Gems from July 2005

July 1

"And the Lord appeared unto him (Abraham). . . my Lord, if now I have found favour in Thy sight, pass not away, I pray Thee from Thy servant."
(Genesis 18:1,3)

Abraham does not dread the presence of Jehovah; such fear is the effect of sin. If we have seen the glory of God in Jesus, the divine presence becomes sweet to us; we find there full strength and confidence. To know Him is indeed life eternal, and His presence makes us happy with the deepest possible joy. (J.N. Darby)

N.J. Hiebert # 2296

July 2

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6)

At the cross of Christ, God made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, and "laid on Him the iniquity of us all," numbering our righteous Substitute with the transgressors. It is in virtue of this judgment of sin that God can now freely justify every sinner that believes, and offer to every soul on earth the free forgiveness of all sins in righteousness. It is in virtue of this death of Christ that the one who believes can say with perfect assurance, He bore my sins in His own body on the tree. (A.T. Schofield)

N.J. Hiebert # 2297

July 3

"And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." (John 17:3)

WHY do we read the Holy Scriptures? Because they reveal "the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent," and are written for our learning and comfort. To neglect them, therefore, is very serious. The faithful in all ages have been noted for standing for the authority of the sacred writings. Moreover, they give us divine assurance as to the eternal future, as well as sure guidance for every step of the way. (H.H.S.)

N.J. Hiebert # 2298

July 4

"Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done." (Luke 22:42)

We stand back in silent wonder at the anguish of Gethsemane that drew blood-like sweat from the Man of Sorrows as He contemplated "this cup." Peering into its sable depths, He knew its loathsome consequence, to be "made sin." In that cup He "saw the place afar off," the "land not inhabited" where He must go to bear away the sin of the world. This was not a battle of two disparate wills, "My will" and "thine," but the blending of two individual wills, eternally in perfect and holy harmony to fulfill the divine purpose, "I come to do Thy will, O God." (J. Boyd Nicholson)

N.J. Hiebert # 2299

July 5

"God . . . gives songs in the night." (Job 35:10)

Many of our hymns were born in the crucible of life's trials. An anonymous poet has written:

Many a rapturous minstrel Among the sons of light,
Will say of his sweetest music, "I learned it in the night."
And many a rolling anthem That fills the Father's throne,
Sobbed out its first rehearsal In the shade of a darkened room.


Fanny Crosby's hymns have strengthened and nurtured millions of believers around the world. She was incredibly prolific, composing over 6,000 hymns, with some 3,000 of them published. How enriched has been our singing and experience with such standards as "Blessed Assurance," "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross," "Tell Me the Story of Jesus," and "To God Be the Glory." Fanny Crosby did her composing in a dark room. Total darkness - for she was blind. But God lit a light in her mind and soul that enabled her to see and share "rivers of pleasure" and "visions of rapture." God gave her songs that will shine on through eternity.


Joseph Scriven wrote twenty four lines to comfort his mother during a time of serious illness when he could not go to her. He sent his poem with the prayer that it would remind her of her never-failing Friend. The poem was later put to music, and we know it today as "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." God gave him a comforting song in the night.
One of our most inspiring hymns is George Matheson's "O Love that will not let me go."

O light that followest all my way, I yield my flickering torch to Thee;
My heart restores its borrowed ray, That in Thy sunshine's blaze its day
May brighter, fairer be.

Matheson, a blind preacher, says of his composition, "This hymn was the fruit of a mental suffering. The lyric came to me spontaneously without conscious effort." God gave him a radiant song in the night.
Are you going through your own dark night of the soul? If so, listen carefully and prayerfully. God has a special song for you. (Portraits of Perseverance - Henry Gariepy)

N.J. Hiebert # 2300

July 6

"As Jannes and Jambres (opposed) Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith." (2 Timothy 3:8)

There were only three things in which the magicians of Egypt were able to imitate the servants of the true and living God, Namely, in turning their rods into serpents (Genesis 1:12), turning the water into blood (7:22), and bringing up the frogs (8:7); but in the fourth, which involved the exhibition of life, in connection with the display of nature's humiliation, they were totally confounded, and obliged to own, "This is the finger of God." (8:16-19) Thus it is also with the latter-day resisters of the truth. All that they do is by the direct energy of Satan, and lies within the range of his power. Moreover, its specific object is to "resist the truth." (C.H. Mackintosh)

N.J. Hiebert # 2301

July 7

"He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus." (Revelation 22:20)

Whatever the mind is most fixed upon, and is ever turning to, gives its impress to the mind; if my feelings and thoughts are fixed on Christ, I get the impress of Christ. If I am ever turning to Him in all His heavenly measure of love, I shall get the impress of it; and if my soul then rises to Christ in that freshness of love which can say, "Come, Lord Jesus," there is His answer in all freshness, "Surely I come quickly." He does not forget us toiling through the wilderness and the sands of the desert; He is with us all the way, and all freshness is in Him.

If the heart turns to the heart of Christ, the heart of the Son of God, I find that heart immeasurably fuller than mine of love - there, there is always freshness of love. I may be a wayworn pilgrim, there I shall find freshness - a spring of cold water to refresh me just when fainting in the wilderness. Oh, that love in the heart of Christ, that knows no weariness, no dragging steps, no hanging down of the hands! I may always turn to Him, and say, "Come!" His heart can always answer, "Surely I come quickly." Oh, the freshness of Christ's love, and the brightness of that water forever flowing in incomparable purity and freshness!" (G.V. Wigram)

N.J. Hiebert # 2302

July 8

"As He is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4:17)

"Nine simple words, but they speak of the profound blessing of all believers. They are among the most wonderful words in the whole of the Word of God.


"As He is." As Christ IS. He has endured the wrath and judgment. He has died. He lives again. He is past all the suffering and woe which He endured for us. He sits at God's right hand in the fullest favour of God.


"As He is, so are we." His place is our place through God's wondrous goodness. The believer is accepted in the same acceptance in which Christ is accepted. . . . Is He in the full favour of God? "So are we." Is He in nearness and relationship with God as Father? "So are we."


"As He is, so are we in this world." Yes! the blessing is ours now. Not only will it be ours when we reach the glory of God, but it is ours "in this world." Already God would have us to enjoy the boundless privilege. He writes by His servant to tell us of the blessing in order that our joy may be full, and that we may be set free from every fear and be able to delight before His face. (Selected)

N.J. Hiebert # 2303

July 9

"In every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come." 
(1 Thessalonians 1:8-10)

Do we really expect, wait for, the return of our Lord? Is this our constant attitude of soul? Just as a man may read the Scriptures and, seeing clearly, assent to the truth that all are guilty sinners, and yet never take the place of such before God for himself, so is it possible to hold the doctrine of the second coming of Christ without being influenced by it. Indeed, we might be able even to state the truth to others without one particle of response to its claims. We need to challenge ourselves on this point. Are we then, we ask again, in the power of the expectation of seeing our blessed Lord? Is this blessed hope daily before our souls? Does it govern our actions? mold our conduct? Does it detach us from the world and worldliness? show us the vanity of the world's distinctions, manners, and ways? (Edward Dennett))

N.J. Hiebert # 2304

July 10

"Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him" (Genesis 4:8)
"Cain...builded a city" (Genesis 4:17)

Adam sinned against God, and Cain sinned against his brother; and then he built a city in order to make himself as comfortable as he could without God. Workers in brass and iron and music were found therein. And the difficulty now is that Christians do not understand that they are to be witnesses of grace in a world that will only last for a time and then it will be given over to judgement. People talk of the progress of the world! Well, I do not deny it, but what will that be to you when you are dead? For the next generation? And where will you be when the next generation comes? 

All sorts of conveniences have been made, but then are people morally nearer to God by these things? The moment they are used to make the need of reconciliation to God less important to people's souls, they are simply Cain's works. There may be hundreds of things yet to be found out, but can anybody say that my soul is in a better state before God because of inventions? But directly my soul learns that I have got to do with God forever, I have a sense of what I am. (J.N. Darby)

N.J. Hiebert # 2305

July 11

"Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour; but about the ninth hour Jesus cried our with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is, My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me ?" 
(Matthew 27:25-46)

This is the most awesome, awful, agonizing cry that history has ever known. The Lord Jesus was hanged on the cross at 9:00 a.m. and made the object of men's ridicule and derision for three hours - this even after they had heaped abuse on Him all the previous night and until He was crucified. But what must people have thought when at noon the sun was blotted out and thick darkness covered the whole land?


God intervened at this time, not to vindicate or deliver the holy, sinless Sufferer, not to pour awful judgment on those who daringly abused and persecuted His beloved Son, but to pour terrible judgment on this holy, sinless Man of Sorrows! Who would ever have thought a thing like this could happen? Who could imagine that in the hour of the greatest agony of the One who was altogether without sin, God, the absolutely true and righteous God, Would absolutely forsake Him? (The Lord is Near)

N.J. Hiebert # 2306

July 12

"Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord when He cometh. . . ." (Luke 12:35,36)
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusted in Thee." (Isaiah 26:3)

Thus ever on through life we find
To trust, O Lord, is best.
Who serve Thee with a quiet mind,
Find in Thy service rest.

Their outward troubles may not cease,
But this their joy shall be:
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace
Whose mind is stayed on Thee."
(Anon)

N.J. Hiebert # 2307

July 13

"I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."
(Philippians 4:11)

What do we want, save an enlarged capacity to enjoy the fullness and blessedness of our portion in a crucified, risen, and glorified Saviour? We may well say, We "have all, and abound." (Selected)

N.J. Hiebert # 2308

July 14

"Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

Far away in the tropics there grow some remarkable plants, called Nepenthes. They are veritable death-traps to flies and small insects, from which they largely derive their growth.Their method of catching these insects is one of the wonders of nature, and affords a striking example of how Satan allures and traps unwary Christians.


At the end of a long stalk is held out a jug shaped flower, having a narrow neck, but widening out below. In the neck are spikes, all pointing downward; and these, along with the outer rim, are coated with honey.


The insects are attracted by the honey, and in their eagerness to drink it in, they gradually enter the neck of the flower, going lower and lower till all at once the honey ceases and they find themselves prisoners. Escape is well-nigh impossible, as the inside of the flower is slippery and affords no foothold, while the spikes pointing downward form an effectual guard preventing a return to the entrance.

It is exactly this way that Satan ensnares young believers. Enticing them with that which is sweet to the natural taste, but not according to God, he gradually encloses them in his grasp a little at a time, but each leading farther away from the heart that loves them.The ways of Satan are always seductive; he knows our natural hearts, and will offer all kinds of things as sweet as honey to our taste, to lead us on a wrong path. The spikes are unnoticed as we go his way, but they will assuredly be felt on the way back, should we be restored in self-judgment to the Lord.


It is worth remarking that only hungry insects are caught in these death-traps, and we may rest assured that as long as our hearts are filled with Christ and His love, Satan is powerless; and no matter how seductively he offers his "Nepenthes," we shall, through grace, be able to turn away, conscious that we have that which is sweeter than honey, even the love of Christ which passeth knowledge. (Christian Truth)

N.J. Hiebert # 2309

July 15

"I am . . . the bright and morning star." (Revelation 22:16)

Dan Crawford used to tell how, when his Africans were on the march, and night was coming on, they would lie down to sleep. But before dropping off to sleep, there would pass from group to group about the fires the watchword "Lutanda" (morning star). It was a laconic agreement to be up and ready to move when the morning star appeared. (Selected)

"He is coming, coming for us; soon we'll see His light afar,
On the dark horizon gleaming, as the bright and morning star,
Cheering every waking watcher, as the star whose kindly ray
Heralds the approaching morning, just before the break of day.
Oh! what joy, as night hangs round us, 'tis to think of morning's ray;
Sweet to know He's coming for us, just before the break of day."

N.J. Hiebert # 2310

July 16

"Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." 
(1 Corinthians 15:51,52)
"We. . . shall be caught up. . . to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

Sometime some ordinary day will come,
A busy day like this - filled to the brim
With ordinary tasks - perhaps so full
That we have little thought or care for Him.

And there will be no hint from the silent skies,
No sign, no clash of cymbals, roll of drums;
And yet that ordinary day will be
The very day in which our Lord will come.
(Anonymous)

N.J. Hiebert # 2311

July 17

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over." (Psalm 23:5)

David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, who wrote this beautiful psalm, had many wonderful experiences while tending his father's sheep. The Spirit of God uses these incidents to illustrate spiritual lessons. The reason David gleaned such rich, practical lessons from his experiences was because he went through them with the Lord. He was aware of the Lord's presence with him when alone in the fields of Judah keeping his father's sheep. He there met with a bear and a lion and slew them both, rescuing the sheep. His confidence was in God.David not only learned to know the Lord's power and protection. He also enjoyed the Lord's provision for him. Think of what is implied by a table prepared in the presence of his enemies. The Lord Himself prepares that table, telling forth His conquering love. And His people can feast upon that love. In Genesis 14:18 we see how Melchizedek brought forth bread and wine and blessed Abraham who was returning from battle with trophies of his victory.

The head anointed with oil brings before us the Holy Spirit sent down from the Great Victor, our risen glorified Head in heaven. From there He now pours forth all spiritual blessings upon His people. Enjoying these while feeding at His table will fill the heart with joy and praise. "My cup runneth over." When a heart is so filled with Christ, It must overflow, for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. (J. Redekop)

N.J. Hiebert # 2312

July 18

"My heart is inditing (welling forth with) a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made (composed) touching the king." (Psalm 45:1)

This is worship. Notice its focus: not so much what He has done, but what He is - His intrinsic worth. Are we able to enter into this kind of appreciation of Him? Listen again to that divine acclamation, "This is My beloved Son in whom Is all My delight." This was true before the Lord Jesus had done anything that man could see. It was true before His incarnation. Throughout eternity past all God's delights were centered in the Son.


To illustrate further, consider Psalm 95:
"Come, let us sing aloud to Jehovah, Let us shout for joy to the rock of our salvation;
Let us come before His face with thanksgiving; Let us shout aloud unto Him with psalms."Why?
"For Jehovah is a great God." "Come, let us worship and bow down."
Why?

"For He is our God."Worship is not a product of the mind or will, but the gushings forth of the soul that has been set in awe by the presence and knowledge of Him who is worshipped. It is the irrepressible response of the heart brought into an awareness of His matchless worth and incomparable person. (H.B. Duncanson)

N.J. Hiebert # 2313

July 19

"Finally (For the rest) brethren, whatsoever things are true. . . honest (noble). . . just. . . pure. . . lovely (amiable). . . of good report; if there be any virtue, and if any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)

There are not so many hours in a year as there may be thoughts in an hour. Thoughts fly in flocks like starlings, and swarm like bees. Like the sere leaves in autumn, there is no counting them and like the links in a chain, one draws on another. What a restless being man is! His thoughts dance up and down like midges on a summer's evening. Like a clock full of wheels, with the pendulum in full swing, his mind moves as fast as time flies. This makes thinking such an important business, for "as a man thinketh in heart, so is he." (Psalm 23:7)

We ought to mind our thoughts, for if they turn to be our enemies they will be too many for us and will drag us down to ruin. Thoughts from heaven, like birds in spring, will fill our souls with music; but thoughts of evil will sting us like vipers.


There is a notion abroad that thought is free; bit I remember reading that although thoughts are toll-free, they are not hell-free; and that saying quite agrees with the Bible. We cannot be summoned before an earthly court for thinking, but depend upon it, we shall have to be tried for it at the Bar of God. Evil thoughts are the marrow of sin; the malt that sin is brewed from; the tinder which catches the sparks of the devil's temptations; the churn in which the milk of imagination is churned into purpose and plan; the nest in which all evil birds lay their eggs. Be certain, then, that as sure as fire burns brushwood as well as logs, God will punish thoughts of sin as well as deeds of sin. (C.H. Spurgeon)

N.J. Hiebert # 2314

July 20

"And he called his ten servants and delivered them ten pounds and said unto them, Occupy till I come." (Luke 19:11)

The true servant will be waiting for the coming of the Lord. If the heart is really estranged from the world and set on heavenly things, what expectation will bring such blessedness as the thought of the Lord's return? The idle servant, whose heart was full of hard thoughts of his lord, could of course entertain no bright hopes in connection with his coming again. To him the thought must necessarily be unwelcome. But what joy would the prospect bring to the heart of the faithful servant who had been living and labouring for him during his absence! Are our hearts thus waiting and longing? Are we occupying for Christ during His absence, seeking to act in obedience to His Word, waiting in joyful anticipation for His return? (T.B.B.)

N.J. Hiebert # 2315

July 21

". . . the church: whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God (to present to you the word of God in its fullness)." 
(Colossians 1:24,25)

God's word speaks of grace as well as truth. It speaks of God's grace and love, who gave His only begotten Son that sinners like you and me might be with Him, know Him - deeply, intimately, truly know Him - and enjoy Him forever, and enjoy Him now, that the conscience perfectly purged might be in joy in His presence, without a cloud, without a reproach, without a fear. And to be these in His love, in such a way, is perfect joy.

The written Word will tell you the truth concerning yourself; but it will tell you the truth of a God of love, while unfolding the wisdom of His counsels....
By far the best means of assuring himself of the truth and authority of the Word, is to read the Word itself. (J.N. Darby)

N.J. Hiebert # 2316

July 22

"And he said, let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." (Genesis 32:26)

The mighty Wrestler says, "Let Me go, for the day breaketh." What a striking _expression, "Let Me go." He was determined to make manifest the condition of Jacob's soul. If Jacob had without delay let go his grasp, he would have proved that his heart was still wrapped up in his worldly plans and schemes; but on the contrary, when he cries out, "I will not let Thee go," he declares that God alone was the spring of all his soul's joy and strength; he in effect says, "Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire besides Thee" (Psalm 73:25); or with the twelve (disciples) in John 6, "Lord to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life." (C.H. Mackintosh)

N.J. Hiebert # 2317

July 23

"The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 
(1 Corinthians 2:14)

There is nothing so unreasonable in the world as the walk set before us in the Word - nothing which so exposes us to the hatred of its prince. If then God be not with us, there is nothing so foolish, so mad; if He be with us, noting so wise. If we have not the strength of His presence, we dare not take heed to His Word; and, in that case, we must beware of going out to war. But having the courage, which the almighty power of God inspired by His promise, we may lay hold of the good and precious Word of our God; its severest precepts are only wisdom to detect the flesh, and instruction how to mortify it, so that it may neither blind not shackle us.


The most difficult path, that which leads to the sharpest conflict, is but the road to victory and repose, causing us to increase in the knowledge of God. It is the road in which we are in communion with God, with Him who is the source of all joy; it is the earnest and the foretaste of eternal and infinite happiness. (Christian Truth)

N.J. Hiebert # 2318

July 24

"By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:35)

If we love God and keep His commandments, we will manifest a Christlike love for everyone in the family of God. Our care and concern for one another will convince the world that we are Christ's disciples, and that what we preach really works.The story is told that Benjamin Franklin made an unusual discovery one day. He found that if plaster is scattered over a field, crops grow faster. Immediately he shared this knowledge with his neighbours. But they didn't believe him. So when planting time came, Franklin went out to sow his grain. Close to a path where his neighbours walked daily, he traced some big letters in the prepared soil and put plaster into them. Then he sowed the entire field including that area. After a week or two the seed began to spring up. His friends were surprised as they passed by to see in greener and taller sprouts the words, THIS HAS BEEN PLASTERED. 

Franklin had made his point, and from then on he didn't have to argue with his neighbours about the value of plaster for his crops. As the season progressed, those specially treated letters became higher than all the rest of the grain.If we love one another and a Christlike spirit is evident in all our relationships, our lives will proclaim a message that will come through loud and clear. May the love of God which is shed abroad in our hearts by His Holy Spirit become obvious to all because it is expressed in practical ways.
As the world looks on, does it see love in our lives as proof that we are indeed Christ's disciples? (P.R.V.)
By this the watching world shall know
That we serve God above:
His Spirit dwells within our hearts
And fills us with His love. (D.J.D.)

LET YOUR LOVE AS WELL AS YOUR LIPS SPEAK FOR CHRIST
(Our Daily Bread, RBC Ministries, Copyright 1979, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted permission)

N.J. Hiebert # 2319

July 25


"Come unto ME, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

I think oft-times as the night draws nigh Of an old house on the hill,
Of a yard all wide and blossom-starred Where the children played at will.
And when the night at last came down, Hushing the merry din,
Mother would look around and ask, "ARE ALL THE CHILDREN IN?"

'Tis many and many a year since then, And the old house on the hill
No longer echoes to childish feet, And the yard is still, so still.
But I see it all as the shadows creep, And though many the years have been
Since then, I can hear my mother ask, "ARE ALL THE CHILDREN IN?"

I wonder if when the shadows fall On the last short, earthly day,
When we say good-by to the world outside, All tired with our childish play,
When we step out into that Other Land, Where mother so long has been,
Will we hear her ask, just as of old, "ARE ALL THE CHILDREN IN?"
(R. TERSTEEGEN)

(Provided by the late Richard K. Gorgas - October 29, 2003)

N.J. Hiebert # 2320

July 26

"The song of songs which is Solomon's. Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth." 
(Song of Songs 1:1-2)

Why call this precious little book "The Song of Songs"? Although Solomon's, this is also Christ's, Who will in due time be King in Jerusalem in true Solomon glory. On the same principle He is called "King of kings, and Lord of Lords." (Revelation 19:16) Pre-eminence in all things is His. Solomon wrote many songs but this one he styled "The Song of Songs" because it far surpassed them all. It is the deep melody of hearts filled with holy love, and finding their supreme delights in its full and free_expression. "We love Him, because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19). Oh! to be able at all times to sing the song of the Saviour's love with both the heart and the understanding also.

What pure and impassioned affection breathes in this remarkable address. It is like the artless, yet ardent kindling of affection when husband and wife meet after a long absence. So engrossed is the heart with its object, that forms, ceremonies, and all surrounding circumstances are entirely lost sight of. The happy consciousness of the place which she has in His heart carries her away. How few there are in this world that one could so informally and affectionately address: and yet this is the language of a saved sinner to the holy Saviour. (A. Miller)

N.J. Hiebert # 2321

July 27

"If it had not been the Lord who was on our side . . . then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over my soul." (Psalm 124:2,4)

My barque is wafted from the strand
By breath Divine,
Upon the helm there rests a hand
Other than mine;
One who has known in storms to sail
I have on board,
Above the raging of the gale, I hear my Lord.

He holds me when the billows smite;
I shall not fall;
If sharp, 'tis short; if long, 'tis light;
He tempers all.
Safe to the land! safe to the land!
The end is this;
And then with Him go hand in hand,
Far into bliss!
(Dean Alford - 1810-1871)

N.J. Hiebert # 2322

July 28

"For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 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." 
(2 Corinthians 5:14,15)

With the motivation of the love of Christ, the decision to present myself to Him for His use, and the knowledge from the Word of what God's will is in this specific situation, I merely do by faith what the Bible says and leave the results to Him.


Am I worried about a problem? When I understand that God is sovereign over all events, a problem becomes an opportunity to trust the Lord. I don't know what will happen tomorrow, but I do know one thing: The same Jesus who is in my today is already there! So,controlled by the love of Christ, I claim the promise of Philippians 4:6,7: "Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."


I pray about the problem, give thanks, and leave the results to God. The result is an experience of that supernatural peace which is not dependent upon circumstances." (Bob George - Growing in Grace)

N.J. Hiebert # 2323

July 29

"I am the door." (John 10:9)

Recently my wife and I walked past several restaurants and in each case the menu was posted on the door. Clearly visible, they wanted you to know what they served and at what cost. Everything available on the inside was written on the outside. It reminded me of the Lord Jesus who is the Door. By looking to the Door we see in Him all the blessings available to us. But we see too the cost of those blessings. The Lord Jesus shows us His pierced hands and feet and we know that although His blessings to us are free, they cost Him His very life blood. "I am the door, by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved." (Charlie Tempest)

N.J. Hiebert # 2324

July 30

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8)

We have a powerful adversary, who is ever on the watch to ensnare us, and lead us off the path of truth and purity; we could not get on for a single moment, were it not for the gracious way in which our God has provided for all our exigencies in the precious death and all-prevailing advocacy of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Food for the Desert)

N.J. Hiebert # 2325

July 31

"Come unto Me." (Matthew 11:28)

Is it not humiliating to be told that we must come to Jesus! Think of the things we will not come to Jesus Christ about. If you want to know how real you are, test yourself by these words - "Come unto Me." In every degree in which you are not real, you will dispute rather than come, you will quibble rather than come, you will go through sorrow rather than come, you will do anything rather than come the last lap of unutterable foolishness - "Just as I am." As long as you have the tiniest bit of spiritual impertinence, it will always reveal itself in the fact that you are expecting God to tell you to do a big thing, and all He is telling you to do is to "come."


"Come unto me." When you hear those words you will know that something must happen in you before you can come. The Holy Spirit will show you what you have to do, anything at all that will put the axe at the root of the thing which is preventing you from getting through. You will never get further until you are willing to do that one thing. The Holy Spirit will locate the one impregnable thing in you, but He cannot budge it unless you are willing to let Him.


How often have you come to God with your requests and gone away with the feeling - Oh, well, I have done it this time! And yet you go away with nothing, whilst all the time God has stood with outstretched hands not only to take you, but for you to take Him. Think of the invincible, unconquerable, unwearying patience of Jesus - "Come unto Me." (Oswald Chambers)

N.J. Hiebert # 2326

"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever." (1 Peter 1:23)

An old professor of Biology used to hold a little brown seed in his hand and say, "I know just exactly the composition of this seed. It has in it nitrogen, hydrogen and carbon. I know the exact proportions. I can make a seed that will look exactly like it. But if I plant my seed it will come to nought: its element will be absorbed in the soil. If I plant the seed God made, it will become a plant, because it contains the mysterious principle which we call 'the life principle.' This Bible looks like other books. We cannot understand altogether its marvellous power. Planted in good ground it shows that it has the life principle in itself; it brings forth spiritual fruit." (Taken from the archives of the late Tom Dear)

N.J. Hiebert # 2327