seek the inspiration of the Lord.
"It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect."

NOVEMBER The Nineteenth

_THE ARMOUR OF GOD_

EPHESIANS vi. 10-18.

The Word describes the armour, and it directs us to the armoury. The
description would oppress me if the directions were absent. If I have to
forge the armour for myself I should be in despair. But I can go to the
armoury of grace, where there is an ever-open door and abundant welcome
for every person who fain would be a knight-errant of the Lord. The Lord
will provide me with perfect equipment suitable for every kind of contest
which may meet me along the road. There are no favourites among the
pilgrims except, perhaps, the neediest, and to them is given "more
abundant honour."

Sometimes one of the Lord's knights loses one piece of armour, and he must
at once repair to the armoury. Perhaps he has lost his helmet, or his
shield, or even his breastplate, and the enemy has discovered his
vulnerable place. We must never continue our journey imperfectly armed.
The evil one will ignore the pieces we have, and he will direct all his
attack where there is no defence. Back to the armoury! Back to the
armoury, that we may "put on the _whole_ armour of God." The Lord is
waiting; let us humbly and penitently ask for the missing piece.

NOVEMBER The Twentieth

_THE REAL ARISTOCRACY_

"_Abraham, my friend._"
--ISAIAH xli. 8-16.

I think that is the noblest title ever given to mortal man. It is the
speech of the Lord God concerning one of His children. It is something to
be coveted even to enjoy the friendship of a noble man; but to have the
friendship of God, and to have the holy God name us as His friends, is
surely the brightest jewel that can ever shine in a mortal's crown. And
such recognition and such glory may be the wonderful lot of thee and me.

"Abraham, my friend." The Lord of hosts found delight in human
friendships. He comes in to sup with us. He drinks of the cup of our
delights. For, surely, it is one of the supreme characteristics of true
friendship that it rejoices at the other's joy. And my heavenly Friend is
glad in my gladness as well as sympathetic in the day of sadness and
tears. Yes, He comes in to sup with me, and I may sup with Him.

"Abraham, my friend." And He shares His sweets with His friend, in inward
counsels, and in tender revelations of His purposes and in the gifts of
joy and peace. There is perfect