Day by day with the Master

Front matter

Class I fi/a. 6

Book A^Lx.

Copyright N° _

Foreword

THIS book has been prepared for young people. The Scripture readings embrace the life of Jesus, from His birth to His ascension. The purpose of each introduction is to increase the interest in the portion of Scripture that follows. The short prayers are not intended to take the place of a young person's own prayers, but rather to supplement them. Each prayer is related to the Scripture lesson it follows, with a view to adding to the impression made upon the mind by God's word. I pray that those who make use of this little volume may find it an aid to devotion, and that it may increase their love for the Bible.

Robert Cluett.

DAY BY DAY WITH THE MASTER

JESUS AND THE WISE MEN INTRODUCTION

JESUS began his earthly life as a little babe, just as each one of us began it. His birthplace was a manger, but God looked down and saw the little babe, and He sent a star to guide the wise men to where Jesus was. When they found Him they gave Him wonderful gifts, and this was the first Christmas day, and these were the first Christmas presents.

NOW when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. . . .

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.— Matt. 2: 1, 2, 9-11.

I THANK Thee, my Father, that Jesus was once a little babe, and that Thou didst send Him from heaven to earth because of Thy great love for us. Help me to take Him as my example, and may I try to follow Him by endeavoring to do the things He would have me do. Be near me, Lord, whenever I am tempted to do wrong, that I may always choose the right. I ask for Thy blessing upon all those who are dear to me. For Jesus' sake. Amen.

JESUS AND THE SHEPHERDS

THERE never was such an important event as the birth of Jesus. It is not strange, therefore, that God sent an angel to tell the shepherds, who were watching their flocks by night, that He had been born, and where they might find Him. What a wonderful song that must have been that the angels sang! No wonder the shepherds made haste to go and find Jesus.

AND there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock bynight. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them : and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. — Luke 2: 8-14.

OMY Saviour, I cannot hasten, like the shepherds, to worship at Thy cradle, but I can bow at Thy footstool and join the song of the angels, Glory to God in the highest. My heavenly Father, be pleased to accept the worship that I offer Thee, and may I, like the shepherds, want to behold Jesus, and to abide in His presence. I am grateful for all the joy Thou hast put into my life. I thank Thee for friends and companions, and for my home and for all the blessings I receive at Thy hands each day. Help me to make the right use of these, gifts that I may glorify Thee. Hear my prayer, for Jesus' sake. Amen.

JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

AS a little babe Jesus was taken to the temple to be consecrated to God and to His service. Simeon, an aged and devout worshiper, was already in the temple, and on beholding Jesus, he received Him in his arms, and gave thanks to God for this wonderful gift of a Saviour*

AND, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. — Luke 2 : 25-32.

I THANK Thee, O Lord, that Simeon was able to see in the infant Redeemer the salvation of the world. May I be able to see in Jesus Christ the light of the world, and may He so shine in my heart that His light and love shall be reflected in my daily life. I thank Thee for Thy constant care, for all that Thou hast provided for my welfare and comfort. I pray that I may be obedient to Thee in all things, and that I may not let any day pass without my trying to do some good. In Jesus' name. Amen.

JESUS AS A LITTLE BOY INTRODUCTION

WHEN a boy of twelve, Jesus was again taken to the temple, and He must have wondered at all that He saw there and in the city. He was so interested that He gave no thought to returning home. He was found listening to the teachers and asking them questions. He seemed surprised that His parents should not know where to find Him, as His answer to His mother indicated.

NOW his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

^ And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

MY heavenly Father, as Jesus honored Thee in His boyhood, so may I try to love and serve Thee in my early life. Give me grace to be about my heavenly Father's business at home, at school, or wherever I may be. Help me to remember Thy word and to treasure it. I ask for Thy blessing upon the poor and needy, and upon all who are suffering from illness or sorrow. Deliver me from unkind thoughts or words, and help me to be considerate of the comfort and feelings of all with whom I come in contact. For Jesus' sake. Amen.

JESUS BAPTIZED INTRODUCTION

THOUGH Jesus was the Son of God, He was baptized, as His followers are, and as He prayed heaven was opened, and the voice of God was heard, attesting to the Sonship of Jesus. The prayer of the Saviour was answered, as all true prayer to God is answered.

AND as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire. . . . Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him; and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

MY Lord and Master, I would like to live so near Thee that I shall hear when Thou dost speak to me. When Thou dost speak to me in Thy word, and in the still, small voice of conscience, help me to give a listening ear. I pray that Thou wilt forgive all that Thou dost behold in me that is unworthy of one who is trying to serve Thee. When I meet with difficulties or disappointments may I look to Thee for help and strength, knowing that Thou dost love me. Hear my prayer, Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ, my Saviour. Amen.

WHAT SEEK YE?