege of service, and loving Thee we ask, "Lord, what wilt Thou have us to do?" Help us as parents to wisely order our household. May we train our children for useful lives here, and to be fitted for their true home beyond this life. As a family we are very near each other. Help us so to live that proximity may not evoke confusion and strife. May we be "kindly affectioned one to another." Grant us, O Lord, that winning gentleness which is the sweet offering of truthfulness and love.

We pray, our Father, for all who are in trouble; for the sick, the poor, the afflicted, for any good cause. Bless the lonely--those who suffer, weep, and struggle alone. Grant that they may find companionship and comfort in Thee. Since every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, we thank Thee sincerely and heartily for the good things we enjoy. May this prayer, O Lord! find acceptance with Thee, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

Amen.

Charles Randall Barnes, D.D.,
Hoboken, New Jersey

God's Minute

January 9

Give thanks unto the Lord; call upon His name.--Psalm 105:1

DEAR Heavenly Father, as we gather at Thy feet today as a family, we ask Thy blessing on our home and Thy guidance to each one during the day. Help us to realize Thy nearness to us at this hour. May we realize Thy reality at this hour and be consious of the fact that Thou art not a God afar off--the Great King of Heaven, the Mighty Judge of all the earth enthroned in infinite space above us, but that we can claim Thee as our Saviour and our Friend.

Help us throughout this day to realize that Thou canst be nearer to each one of us than the nearest and dearest of friends.

Let us hear Thy voice today. Let us feel the inspiration of Thy presence, and with willing feet enable us to walk in the path on which Thy light and blessing can fall.

Give us this day some work to do for others, some kindly word to speak, some helpful unselfish deed to fulfil in Thy Name. Be with us each and every hour of this day, and may we so live that Thy will may be done and Thy Kingdom come within our hearts.

Amen.

Mrs. Maud Ballington Booth,
New York City, New York

God's Minute

February 8

Ye have not because ye ask not.--James 4:2

OUR HEAVENLY Father, it is with rejoicing hearts that we approach Thee in prayer. Thou hast, through Thy dear Son, brought "life and immortality to light." Thou hast revealed to us "the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world." We come with confession upon our lips and penitence in our hearts, asking to be forgiven. Wilt Thou not bless us this day with the manifestations of Thy presence, of Thy peace, and of Thy power? Wilt Thou not use us in Thy service, and make our bodies to be the temples of Thy Spirit? We are Thy "living sacrifices." Our eyes shall see for Thee; our ears shall hear for Thee; our lips shall speak for Thee; our hands shall work for Thee; our hearts shall beat for Thee. We are Thine. Bless Thou the members of this family circle. Thou hast given them the shelter of the roof, the warmth of the hearth, the nourishment of daily bread. Give them also the food that comes from Heaven, the robe of Christ's righteousness, and the assurance of an "inheritance which is incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away." Protect them in the hour of danger, and make them to be a positive force for righteousness. Hasten the full coming of Thy Kingdom, the complete proclamation of Thy Gospel, and the universal acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords. We ask it in His name.

Amen.

Rev. DeWitt M. Benham, Ph.D.,
Baltimore, Maryland

God's Minute

February 7

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.--Isaiah 12:2

Oh, Lord God, help us to pray that this day we may come nearer the Christ ideal than ever before. Grant that by every thought and act we may bespeak His character to ourselves and to those with whom we shall come in contact. Forbid that we should neglect any opportunity that may come, to be living witnesses for Him.

Through the dangers and temptations, seen and unseen, which compass us about, bring us in safety to the close of day and to the close of this earthly pilgrimage. Bless those who are near to us by ties of home or friendship; and especially to those who know Thee not, manifest Thyself in power today.

May the Gospel note of love ring out more clearly this day than ever before, and may the sunshine of truth enter all hearts where ignorance, superstition and sin hold sway. May it bring cheer to the desolate ones, and hope to the despairing ones who may be near us, and yet who seem to be beyond our power to help. We pledge ourselves anew to the work of lifting the burdens of men and the upbuilding of Thy Kingdom.

Amen.

Reverend W. M. Gross,
Cincinnati, Ohio

God's Minute

February 6

To all which believe, He is precious.--1 Peter 2:7

HEAVENLY FATHER, Thou Who art the author, sustainter and developer of life, from Whom we came, in Whom we live and move and have our being, and to Whom we shall go, we pray that our souls may be conscious of the larger life of which we are a part, that we may find its deepest realities, understand its eternal principles, experience its mighty forces, and move with its persistant current toward its divine goal. We thank Thee for Jesus, for His consciousness of the largeness of Thy life. We thank Thee that faith in Him and the reception of His spirit and the adoption of His life principles make real to us the same divine life that was so vital to Him. Forgive us for ever tainting or circumscribing Thy life within us, for living only within the narrow confines of our own little lives, for failing to realize the largeness of the great spiritual world around us, for keeping aloof from any part of human life, and for devoting our energies and time to the sinful or lesser life objectives. We pray Thee to widen and deepen our life experiences, to keep us in sympathetic touch with all mankind, to help us make our lives genuine contributions to the progressive and divine life movements of the world, and to have a real part in bringing all members of the Father's family to know the length, breadth, depth, and heighth of the fulness of His life.

Amen.

Charles Herbert Rust, D.D.,
Rochester, New York

God's Minute

February 5

Whatsoever ye ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.--Matthew 21:22

OUR Heavenly Father, gratefully we acknowledge Thy continuing loving kindness in protecting us sleeping and waking, and in providing for our daily needs. Forbid that the regularity with which Thy mercies come should ever make us forgetful that they come from Thee. If Thou shouldst withhold a single one, we should plead for its renewal.

Help us to meditate upon Thyself--Thy majesty and power, Thy tender compassion, Thy grief at our sinfulness, Thy grace to help in our time of need. May every gift of Thine come as a messenger from the Throne, summoning us to deeper devotion in heart and life.

Above all, we thank Thee for the Son of Thy love, Thy most gracious Gift to men.

Help us to tread aright the unknown path of another day. Lead Thou us on. And at its close may we be able to look back thankfully that by Thy grace we have heard Thy voice and followed Thee. Guide us in our perplexities; restrain us in our joys; comfort us in our sorrows; guard us in our temptations; and forgive us all our sins; for the sake of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Rev. G.E. Morgan, M.A.,
London, England

God's Minute

February 4

For this cause also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God: strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.--Colossians 1:9-12

OUR Father! worthy of all honor and praise, and Whom we desire to worship in spirit and in truth, help us humbly come to Thee in prayer in this quiet hour.

May Thy hand, that hovered over us during the past night with protecting care, and measured to us the rich blessings of peaceful slumber and refreshing rest, now guide our feet to the duties of the day, and there shield us from harm. There give us Thy spirit of love and tenderness, Thy grace to sustain us in temptation and trial, Thy presence by Thy Spirit, to help us in all we may do.

Dwell in this home ever. Lead us on to glorify Thee in all things, until at last, life's duties finished, receive us to Thyself above.

Amen.

Rev. P.H. Balsbaugh,
Columbia, Pennsylvania

God's Minute

February 3

My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord: in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.--Psalm 5:3

IN the arms of Thy loving care, O Lord, hast Thou upheld us during the night. While we lay wrapped in slumber and unconscious of ourselves, Thy sleepless eye kept vigil. We praise Thee that Thy mercies are new every morining. How comforting it is to know that day and night are alike to Thee! The light can reveal nothing to Thee. Thus we may trust Thee at all times and in all circumstances, knowing that no real harm can befall us. Most heartily do we thank Thee for the refreshing rest of the night and for the light of a new day with its blessed priviledges and uplifting opportunities. Grant us Thy grace throughout this day, O Lord. May none of our work be secular in the sense of being sinful, but may we do all things with a truly religious purpose and for the honor of Thy name. Help us also to serve Thee by serving our fellowmen, who are Thy children. Our trust for salvation is in Jesus Christ alone. May no darkness of pride and self-righteousness cast its shadow over our motives. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the atoning blood of the Lamb of God Who died that we might live. Our petitions are made only in His Name.

Amen.

Leander S. Keyser, D. D.,
Springfield, Ohio

It appears from my search that Leander S. Keyser was both a theologian and a scientist, as well as an illustrator of birds.

• Professor Leander S. Keyser made this statement, "To my mind, there are enough counts against the theory of evolution to make it impossible to accept it as a scientific truth or even as a reasonable hypothesis."

Books and more books

Most book lovers are also library, bookstore, and antiquarian bookshop lovers, too.  I love bookstores! This is a photo of a bookstore we like to go to near Minocqua, WI.  A whole big, old barn full of books.

If you like this, wait until you see these twenty really AMAZING bookstores!

Ground Hog's Day

First D.J.: Rise and shine, campers, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cooooold out there today.

Second D.J.: It's cold out there every day. What is this, Miami Beach?
First D.J.: Not hardly. So the big question on everybody's lips.
Second D.J.: On their chapped lips
First D.J.: their chapped lips is, does Phil feel lucky? Punksatawney Phil, thats right wood chuck chuckers its
[in unison]
First D.J.: GROUND HOG DAY
Second D.J.: GROUND HOG DAY

God's Minute

Pray and make supplication.--2 Chronicles 6:24

O LORD Our God, we thank Thee for Thy Fatherhood, and that Thou hast revealed Thyself unto us thrugh Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who is our Saviour. We thank Thee for Thy loving care of us through another day--for life and health and all the comforts we enjoy. Bless us as parents and children to be faithful in our work, thoughtful of each other, kind and considerate and helpful to all. Watch over us through th night. If it please Thee, give us sleep, and bring us in safety and comfort to another day. May every day bring us a more perfect trust in Thee, so that with our days we may learn how better to walk in Thy ways, and to do Thy Holy Will, and to become more like Him Who has taught us to pray, saying:

"Our Father Who Art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory forever."

Amen.

Charles H. Robinson, D.D.,
Wheeling, West Virginina

February Status Report

Status Report, February

Sitting...in my comfy leather chair

Wishing...my house was clean and my grocery shopping done

Hoping...I can keep all the balls in the air

Baking...nothing today but I did make some wicked good biscuits for dinner last night.

Realizing...that a full work schedule is a mixed blessing--I'm excited for the work and love doing it, but the house still needs cleaned, the laundry and shopping still needs to be done (washed, dried, folded AND put away!), and studying and family time can't slide.  Finding the time for it all sometimes feels like a highwire act.

Glancing...at the dust on the coffee table and thinking someone should invent a device that continually sucks the dust out of the air before it has a chance to settle on every flat surface.

Reading...The Shallows:  What the internet is doing to our brains by Nicholas Carr.  Listening to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.  I'm bogging down at the Ministry of Magic/Deatheaters/Voldemort shows up section.  I think Jo needed a editor at that point in the story.  Thinking of skipping to Dumbledore's arrival at the ministry. . .

Enjoying...learning a new, flourishy, ornate font:  Belluccia

Thinking...that I need to get off the computer and back to work!

Looking...forward to Prayer meeting tonight and dinner with my nephew and niece-in-law and their friend tomorrow night.  Groundhog Day Dinner party--sounds fun, eh?

Heading...back to the vacuum and swiffers.  Begone foul dust!

HT:  my friend, Lisa, at Lisa Writes

God's Minute

February 1

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual widkedness in high places.--Ephesians 6:10-12

OUR Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for the rest of the night, and the light of this new day. We also thank Thee for food and raiment and for every other blessing which inThy goodness and wisdom Thou hast provided for our need and comfort.

We beseech Thee, grant us grace for the temptations of the day, and strength for every duty that may lie in our pathway. Help us truly to represent Thee today, and to this end may we hide "The Word" in our hearts, that we may not sin against Thee or our fellow men. Grant us the guidance and help of Thy good Spirit. Do Thou protect and defend us from all harm and danger, and when the day's work is done, bing us all again in safety to this, our home.

These things we ask in the Name of and for the sake of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

James. M. S. Isenburg, D.D.,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Want to see what I've been up to?

I've been updating my work blog, Scriptorium, tonight and since it's been a while since I've shared any of my work, I thought I'd share a link, just in case you want to have a peek.