Gems from April 2011

"Christ is all and in all." (Colossians 3:11)

- We can get life and happiness only in Christ.

Apart from Him, all is death and misery.

- There is nothing real, nothing solid, nothing satisfying , but in Christ

- Either Christ's atoning sacrifice is sufficient, or it is not; if it is sufficient, why those doubts and fears?
(Food for the Desert)

N.J. Hiebert - 4387

March 30

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want."
(Psalm 23:1)

- The greatness of the Shepherd - "the Lord";
- The certainty of His shepherdhood - "is";
- The personal nature of the shepherdhood - "My shepherd;"
- What shepherhood includes - food, protection, etc.
- He who calls the muster roll of the stars, and reigns over a million worlds,
Cares for me, and,
- Never once is oblivious of me, so small, so feeble, so unwise.
- His shepherd-care extends over all time
- Embraces every dispensation
- Supplies every want
- Anticipates every emergency
- Comprehends every believer from the beginning to the end of the world -
- And shall everlastingly secure the safety and the happiness of every member of the flock.
- In strength He is almighty;
- In wisdom omniscient;
- In love unequalled; and
- In resources unbounded.
(In Pastures Green - George Henderson)

N.J. Hiebert - 4388

March 31

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
(Hebrews 4:16)

Mr. Darby translates it: "Let us approach therefore with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace for seasonable help." What is the difference between the two translations? This: if you lift a man out of a deep hole into which he may have accidentally fallen, you would be giving him help in time of need; if you guard him from falling into the hole, you would be rendering him seasonable help.

A fence at the top of a precipice is better than a hospital at the bottom.

He ever lives to intercede and hence the grace of God is not only equal:

- for a second but for 60 seconds,
- not only for a minute but for 60 minutes,
- not only for an hour but for 24 hours,
- not only for a day but for 365 days,
- not only for a year but for a lifetime and eternity.

He is able to save to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25), to keep us from falling (Jude 24), to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

Finally, the verse speaks of the end and purpose of it all. We have illimitable resources, always available - (Heavens Cure for Earth's Care)

N.J. Hiebert - 4389

April 1

When We See Him Face to Face

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worth to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18)

A remarkable incident occurred recently at a wedding in England. A young man of large wealth and high social position, who had been blinded by an accident when he was ten years old, and who won University honors in spite of his blindness, had won a beautiful bride, though he had never looked upon her face. A little while before his marriage, he submitted to a course of treatment by experts, and the climax came on the day of his wedding.

The day came, and the presents, and guests. There were present cabinet ministers and generals arid bishops and learned men and women. The bridegroom, dressed for the wedding, his eyes still shrouded in linen, drove to the church with his father, and the famous oculist met them in the vestry.

The bride, entered the church on the arm of her white-haired father. So moved was she that she could hardly speak. Was her lover at last to see her face that others admired, but which he knew only through his delicate finger tips?

As she neared the altar, while the soft strains of the wedding march floated through the church, her eyes fell on a strange group.

The father stood there with his son. Before the latter was the great oculist in the act of cutting away the last bandage. The bridegroom took a step forward, with the spasmodic uncertainty of one who cannot believe that he is awake. A beam of rose-colored light from a pane in the chancel window fell across his face, but he did not seem to see it.

Did he see anything? Yes! Recovering in an instant his steadiness of mien, and with a dignity and joy never before seen in his face, he went forward to meet his bride. They looked into each other's eyes, and one would have thought that his eyes would never wander from her face.

"At last!" she said. "At last!" he echoed solemnly, bowing his head. That was a scene of great dramatic power, and no doubt of great joy, and is but a mere suggestion of what will actually take place in Heaven when the Christian who has been walking through this world of trial and sorrow, shall see Him face to face. (Selected)

N.J. Hiebert - 4390

April 2

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."
(1 Corinthians 15:58)

Not in vain! Toiling for God can involve such a wide spectrum - some abundantly obvious, others more obscure, but no less valuable. There are the labours of the missionary overseas. But there is also the toil for God which occurs in the apparently unstimulating daily routine. Maintaining a quiet testimony for God in seeming obscurity will not go unrewarded. Staying faithful to the Lord is not in vain. The world is driven by vanity. "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?" (Psalm 2:1). But seeking to serve the Lord humbly and faithfully has joys the world cannot give. (Mark Fenn)

N.J. Hiebert - 4391

April 3

"I have manifested Thy name unto the men which Thou gavest Me out of the world: Thine they were, and Thou gavest them me; and they have kept Thy word."
(John 17:6)

What a blessed thought put forth by the Lord, that they should be made so one with Himself, that the glory given to Him could be give to them; That they should be manifested as the people of His love, in whom His glory will be displayed. The moment He lets them hear of the glory given to Him, they hear also that He proposes to act in all the largeness of His love, and share it all with them. (G.V. Wigram)

N.J. Hiebert - 4392

April 4

"Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world."
(John 1:29)

The cross of Christ is owned and believed in by every Christian, but peace and practice depend on the extent of the soul's apprehension of it. It is such an all important doctrine, that there can be no profession of Christianity without the acknowledgment of it in some form, and possibly there is no truth which has been so continually and so strangely perverted, or one of which only a very partial insufficient measure has been accepted. (Thoughts For This Day)

N.J. Hiebert - 4393

April 5

"Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not our heart."
(Hebrews 3:7)

- The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.

- Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.

- Confidence comes not from always being right but from not fearing to be wrong.

- Trust one who has gone through it.

- Love truth, and pardon error.
(A Collection of Wise Sayings - R.K.)

N.J. Hiebert - 4394

April 6

"All who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12)

We are called to "live." We do not need a "form" (2 Timothy 3:5).
We have "life" (2 Timothy 1:1).
We are called simply to "be" – to be who and what we are "IN CHRIST."
We are called just to "live…in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:12)!
We are called to live in our COMPLETENESS in Him ("…complete in Him…" Colossians 2:10).
We are called to enjoy HIM as our LIFE! ("…Christ, Who is our life…" Colossians 3:4).
(Selected)

N.J. Hiebert - 4395

April 7

The Riches of His Grace

"The exceeding riches of HIs grace."
(Ephesians 2:7)

Oh, like the air about us that we breathe,
As limitless and all-encompassing;
And like the earth beneath us that we tread
As strong, as solid, and unvarying;
And like the sky above, where sun and stars
In old, unalterable orbits swing;

So is Thy grace to us, O God of grace!
Pledge of Thy mercy, promise of Thy might
Changeless through all the sorrows of the day,
Changeless through all the terrors of the night,
A present peace, a certain comforting,
Sustaining joy and everlasting light.
(Annie Johnson Flint)

N.J. Hiebert - 4396

April 8

"The Word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the Word which by the gospel is preached unto you."
(1 Peter 1:25)

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words shall not pass away." (Matthew 24:35)

How the Book of Books (the Bible) is hated! Who has ever heard anybody hating the Quarn, or the Rig-Veda, or the scores of other religious writings of non-Christian nations? Have there ever been attempts made to destroy the sacred writings of ancient peoples? How is it then that the Bible has been hated by a host of enemies under the instigation of an unseen power, aiming at its destruction? It would take a volume to record all the attempts which have been made from the very beginning to get rid of this remarkable, supernatural book.

It has outlived all attacks, and has risen triumphantly victorious over all its enemies. It has been the despised book, but many more honour, love and cherish it.

One of the popular phrases used by the enemies of the Bible is, "the Bible is out of date"; it is the very opposite. Because it is God's Word and God's revelation, it is always up to date and has a fresh, vivifying message for every generation.
(Listen God Speaks - Arno Clemens Gaebelein - 1861-1945)

N.J. Hiebert - 4397

April 9

"But after a long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss."
(Acts 27:21)

Paul had been quiet all those days after the centurion refused his remonstrances at Fair Haven. Now Julius as well as almost everyone else on board ship, realized how foolish and wrong they had been to refuse to listen to Paul. Are you still refusing to listen to God's loving and gentle warnings about the course of life you are following?

The Apostle didn't need to say much. They all knew how wrong they had been. Does it see like the apostle Paul is "rubbing in" the hard lesson they were learning? He wasn't. But God requireth that which is past. In love and faithfulness, He will remind each reptant child, just exactly what caused the sorrow they are experiencing. If this is what you are feeling, don't despair. You are on the only road that will lead you back to joy, peace and satisfaction. Listen to God's loving and tender rebuke, accept it, bow to it, and judge as sin what took you on that path. (The Journey of life - D.N.)

N.J. Hiebert - 4398

April 10

"That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ." (Ephesians 1:12)

Out of one of the darkest hours of her life - the tragic drowning of her husband - a young mother proclaimed through her tears, "'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus . . . and I know that Thou art with me, wilt be with me to the end." As Louisa M. R. Stead, her husband, and their little daughter were enjoying an ocean side picnic one day, a drowning boy cried for help. Mr. Stead rushed to save him but was pulled under by the terrified boy. Both were drowned as Louisa and her daughter watched helplessly. During the sorrowful days that followed, the words of this hymn came from the grief-stricken wife's heart.

Soon after this Mrs. Stead and her daughter left for missionary work in South Africa. After more than 25 years of fruitful service, Louisa was forced to retire because of ill health. She died a few years later in Southern Rhodesia. Her fellow missionaries had always loved " 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" and wrote this tribute after her death:

We miss her very much, but her influence goes on as our 5000 native Christians continually sing this hymn in their native language.

Out of a deep human tragedy early in her life, Louisa Stead learned simply to trust in her Lord. She was used to "the praise of His glory" for the remainder of her life.
Still today, her ministry continues each time we sing and apply the truth of these words.

*****

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word, just to rest upon His promise, just to know, "Thus saith the Lord."

O how sweet to trust in Jesus, just to trust His cleansing blood, just in simple faith to plunge me 'neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes, 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus, just from sin and self to cease, just from Jesus simply taking life and rest and joy and peace.

I'm so glad I learned to trust Thee, precious Jesus, Saviour, Friend; and I know that Thou art with me, wilt be with me to the end.

Chorus: Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I've proved Him o'er and o'er! Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!
(Louisa M.R. Stead)

N.J. Hiebert - 4399

April 11

"I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ." (Philippians 3:8)

Paul had this admirable ambition - he would not let anything hamper his acquirement of the knowledge of Christ. Even things of seeming benefit were counted less than nothing if they hindered his appreciation of His Saviour. In the same manner, let us bring forth our spikenard of worship and let its fragrance fill the house (John 12:3) this day as we remember Him. (K.C. Ung)

N.J. Hiebert - 4400

April 12

"Take heed therefore how ye hear."
(Luke 8:18)

Christ is looking for the results of His sowing. There must be not only the hearing but the possessing, and in this rests the responsibility, for if you keep the Word which you have heard, more shall be given you. If on hearing I possess that which I hear, not merely have joy in receiving it, but possess it as my own, then it becomes a part of the substance of my soul, and I shall get more, for when the truth has become a substance in my soul there is a capacity for receiving more. (The Man of Sorrows - JND)

N.J. Hiebert - 4401

April 13

He Restores My Soul

"He restores my soul."
(Psalm 23:3)

Surely, anyone in the care of the Good Shepherd has experienced the need for restoration. To think differently is to deny the reality of life with its many devastating circumstances. God did not promise we would not have difficulties, but He did promise He would be our sufficiency in them. David knew what it was to be "cast down," to be in constant danger and fear, without resources and strength. (Selected)

N.J. Hiebert - 4402

April 14

Lords & Lepers

"A lord . . . said, Behold, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, might this thing be? . . . And there were four leprous men . . . and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?" (2 Kings 7:2,3)

The "lord" ridiculed the idea that the siege of Samaria could be lifted and its famine relieved, but The Lord used lepers, of all people, to make the venture of desperation that brought deliverance. Truly, God keeps His secrets from the wise and prudent and reveals them unto babes. While King Jehoram and his experts and generals were at wit's end, God used the means least expected to turn the tide. It was not the wise, mighty, and noble who relieved Samaria but the base and despised. And while lords laughed, lepers demonstrated the power of God.

How often has the Almighty by-passed the high and mighty and confounded the experts, while some lowly soul on the verge of despair has put us all to shame by marching straight ahead in holy desperation to discover what the rest of us only debate! God proves Himself by raising up some nonentity who is willing to risk everything on a venture to show what God can do. While lords make light of it, lepers make history.

"Behold, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, might this thing be?" "Prove me now herewith, saith The Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven." Which will you believe, "a lord" or The Lord? (Day By Day - Vance Havner)

N.J. Hiebert - 4403

April 15

"As thy days, so shall thy strength be."
(Deuteronomy 33:25)

Sometimes we witness severe trials that our friends are enduring, and we think, how could I ever withstand such an experience? Remember that God does not give grace for hypothetical situations. We need to rejoice in the grace and mercy we are receiving today. Tomorrow will bring its own trials but along with it will come grace that is perfectly sufficient. God wishes to keep His people humble by having them look daily at Christ's strength and not at their own weakness. Paul took pleasure in infirmity, for Christ's sake, and could say, "When I am weak then am I strong." The Lord says, "My grace is sufficient for thee" (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). (Milton Haack)

N.J. Hiebert - 4404

April 16

Settled Peace

"For He is our peace."
(Ephesians 2:14)

The moment we begin to rest our peace on anything in ourselves, we lose it, and this is why so many saints have not settled peace.

Nothing can be lasting that is not built on God alone.

How can you have settled peace? Only by having it in God's own way, by not resting on anything . . . but on what Christ has done entirely without you. Then you will know peace, conscious unworthiness, but yet peace. In Christ alone, God finds that in which He can rest; and so it is with His saints. The more you see of the extent and nature of the evil that is within as well as that without and around, the more you will find that what Jesus is and did is the only ground at all on which you can rest.

What GOD is
Determines what GOD does;
What God does
Proves what God is - LOVE.
(Comforted of God - A.J. Pollock)

N.J. Hiebert - 4405

April 17

In The World - Not Of It

". . . seek those things which are above . . . Set your affection on things above . . . Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth." (Colossians 3:1,2,5)

A small girl was watching her mother working among the flowers. "Mother," she said, "I know why flowers grow; they want to get out of the dirt!" We Christians are in the world but not of it (John 17). With our feet on the ground, we are admonished to set our affection, "on things above, not on things on the earth"; we are risen with Christ and are to "seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God" (Colossians 3:1-3).

What is the mysterious force which causes a sprouting seed to grow up instead of down? I plant a bulb upside down in the ground, but it always comes out "right side up." It is the sunlight above which attracts the plant to itself. Plants always seek the sunlight. Notice how your house plants turn and bend way over to reach the light from the window. Why is a sunflower called a sunflower? Because it turns with the sun in the morning to the east and follows it to the west. Why does a dandelion open only on sunny days but remain closed on dark days? It is the power of the sun. Obstruct the sunlight and life fades out. I threw an old rug to dry on the lawn and forgot to remove it, and all the grass turned a sickly yellow, from which it did not recover for weeks. As a plant seeks the sun above, so we are to "seek those things which are above."

The clouds of earth often obscure the sun, but by the wings of faith we can rise above the clouds and dwell in the eternal sunlight. The ladder of faith, made of two uprights, the Word of God, and prayer, supporting the nine rungs of Galatians 5:22,23, is long enough to reach beyond the clouds of doubt, fear, and defeat. Walk in the light of His Word and rise above the things of earth. (Selected)

N.J. Hiebert - 4406

April 18

"But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory."
(1 Corinthians 2:7)

This mystery is not a problem that requires a solution, but a plan that awaits revelation. It has been premeditated by God, in His wisdom, and the remarkable thing is that we are the beneficiaries. Believing Gentiles and Jews, alike, will be participants of the outcome of this wisdom. United together in His glorious body, we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is. (Drew Craig)

When by His grace,
I shall look on His face,
That will be glory,
Be glory for me.
(Charles H. Gabriel)

N.J. Hiebert - 4407

April 19

"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ."
(Ephesians 4:15)

To pretend to great zeal for the truth of the one Body, while failing to manifest the love of the Spirit, is to put the emphasis in the wrong place. Doctrinal correctness will never atone for lack of brotherly love. It is far more to God who is Himself love, in his very nature, that His people walk in love one toward another, than that they contend valiantly for set forms of truth, however scriptural. "Truthing in love" (which would correctly convey the thought of Ephesians 4:15) is more than contending for formulas. It is the manifestation of the truth in a life of love to God and to those who are His, as well as for poor lost sinners for whom Christ died. (Lectures on Colossians - H.A. Ironside)

N.J. Hiebert - 4408

April 20

“…whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.”
(Matt. 20:26, 27)

What is true greatness?

In the kingdom of this world, the great man is the one who has risen to a place of wealth and power. He has a retinue of aides and assistants, conditioned to follow his orders. He is accorded V.I.P. treatment and receives special favors wherever he goes. People regard him with respect and awe because of his rank. He never has to stoop to anything menial; there are always others to do that for him.

But in the Kingdom of our Lord, things are quite different. Here greatness is measured by the extent to which we serve rather than the extent to which we are served. The great man is the one who stoops to become a slave for others. No service is too menial. He does not expect any special treatment or thanks. When one of George Washington’s men saw him performing a menial service, he objected, saying, “General, you are too big a man to be doing that.” Washington replied, “Oh, no, I’m just the right size.” (Adapted)

N.J. Hiebert - 4409

April 21

"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud; and He shall hear my voice." (Psalm 55:17)

Often but none too often. Seasons of great need call for frequent seasons of devotion. The three periods chosen are most fitting; to begin, continue, and end the day with God is supreme wisdom. Where time has naturally set up a boundary, there let us set up an altar-stone. The psalmist means that he will always pray; he will run a line of prayer right along the day, and track the sun with His petitions. Day and night he saw his enemies busy and therefore he would meet their activity by continuous prayer.

He is confident that he will prevail, he speaks as if he were already answered.
(C.H. Spurgeon)

There is no moment of our life when we do not need the help, guidance, protection which God alone can give. When our needs increase our prayers should multiply.

I need Thee every hour,
Stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their power
When Thou art nigh.

N.J. Hiebert - 4410

April 22

"He leadeth me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake."
(Psalm 23:3)

What are these "paths of righteousness"? Notice that they are "paths," not just a path. If we would think through the many encounters in our life where He has led us, we will find that many paths have been involved as He has led us. We cannot look at a current situation and say, "Well, the Lord led me in this way before, and He will do the same this time." Not necessarily. He chooses the path most suitable for our good, and for His glory. Could we ask for any better path to be led in or a better Shepherd to lead us?

Phillip Keller describes sheep. "Sheep, like us, are notorious creatures of habit. They follow the same trails until they become ruts, graze in the same fields until they are barren, and pollute the same ground until it is corrupt. They are dumb, stubborn, prefer to do what they have always done, and go their own way, regardless of what the consequences may incur. That's why it is so important for the shepherd to lead them in the right paths, to the right pastures, to the quiet pastures, beside the still waters. Their welfare is his priority and his utmost concern. The sheep reflect the integrity, leadership, and care of the shepherd."

We, too, are stubborn, self-willed, proud, self-sufficient, and determined that we know best. Therefore, we go our own way. Isaiah said, "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way" (Isaiah 53:6). Solomon said, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 14:12). And Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). This is our pivotal point. We either follow the Shepherd in a path that is right, or we continue along our ill-trodden way of fruitlessness, despair, frustration, and failure. HOW BLESSED IT IS TO FOLLOW THE GOOD SHEPHERD, FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE! (Adapted)

N.J. Hiebert - 4411

April 23

"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful to me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."
(Jude 1:3)

To contend or not to contend, that is the question?
"It is better to be divided by truth than to be united in error. It is better to speak the truth that hurts and then heals, than falsehood that comforts and then kills. It is better to be hated for telling the truth than to be loved for telling a lie.” (Adrian Rogers)
"Faith is good only when it engages truth; when it is made to rest upon falsehood it can and often does lead to tragedy." (A. W. Tozer)
"There must come with the decision for truth a corresponding protest against error." (Charles Haddon Spurgeon)

N.J. Hiebert - 4412

April 24

"The Lord hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned."
(Isaiah 50:4)

Is there ever any ground to be cast down? There are two reasons, but only two - if we are as yet unconverted, we have ground to be cast down; or if we are converted and live in sin, then we are rightly cast down. But except for these two things, there is no ground to be cast down, for all else may be brought before God in prayer with supplication and thanksgiving and regarding all our difficulties, all our trials, we may exercise faith in the power of God, in the love of God, and in His own time help will come.

There is never a time when we may not hope in God. Whatever our necessities, however great our difficulties, and though to all appearances, help is impossible, yet, our business is to hope in God. God is not confined to this thing or that thing, or to twenty things; in ten thousand different ways, and at ten thousand different times, God may help us.

Our business is to spread our case before the Lord, in childlike simplicity to pour out all our heart before God. When we are weary and tired, either through difficulty, sore temptation, losses, crosses, or greatly reduced through sickness, under such circumstances we may turn to the Lord Jesus and remind Him of His precious promises. (George Mueller)

N.J. Hiebert - 4413

April 25

"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."
(Galatians 6:14)

Why was this converted Pharisee and one-time hater of Jesus the Nazarene now so passionate about the cross on which He was crucified? And why was the preaching of that cross so vital to him? Paul gives the answer to us in an amazing statement, "It pleased God . . . to reveal His Son in me" (Galatians 1:15,16). He was from that point integrated into the very heart of the One he calls, Lord! That ixperience was much more than a revelation to him. For him to live, the totality of all that he was, was Christ. May it be so with us too. (Drew Craig)

N.J. Hiebert - 4414

April 26

"Whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he."
(Proverbs 16:20)

- There is no mystery about happiness whatever.
- Put in the right ingredients and it must come out.
- He that abideth in Him will bring forth much fruit;
- Bringing forth much fruit is happiness.
(A Thought for Every Day)

N.J. Hiebert - 4415

April 27

"Rejoice alway: and again I say, REJOICE."
(Philippians 4:4)

Oh what a happy soul I am, although I cannot see
I am resolved that in this world, contented I shall be
How many blessings I enjoy, that other people don't
To weep and sigh because I'm blind, I cannot and I WON'T

(Fanny Crosby - age 9)
(Submitted by a reader, J.S.)

N.J. Hiebert - 4416

April 28

"A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
(John 13:34)

His hour has come; at last the Father's home,
Beyond dark death, as sunlight on the hill,
Shines o'er the valley of the Father's will.
The day has dawned, when He must leave His own
To tread a path that He must take alone;
And drawing nearer to that day of days,
Upon His soul a load of sorrow weights:
Upon His heart of love divine, well known,
One rests his wearied head, with great delight;
One takes the sop, and passes into night:
And thus set free, the master's voice is heard -
"If all men are to learn that ye are Mine,
Then take to heart My last - My parting word -
And let your love to one another shine."
(The Last Words - Hamilton Smith)

N.J. Hiebert - 4417

April 29

"Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling . . ."
(Jude 24)

God is able to keep us from falling. To doubt this would not only be to disbelieve His own word, but also to forget that He is God.

The Holy Spirit is our only power for a holy walk. Of ourselves we cannot take a single step in this path.

The utmost human efforts, the most resolute determination, are of no avail either to keep ourselves from evil or to follow after Christ.

If you leave out the truth of the coming of the Lord Jesus you miss a power for holiness that God has given to us. (Edward Dennett)

"And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure" (1 John 3:3).

N.J. Hiebert - 4418

April 30

"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season."
(Hebrews 11:24,25)

Nature would say of Moses, Why not stay in Pharaoh's court, that the people may be converted, instead of leaving it?

Flesh cannot understand what faith leads to. (J.N. Darby)

N.J. Hiebert - 4419