Scriptural meditations on God's precious Word (7660 posted here) sent daily for over 20 years from njhiebert@gmail.com - see also biblegems1.blogspot.com or else biblejewels.blogspot.com 2016-2024 and going forward; this will be updated periodically

Monday, November 01, 2004

Gems from November 2004

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 
(1 Corinthians 10:31)

For those who say, "I don't see any harm in it."

1) Is the dust of worldliness in your eyes?
2) Are you willing to see any harm in it?
3) Will you see any harm in it on a dying bed?
4) Would you like Christ to see you in the act?
5) Do the best Christians you know see harm in it?
6) Is it consistent with "The world is crucified unto me and I unto the world"?
7) Can you commune with God as freely after it?
8) Can you look to God for blessing in the midst of it?
9) How will it look at the judgment seat of Christ? (Christian Truth - Vol. 23)

N.J. Hiebert # 2051

October 29

"A beloved brother, and a faithful minister." (Colossians 4:7)


Wouldn't we all like to be that? I believe our hearts ought to long for that kind of thing. You would like to be that some day. That kind of thing is made up of a lot of very small threads. It is like one of the great hawsers that they use on the ships. They are as big as your arm; but if you were to examine that great rope, you would find that it is made up of lesser ropes, and these are made up of still lesser ropes; and finally you get down to the fibres. Our Christian character is like that. (C.H. Brown)

N.J. Hiebert # 2052

October 30


"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God..." (Psalm 42:1,2.)


An eastern caravan was once overtaken in the desert with the failure of the supply of water. The accustomed fountains were all dried, the oasis was a desert, and they halted an hour before sunset after a day of scorching heat, to find that they were perishing for want of water. Vainly they explored the usual wells, for they were all dry. Dismay was upon all faces and despair in all hearts, when one of the ancient men approached the sheik and counselled him to unloose two beautiful harts that he was conveying home as a present to his bride, and let them scour the desert in search of water. Their tongues were protruding with thirst , and their bosoms heaving with distress. But as they were led our to the borders of the camp and set free on the boundless plain, they lifted up their heads on high and sniffed the air with distended nostrils, and then with unerring instinct, with speed as swift as the wind, they darted off across the desert. Swift horsemen followed close behind; an hour or two later they hastened back with the glad tidings that water had been found, and the camp moved with shouts of rejoicing to the happily discovered fountains.


No instinct can be put in you by the Holy Spirit but one He purposes to fulfill. He who breathes into our hearts the heavenly hope will not deceive nor fail us when we press forward to its realization.

Are you panting for a draught from some cool spring? Follow the "scent of water"! It will lead you to the heavenly springs. (Mountains Trailways for Youth)
N.J. Hiebert # 2053

October 31


"What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14)


The cross, as the means by which sins were put away, is of course valued by all real believers, and in this sense they can and do glory in it. But Paul gloried in it for another reason, and saw in the death of Christ another aspect. To him that death was not only deliverance from sins, but deliverance "from this present evil world." To him that cross was not only the place where sin had been judged, but the means by which "the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." He saw in the death of Christ the death of all, "and that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again." What complete separation from the world, what complete devotedness to Christ, do we see here! And yet this is only what becomes one who, in the light of Christ's own words , realizes the place he is responsible to occupy in this world. For must there not be a complete separation of heart and feeling between the servant who is truly occupying for Christ, and the world which has rejected Him? (T.B.B.)

N.J. Hiebert # 2054

November 1


"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
(2 Timothy 3:16)

The Scriptures are the permanent expression of the mind and will of God furnished as such with His authority. They are the expression of His thoughts. They edify, they are profitable, but this is not all - they are inspired....

They teach, they judge the heart, they correct, they discipline according to righteousness, in order that the man of God may be perfect; that is, thoroughly instructed in the will of God, his mind formed after that will and completely furnished for every good work. The power for performing these comes from the actings of the Spirit. Safeguard from error, wisdom unto salvation, flow from the Scriptures; they are capable of supplying them.... (J.N. Darby)

N.J. Hiebert # 2055

November 2


"Jacob have I loved." (Romans 9:13)


In tracing the history of Jacob, and in contemplating his natural character, we are again and again reminded of the grace expressed in those words, "Jacob have I loved." The question why God should love such a one, can only receive for an answer the boundless and sovereign grace of Him who sets His love upon objects possessing nothing within them; and who calls things thatt be not, as though they were; "that no flesh should glory in His presence." Jacob's natural character was most unamiable; his name indeed was at once the effusion of what he was, "a supplanter." He commenced his course in the development of this, his disposition; and until thoroughly crushed, he pursued a course of the merest bargain-making.
(C.H. Mackintosh)

N.J. Hiebert # 2056

November 3


"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:2)


Practical sanctification, the fruit of the new life, shows itself mainly in two ways - obedience and holiness - obedience according to the obedience of Christ, holy because the Father is. Paul's sanctification began the moment that another will took the place of his own. "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" (Acts 9:6) From that instant a new power moved him, a new life energized him, a new object possessed him, a new person controlled him, the love of Christ constrained him." (A.T. Scofield)

N.J. Hiebert # 2057

November 4


"Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto Thee. (Psalm 143:8)

"Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32)

Poor Mephibosheth ("shameful thing") was lame on both his feet for his nurse had let him fall. In misery he was dwelling in Lo-debar ("no pasture"). One day he became a marvellous object of grace! To show the kindness of God, David fetched him and brought him to sit at the king's table to eat there continually. Do you see yourself in this picture? Ruined by the fall, living in degradation, saved by sovereign grace, now feasting at the table of the King. (E.M.)

N.J. Hiebert # 2058

November 5


"The blood shall be to you for a token." (Exodus 12:13)

There is none other granted. Look not for a sign within your breast; see it in the cross of Christ. Look not at your feelings, but at His shed blood. It would not have been faith but disobedience in Israel to have spent their night in inquiring and looking if the blood marks were upon their houses. "None of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning," God had said. And they sat within and waited for the daybreak. Is that family whose doors are shut, and who assemble in fear and trembling around their paschal lamb, less safe than its neighbours who calmly wait for liberty's coming morn as they keep the feast? Is the firstborn of the pale, dejected mother less secure than hers whose strong faith in Jehovah already accepts God's freedom? No, it is the blood without the door, not the feelings of them within the house, wherein the safety lies. Faith obeyed God, took the blood and sprinkled it, and in the redeeming blood was the security. (H.F.W.)

N.J. Hiebert # 2059

November 6


"I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house." (Acts 20:20)


Paul was not only an apostle; he combined in a truly marvellous manner the evangelist, the pastor, and the teacher. The two last named are closely connected, (Ephesians 4:11); and it is of the utmost importance that this connection should be understood and maintained. The teacher unfolds truth; the pastor applies it. The teacher enlightens the understanding; the pastor looks to the state of the heart . The teacher supplies the spiritual nutriment; the pastor sees to the use that is made of it. The teacher occupies himself more with the Word; the pastor looks after the soul. The teacher's work is, for the most part, public; the pastor's work is chiefly in private. When combined in one person, the teaching faculty imparts immense moral power to the pastor, and the pastoral element imparts affectionate tenderness to the teacher. (C.H. Macintosh)

N.J. Hiebert # 2060

November 7


"Who His own self bear our sins in His own body on the tree." (1 Peter 2:24)
"He hath made Him to be sin for us." (2 Corinthians 5:21)


Have you ever noticed the difference between these two verses? In 1 Peter 2:24 it is sins - actual offences committed. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, He was made sin; that is different. It is important to see that the Lord Jesus was not only there to bear our sins; but all the depth of our evil, sinful nature - sin, root and branch - came out before God then. He was made sin for us, who knew no sin. (R.F. Kingscote)

N.J. Hiebert # 2061

November 8


"And of the children of Isachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment."

(1 Chronicles 12:32)

That is something to be coveted - to have the understanding of the times. That is the privilege of every child of God. It is not the mind of the Spirit of God that we should be unwise. "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:17)


We are living in strange and stirring times. I suppose from one viewpoint the people of God never lived in a more fascinating time or a time of greater privilege than the very present time. Things are happening around us at a terrific speed; there are changes all about us. The world is becoming overwhelmed and confused, and there is a babel of voices on every hand. But, it is your privilege and mine to sit quietly by and have the mind of Christ in the midst of all that is going on.


It is your privilege and mine to understand what all the confusion is about that exists in the world and in the Church today, to understand the end to which all tends, and to see behind the scenes, and to see the hand of God ruling these scenes.


The only way to know these things is by familiarizing oneself with the Word of God. I do not mean in a "heady" way, simply that one might become a biblical encyclopaedia, but seek in the pages of the Word of God, the mind of Christ, that we may be wise. God does not intend us to be overwhelmed by what is taking place in the world; He intends us to be wise - to have His mind about it - to find a pathway, through the confusion, that is in His secret. (C.H. Brown)

N.J. Hiebert # 2062

November 9


"Looking unto Jesus." (Hebrews 12:2)


UNTO JESUS NOW, if we have never looked unto Him, -
UNTO JESUS AFRESH, if we have ceased doing so, -
UNTO JESUS ONLY,
UNTO JESUS STILL,
UNTO JESUS ALWAYS, with a gaze more and more constant, more and more confident, "changed into the same image from glory to glory". (2 Corinthians 3:18) and thus awaiting the hour when He will call us to pass from earth to Heaven, and from time to eternity, - The promised hour, the blessed hour when at last "we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2). (Translated from the French of THEODORE MONOD by Helen Willis)

N.J. Hiebert # 2063


November 10

"Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue." (1 Corinthians 14:19)


The grand end of speaking in the assembly is edification; and we know this end can only be reached by persons understanding what is said. It is utterly impossible that a man can edify me if I cannot understand what he says. He must speak in an intelligible language and in an audible voice, else I cannot receive any edification. This surely is plain, and well worthy of the serious attention of all who speak in public.


Our only warrant for standing up to speak in the assembly is that the Lord Himself has given us something to say. If it be but "five words" let us utter the five and sit down. Nothing can be more unintelligent than for a man to attempt to speak "ten thousand words" when God has only given "five." Let us be simple, earnest, and real. An earnest heart is better than a clever head, and a fervent spirit better than an eloquent tongue. Where there is a genuine, hearty desire to promote the real good of souls, it will prove more effectual with men, and more acceptable to God, than the most brilliant gifts without it. (Christian Truth - Vol. 23 - June 1970)

N.J. Hiebert # 2064

November 11


"In the beginning God..." (Genesis 1:1)

"All things were made by Him (God) and without Him was not anything made that was made." 

(John 1:3)

A well-known servant of the Lord once said something like this: "There are too many evidences of wisdom, power, and design for any reasonable being to suppose that things came into existence without a God; on the other hand, there are too many evidences of misery and evil for anyone to imagine that a God of power and love could have created things as they now are."

While it is perfectly true that the mind of fallen man is naturally infidel, yet, on the other hand, man's mind is so constituted that it cannot conceive of anything coming into existence without a cause.


Let anybody seriously consider, and he is driven to the conclusion that there must be a God. The first question that arises in the mind as we look at anything is, Who made that? Let it be a terrestrial globe, we say, Who made it? A man would be looked upon as a fool who would reply, Nobody made it. If we cannot conceive of that globe coming into existence without a maker, how much less this earth of which it is but an insignificant representation? (A.H. Barry)

N.J. Hiebert # 2065

November 12


"Teach me Thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path" (Psalm 27:11).


How is it that some Christians break down? How is it their needs are not met? How is it some get into confusion and perplexity?

The answer to these questions are in many cases because they have gotten out of the path of God's will. In that path, we get full supplies, provided we are in constant dependence on Him. We must always be receiving from Him.

It is like a water wheel going round. What makes it go round? The water that went over it yesterday? No! The stream that my flow tomorrow? No! What then? The water passing over it just now. If that stops, the wheel stops. So we are dependent moment by moment.

So there is a path of the will of God for us, and in that path there is full provision. Out of it, we need not wonder if we do not find constant supplies. Remember, then, one great secret of success is to be learning more and more perfectly how to be kept in the path of God's will. (Selected)

N.J. Hiebert # 2066

November 13


"Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ."

(1 John 1:3)

Can I get truth outside the Father and Son? I may have more to learn. If a man is on the ocean, there may be a great deal he has to discover of it, but he has not to get there; he says, "I am there." So I am in the truth. I have a great deal to learn; but I am in the Father and the Son, and I am in the truth. I do not want to seek it if I am in it. I have the very eternal God in whom I dwell. (J.N. Darby)

N.J. Hiebert # 2067

November 14


"Forebearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."

(Colossians 3:13)

A brother in Christ, E.L. Hamilton, once rebuked a Christian worker for manifesting an unforgiving spirit toward a penitent. After a moment's thought the lady replied, "Well, I guess I will pardon her, as you suggest, but I never want to have anything more to do with her!" Said Mr. Hamilton, "Is that how you want God to treat you? Do you want Him to say He will forgive you, but that He will never have anything more to do with you? Remember, when Christ forgave you, He cast your sins into the sea of everlasting forgetfulness!" The lady was made to see that she had the wrong spirit . She repented, forgave the erring one, and later the two became the best of friends. Such forbearing of one another goes beyond out poor human powers. It requires God's grace, and the softening influence of the Holy Spirit within our heart.


Recently I read the story of how Louis XII ascended to the throne of France. Before coming to power, he had been thrown into prison and kept in chains. There he was in constant fear of death because of the threats of his cousin Charles VIII. When he finally became king, he was urged by his advisors to seek revenge. Louise XII refused. Rather, he prepared a scroll, listing those who had been guilty of perpetrating crimes against him. Behind each man's mane, he placed a cross in red ink. When his enemies heard of this, they feared for their lives and fled. However, Louis explained, "The cross which I draw by their name was not a sign of punishment, but a pledge of forgiveness... for the sake of the crucified Saviour, who upon His cross forgave all His enemies, prayed for them, and blotted out the hand writing that was against them." (Selected)

N.J. Hiebert # 2068

November 15


"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9)


Here is a concept that escapes our understanding. How rich was the Son of God? He owns everything! Yet by His own act of will He gave it all up and became as poor as anyone had ever become. Why? That we, who were utterly destitute, might become as rich as He is. Such grace! That is the One we love and serve. Are we availing ourselves of the wonderful riches of Christ? Let us thank Him today for His abundant grace toward us. (Crawford Paul - Choice Gleanings)

Out of the ivory palaces, into a world of woe,
Only His great, redeeming love made my Saviour go
.

(H. Barraclough)

N.J. Hiebert # 2069


November 16

"Take therefore no (worry) for (tomorrow),for (tomorrow) (will worry about its own things). Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof." (Matthew 6:34) (Inserted in brackets NKJV)


Life holds no surprises for God. He is never taken aback by any situation in our world or in our life. No path is unknown to Him, nor is any circumstance unsettling to Him. The future is perfectly clear to our heavenly Father. We have the full assurance that as we trust daily in His leading, He knows and cares about all our tomorrows and He will meet the need. Don't worry about the "might happens" of our life. Just follow. (James Comte - Choice Gleanings)

I won't look forward - God sees all the future,
The road that, short or long, will lead me home;
And He will face with me its every trial,
And bear with me the burdens that may come
.

N.J. Hiebert # 2070

November 17


"The wages of sin is death." (Romans 6:23)

"There is none that doeth good, no, not one." (Romans 3:12)
"All have sinned." (Romans 3:23)

Leprosy speaks of the uncleanness and loathsomeness of sin. It is a constitutional disease which wrought fearful havoc in the bodies of its victims, even as sin works havoc in the souls of those who are under its power. A man was not a leper because he was disfigured by horrible ulcers and painful sores. These things were but the witness to the decease that was working within. Even so, one is not a sinner because he sins: he sins because he is a sinner. (H.A. Ironside)
N.J. Hiebert # 2071

November 18


"He will stand upon the earth." (Job 19:25)


"While I was walking on the moon" are the words with which astronaut James Irwin sometimes begins his talk. What could be a more arresting opening? You just have to hear what comes next!

Many have heard Colonel Irwin relate how he stood on the moon and saw Planet Earth suspended in space as an iridescent jewel. As a guest speaker, he shared that as he walked the thought came to him - "Man walking on the moon - this is the greatest event of human history!" And then it was he heard an inner voice speak to his heart, "I did something greater than that - I walked on the earth!"

Colonel Irwin testifies that he returned from the moon not to be a celebrity but a servant of the Lord of the universe who came and walked on the earth in the person of Jesus Christ.

The greatest event this world has ever experience is - the incarnation - God taking on Himself the form of human flesh. Deity clothed in the garb of humanity. The infinite becoming the Intimate. The Sovereign becoming the Saviour. As Malcolm Muggeridge has expressed it: "The coming of Jesus into the world is the most stupendous event of human history."

"He will stand upon the earth." - this remarkable declaration of Job anticipated centuries in advance of our Lord's coming to earth, the supreme event of history. For Job, it was his great hope. It enabled him to endure and maintain his faith amidst the fiercest assaults on him.


We live not with a great anticipation but with a grand realization. Our Redeemer has come to earth, and our lives can never again be the same. Because Christ came and He lives and reigns, we can face tomorrow. Because He came and through the power of His resurrection, we can say with even greater confidence than did Job, "And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God" (Job 19:26). (Henry Gariepy - Portraits of Perseverance)

N.J. Hiebert # 2072

November 19


"In all thy ways acknowledge HIM." (Proverbs 3:6)


I can wish you no greater blessing than that salvation may be no longer a "theory" but a glorious reality to you, constraining you henceforth to live unto Him entirely and joyfully. If you once get hold of this, everything will seem different; the false lights of the world will no longer throw their flickering, deceiving lights around you, but you will view and estimate all in the true light, the glorious light which makes the earthly delusions altogether unattractive, and the grand eternal realities appear what they are, just realities. (Francis Ridley Havergal)

Lord Jesus, make Thyself to me a living bright reality,
More present to faith's vision keen than any earthly object seen,
More dear, more intimately nigh, than e'en the dearest earthly tie
.

N.J. Hiebert # 2073

November 20


"Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." (James 4:4)


Powerful testimony! which judges the walk and searches the heart. The world's true character has now been manifested, because it has rejected and crucified the Son of God. Man had been already tried without law, and under law; but after he had shown himself to be wholly evil without law, and had broken the law when he had received it, then God Himself came in grace; He became man in order to bring the love of God home to the heart of man, having taken his nature.


It was the final test of man's heart. He came not to impute sin to them, but to reconcile the world to Himself. But the world would not receive Him; and it has shown that it is under the power of Satan and of darkness. It has seen and hated both Him and His Father." (J.N.D.)

N.J. Hiebert # 2074

November 21


"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given." (Isaiah 9:6)


A man may pretend to know the future, and by mere coincidence some of his predictions might come to pass. If he knows the climate in a given part of the country, he may prophesy that it will rain on a certain day, and it might happen. Or he may say that some day you will meet a man who has a black moustache, and very likely you will. But should this pretender add some details, as for instance, saying that the rain will start at 2 o'clock and stop at 2:25, or that you will meet that man in a certain city, and specify the date, hour, and the place, there is less chance of its coming to pass. The more detail he adds, the sooner his fraud will be discovered.


But when God speaks of the future, it is as certain of fulfillment in all its details as though it were recorded history; and every detail given but enhances the beauty of the prophecy and displays the divine wisdom of Him who gave it.

The Old Testament abounds with prophecies concerning the first coming of Christ, and the very multiplicity of details concerning Him and His coming leave an "honest and good heart" no room for anything but admiration and praise. (P.W.)


N.J. Hiebert # 2075

November 22

"But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.... bring forth the best robe... put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet... let us eat and be merry..." (Luke 15:20-22)

God could not have us in His presence with sin upon us - could not suffer a single speck or stain of sin. The father could not have the prodigal at his table with the rags of the far country upon him. He could go forth to meet him in those rags; he could fall upon his neck and kiss him in those rags; it was the worthy and beautiful characteristic of his grace to do so. But then to seat him at his table in the rags would never do.The grace that brought the father out to the prodigal, reigns through the righteousness which brought the prodigal in to the father. It would not have been grace had the father waited for the son to deck himself in robes of his own providing; it would not have been righteous to bring him in - in his rags. But both grace and righteousness shone forth in all their respective brightness and beauty when the father went out and fell on the prodigal's neck, but yet did not give him a seat at the table until he was clad and decked in a manner suited to that elevated and happy position. (C.H. Mackintosh)

N.J. Hiebert # 2076

November 23

"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." (Philippians 4:4)

"Thou art the same, and Thy years shall have no end." (Psalm 102:27)We rejoice in Christ Jesus; and since He never changes, we can go on rejoicing in Him, whatever be our circumstances, whatever be our lot, whatever be our difficulties. Jesus is there, and Jesus is the same, and Jesus is enough. We can make our boast in the Lord all the day long. (W.Y.F.)

N.J. Hiebert # 2077

November 24

"My grace is sufficient for thee." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

What a word! "Sufficient!" More than any other, it meets all our need - the greater or the lesser needs, as they daily and hourly occur. "Sufficient!" Who can sink with such a word?(J.D.S.)

N.J. Hiebert # 2078

November 25

"Turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for His Son from heaven" (1 Thessalonians 1:9,10).

That which should characterize Christians is, not merely holding the doctrine of the Lord's coming as that which they believe, but their souls should be in the daily attitude of waiting, expecting, and desiring His coming. But why? That they may see Himself and be with Him and like Him forever! Not because the world which has been so hostile to them is going to be judged, though God will smite the wicked.The whole walk and character of a saint depends upon his waiting for the Lord. Everyone should be able to read us by this, as having nothing to do in this world but to get through it, and not as having any portion in it. (The Young Christian)

N.J. Hiebert # 2079

November 26

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever." (Hebrews 13:8)

A familiar saying among us is, "Man's extremity is God's opportunity." No doubt we fully believe it; but yet when we find ourselves brought to our extremity, we are often very little prepared to count on God's opportunity.It is one thing to utter or hearken to a truth, and another thing to realize the power of that truth. It is one thing, when sailing over a calm sea, to speak of God's ability to keep us in a storm, and it is another thing altogether to prove that ability when the storm is actually raging around us.And yet God is ever the same. In the storm and in the calm, in sickness and in health, in pressure and in ease, in poverty and in abundance, (Hebrews 13:8) the same grand reality for faith to lean upon, cling to, and draw upon, at all times and under all circumstances. (Christian Truth - December 1960 - Vol. 22)

N.J. Hiebert # 2080

November 27

"Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)

The little child is not self-confident; it fears the untried and unknown; it seeks the companionship of mother or friend, and it is willing to be led. O for the child-heart, with its simplicity and trust - its unbounded faith and lovely guilelessness! Many strong men may read these words, who glory in their strength, and they must be converted and become as little children if they would learn the secret of abiding in Him. (Selected)

N.J. Hiebert # 2081

November 28

"... wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." (Psalm 51:7)

These words are part of the contrite prayer of King David after he committed the gross sins of adultery and murder. Truly repentant, he pleads in agony of soul, "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." This expression is not an exaggeration; for although snow appears to be perfectly clean, each flake has at its core a tiny speck of dust - a dirty heart - around which its lacy pattern is formed. The implication is that the psalmist wishes to be thoroughly cleansed from every vestige of sin.

When King Edward Vll was still the Prince of Wales, he went to visit a country nobleman. The little daughter of his host soon climbed up on his knee and quickly charmed the prince by her loving attitude. Though just a youngster, she had already come to know the Saviour and enjoyed talking about Him. After a few moments, in her childlike way she inquired, "Do you like to make guesses?" Yes," he replied with a smile. "Please, sir, can you tell me what is whiter than snow?" Unprepared for such a strange remark, the royal visitor looked confused and finally gave up. The little maid said with a sweet rebuke in her eyes, "O Prince, I'm sorry, but every soul washed in Jesus' blood should know that he's been made 'whiter than snow'!"Are you burdened by unconfessed sin? If you turn to Jesus and ask His forgiveness, you too will experience the wondrous cleansing He imparts. Christ alone can put your feet on the highway to Heaven and make your heart "whiter than snow." (H.G.B.)

Would you be whiter, much whiter than snow?There's power in the blood, power in the blood;
Sin stains are lost in its life-giving flow -There's wonderful power in the blood.(Jones)

MEN MAY "WHITEWASH" SIN, BUT ONLY JESUS' BLOOD CAN WASH IT WHITE!
(Our Daily Bread, RBC Ministries, Copyright (1974), Grand Rapids, MI - Reprinted permission)

N.J. Hiebert # 2082

November 29

"What is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom." (Esther 5:3)
"Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom." (Mark 6:23)

Two offers, two requests, two kingdoms. Esther was willing to face death to bring life to her people. Herodias' daughter used her life to bring death to John the Baptist. Satan offers the kingdoms of this world at the cost of your own soul. God offers His kingdom at the cost of His own Son. In the final analysis, the latter is a kingdom of light, life and love; the former of darkness, destruction and dread. Which kingdom are you pursuing? (Tom Steere)

N.J. Hiebert # 2083

November 30

"There hath no temptation (trial) taken us, but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempter (tried) above that ye are able; but will, with the temptation (trial), also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Whenever we get into trial, we may feel confident that, with the trial, there is an issue, and all we need is a broken will, and a single eye to see (accept) it. (Food for the Desert)

N.J. Hiebert # 2084