From today's Grace Gem : ( James Smith , "A New Year's Motto" 1865) " Look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near!" Luke 21:28 We are entering upon a new year, we shall have new toils, new trials, new temptations, and new troubles. In whatever state, in whatever place, into whatever condition we may be brought this year--let us seek grace to follow our Lord's loving advice, and " look up! " Do not look back --as Lot's wife did. Do not look within --as too many do. Do not look around --as David did. But "look up!" Look up to God--He is your Father, your Friend, your Savior. He can help you. He will help you. He says, "Look unto Me, and be delivered--for I am God!" Look up for light to guide you--and He will direct your path. Look up for grace to sanctify you--and the grace of Jesus will be found sufficient for you. Look up for strength to enable you to do a...