Gems from June 2017

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”  Ephesians 1:3)

It is good for each of us periodically to take time to rediscover  the simple but profound truths expressed by Johnson J. Oatman Jr, in the four stanzas of this hymn. In the first two stanzas’ he develops the thought that counting our blessings serves as an antidote for life’s discouragements and in turn makes for victorious Christian living.

The third stanza teaches us that counting our blessings can be a means of placing material possessions in proper perspective when compared to the eternal inheritance awaiting believers.

As we review our individual blessings, we certainly would have to agree with Mr. Oatman’s fourth stanza: The provision of God’s help and comfort to the end of our earthly pilgrimage is one of our choicest blessings.

Each of us could spare ourselves much despair and inner tension if we would only learn to apply the practical teaching of this hymn to our daily living. 

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings-name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings-every doubt will fly, and you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold, think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;  Count your many blessings-money cannot buy your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

So amid the conflict, whether great or small, do not be discouraged-God is over all;

Count your many blessings-angels will attend, help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Chorus:  Count your blessings, name them one by one; count your blessings, see what God hath done.  Count your blessings, name them one by one; count your many blessing, see what God hath done. 

(Amazing Grace - Kenneth W. Osbeck)

N.J. Hiebert - 6733

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual,

restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering

thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”

(Galatians 6:1)

Observe that word “restore”. 

It is the translation of a word which 

means to mend that which is broken, or rent.

Dr. Lightfoot says that it is a surgical term—used of

the  re-setting of a fractured bone, or joint.

Tender work that!  Who is to do it?

“Ye which are spiritual.”

This physician must be Spirit-filled.

What is he to do?  "Restore such an one”;

to bind up the broken heart.  How is he to do it? 

“In the spirit of meekness.”

"Softly he touches for the reed is tender,

Wisely enkindles for the flame is low.”

(In Pastures Green - George Henderson)

N.J. Hiebert - 6734

June 1

“He answered . . . never a word.”

(Matthew 27:14)

Not railing  for railing; not a word.

How much is lost by a word!  Be still!  Keep quiet!

If they smite you on one cheek turn the other also.  Never retort!

Hush—not a word!

Never mind your reputation or your character; they are in His hands;

you mar them by trying to retain them.

Do not strive.  Open not your mouth.  Silence!

A word will grieve, disturb the gentle dove.  Hush—not a word! 

Are you misunderstood?  Never mind!  

Will it hurt your influence and weaken your power for good?

Leave it to Him—His to take care and take charge. 

Are you wronged and your good name tarnished?  All right!

Be it yours to be meek and lowly; simple and  gentle—not a word!

Let Him keep you in perfect peace; stay your mind on Him; trust in Him.

Not a word of argument, debate, or controversy.  Mind your own business.  Be still!

Never judge, condemn, arraign, censure.  Not a word!  Never a disparaging remark of another.

As ye would others should do to you, so do ye.

Pause!  Be still!  Selah!  Nor a word, emphatically; 

not even a look that will mar the sweet serenity of the soul.  

Get still!   Know God!  Keep silence before Him!  Stillness is better than noise.

(Stephen Merritt) 

N.J. Hiebert - 6735

(PART - 1)

June 2

"Every word of God is pure:

He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him.”

(Proverbs 30:5)

"Every word of God is pure.”

There is no repetition.

One cause of so much head-knowledge is that there is so little meditation;

and Divine things float through the mind and become intellectual,

whereas they were meant for our joys.

As to effects, and as to results, we need never to be anxious;

they are not ours to produce.

Hunt’s Sayings - Rochfort Hunt

N.J. Hiebert - 6736

June 3

"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree."

(1 Peter 2:24)

He leadeth me, O joy divine! The glory His, the cross be mine,

Since He who suffered on the tree in tender mercy leadeth me.

****

And many women were there beholding afar off,

which followed Jesus from Galilee ministering unto Him. 

Matthew 27:55

Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord, 

To the cross where Thou  hast died.

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,

To Thy precious, bleeding side.

****

In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David 

and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.

Zechariah 13:1

Jesus keep me near the cross, there a precious fountain

Free to all—a healing stream flows from Calvary’s mountain.

****

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Galatians 6:14

In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever;

Till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.

The Treasures of Fanny Crosby

N.J. Hiebert - 6737  

June 4

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

(James 1:2-3) 

Endurance is so precious, and of such inestimable value, that we may count it all joy when we fall into these trials, because we know they work endurance.

"But let endurance have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-3).

"We also boast in tribulations, knowing that tribulation works endurance; and endurance, experience; and experience, hope; and hope does not make ashamed” (Romans 5:3-5.)

“His love in times past forbids us to think

He’ll leave us at last, in trouble to sink.”

This is experience, and it was endurance taught it. Do you think Shamma would have missed the experience he gained by that fight in the lentils field? (2 Samuel 23:11-12).  Never!  

When we get home, we will see that some of these hard places on the road were the bits we would not have missed for anything.  

They work endurance.

(Hid Treasures - G. C. Willis)

N.J. Hiebert - 6738     

June 5

PART 2 - Please note Gem # 6735

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“He answered . . . never a word."

(Matthew 27:14)

Not a word of murmuring or complaining in supplication; not a word of nagging or persuading.

Let language be simple, gentle, quiet; you utter not a word, but give Him 

opportunity to speak.  Hearken to hear His voice.

This is the way to honour and to know Him.  Not a word—not the least word! Listen to obey.

Words make trouble.  Be still! This is the voice of the Spirit. 

Restlessness, fret, worry, makes the place of His abiding unpleasant. 

He is to keep in perfect peace; take it not out of His hands.

(Stephen Merritt)

“Let me no wrong or idle word unthinking say;

Set Thou a seal upon my lips, just for today."

N.J. Hiebert - 6739 

June 6

“He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.”

[A sensible man bears up under many things.]

(Proverbs 14:17)

There are days when all sorts of things go wrong one after the other;  I expect that some of you know 

what such days are like, and also the temptation to feel you cannot bear 

up under anything more.

At such times a plain word like this can help very much; it is so matter-of-fact 

and unfussy. Take it or leave it, it seems to say, there is the fact: 

“A sensible man bears up under many things.”

But often we want something that goes deeper.

Here is the word then:

“For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, 

lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds” (Hebrews 12:3). 

(Edges of His Ways - A. Carmichael)

N.J. Hiebert - 6740

June 7

Broken Vessels Mightily Used of God

"I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder: he hath also taken me by my neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up for his mark.”  (Job 16:12)

Job said, "I was at ease, but he hath broken me.”God permitted Satan to attack Job at every point in his life, except to take his life. Satan was determined to prove that Job only followed God because He had been gracious unto him. Take all these things away and "he will curse you to your face." 

It's interesting to notice that Job says, "I was at ease.” Surely, after all of his suffering and loss, when he says, "but now mine eyes have seen you,” he realized more than ever how he had been "at ease.” 

What took place happened between the time Satan was permitted by God to attack this upright man and the time when he says, "but now mine eyes have seen you.”  There were times when he was "utterly broken.”  We read that "he hath broken me asunder: he hath also taken me by my neck, and shaken me to pieces.”   As his faith was steadfastly fixed on God, his eyes now saw God in an "entirely new dimension.” 

The majesty of God had penetrated his heart, and he said, "Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”  God permitted Job to be broken of "everything that hindered him from seeing God." God must have "broken" vessels.

J. Hudson Taylor returned to England from China "broken in health.” No one ventured to say he would return. But return he did in the might of God and with a perseverance of faith and passion for the lost in China. 

During the next 40 years the China Inland Mission was founded and, under the blessing of God,  ministered beyond all human comprehension, through prayer and faith. 

It was a faith mission with over 1,000 missionaries.

C. T. Studd returned as a missionary from China "broken in health," only to volunteer to be a missionary to Africa when every doctor told him he would die before he would get there. He "dared to believe” that God was able to meet his needs. He founded the Heart of Africa Mission, 

and had seventeen glorious years of fruitful ministry there.

The Auca Indians in Ecuador martyred Jim Elliot and four other missionaries as they sought to plant the seeds of the Gospel with tribesmen who had never encountered the white man.

God uses "broken vessels" that are "possessed and empowered" by Him for His glory.

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:25). 

(E. P. - Daily Devotions)

N.J. Hiebert - 6741

June 8

“The Father’s Care"

“Your Father knoweth.”

(Luke 12:30)

“The Father Himself loveth you.”

(John 16:27)

“He careth for you.”

(1 Peter 5:7)

He knows, He loves, He cares,

Nothing this truth can dim,

He does the very best for those,

Who leave the choice with Him.

(Comforted of God - A.J. Pollock)

N.J. Hiebert - 6742 

June 9

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee,

and thou shalt glorify Me.”

(Psalm 50:15)

Many of God’s brightest saints have know full well the meaning of “the day of trouble.” Abraham, when he had to cast out Ishmael, and when called upon to offer up Isaac.

Joseph, when hated by his brethren, and sold to the Midianites, who took him down into Egypt, where he became a servant, “Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: until the time that his word came: the word of the Lord tried him.”  

Moses, when rejected and obliged to flee.  But they were all delivered, and God was glorified.

And it was not otherwise with David.  Think of him at Ziklag on that day when he and his men found it burned with fire, and their wives and children carried away.  The people, too, spake of stoning him.

And this coming upon the top of all he had been suffering for years at the hands of Saul.

Surely never did a mere man suffer more acute anguish than David at that moment.

But we read he “Encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”  Yes, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble;

I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.”

This was eminently true in his case, for he was delivered, and shortly after ascended the throne. One day to be stoned; the next, we might say, crowned.  Such are the variations of God’s people.

(Angels in White - Russell Elliott)

N.J. Hiebert - 6743 

June 10

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; 

and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”

(Ephesians 2:8)

“Through faith,” this is the agent. 

Faith is simply the hand that lays hold of the gift that God presents to me.

Believing the gospel, I am saved.

Some people, I think, are in danger of making a saviour of their faith, for they say, “Well, if I could only believe firmly enough, if I could believe in the right way, I think I would be saved.”

It is not a question of how you believe; it is a question of whom you believe.

“I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have

committed unto Him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12).

Do not make a saviour of your faith.  The Saviour is Christ, and faith lays hold of Him. Then lest there should be any idea in the mind of the redeemed one that in some sense at any rate he deserves credit for coming to Christ and believing this message, the apostle immediately adds,

“And that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”  

(H. A. Ironside)

N.J. Hiebert - 6744  

June 11

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee thee with the right hand of My righteousness.”

(Isaiah 41:10)

Instead of a river, God often give us a brook—

which may be running today, and dried up tomorrow.

Why? - To teach us not to rest in our blessings—but in the 

Blesser Himself. "Hold Thou me up, and I shall be safe!” (Psalm 119:117)

(Arthur Pink - 1886-1952)  (Daily Devotions - R.L.)

N.J. Hiebert - 6745

June 12

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time—are not worthy to be compared

with the glory which shall be revealed in us!”

(Romans 8:18)

Whether from trouble of mind, sickness of body, trials in business, family difficulties, or persecution for Christ’s sake—all suffer, and most believers suffer much!

But compare their present sufferings—with their future glory: 

Glory which will exclude all pain and suffering, all sin and sorrow!

Glory beyond the reach of all foes and the cause of all trouble!

Glory which includes happiness—perfect, perpetual, never ending happiness! 

Glory which includes honour—the highest, holiest, and most satisfying honour!

Glory, or splendour—which will fill the soul, clothe the body, and dignify the entire person forever!

“Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.”

(1 Corinthians 2:9)

(Adapted - Daily Devotions - R. L.)

N.J. Hiebert - 6746   

June 13

“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

(2 Peter 1:21)

The writings of these inspired men are the record of divine revelation. What God revealed, they recorded.

The persons receiving it could not have discovered it by human means.  In many instances, the writers confessed that they did not fully understand the full meaning of the message, but under the guidance of the Holy Spirit they recorded it.

In the providence and protection of God we have in our hands and hopefully in our hearts, all that we need to live for the glory of the One who gave His life for us.

(Drew Craig)

Holy Bible, book divine, precious treasure, Thou art mine;

Mine to tell me whence I came, mine to teach me what I am.

(John Burton)

N.J. Hiebert - 6747  

June 14

“A glad heart maketh a cheerful countenance: But by sorrow 

of heart the spirit is broken.”

(Proverbs 15:13)

The happy man is the one who has a heart at rest, and who can therefore rejoice at all times. Such a one is the soul who has found in Christ not only a Saviour, but a daily portion.

He who casts all cares upon Him, who has learned to commit all his affairs into His hand, will ever have a glad heart and a cheerful countenance.

A burdened heart is the portion of the one who tries to carry his own sorrows and daily cares, and fails to turn all over to Him who so delights to bear them for us.

Nothing breaks the spirit like hidden grief; but such need not be the portion of any saint who will allow the Lord Jesus to be not only his Sin-bearer, but his Burden-bearer too.

(H. A. Ironside - Notes on Proverbs)

N.J. Hiebert - 6748 

June 15

“. . . giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue knowledge . . . ” (2 Peter 1:5)

The apostle turns here in verse 5 to the practical state of the believers. Having given them what would comfort and refresh their hearts, he says, That is not all, now I look at  your own state practically.

"Besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; 

and to virtue knowledge.” 

He knew how easy it was to get slothful, and so he exhorts them to give all diligence in thus adding.

Virtue is that energy and courage of soul, that knows how to refuse, as well as to choose, like Moses, 

who “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,” and so we read, "Add to your faith, virtue.”

You have the faith that connects you with God, and you believe in what as yet you do not see, but now you must add virtue, that courage, which knows how to say “No” to the thousand things that come up day by day, and to press on unswervingly in the pathway that is set before us. 

(Simon Peter - W. T. P. Wolston)

N.J. Hiebert - 6749

June 16

“While I was speaking in prayer, even the [angel] Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.”

(Daniel 9:21)

It is said that in one of Spurgeon’s prayer meetings,  

a little boy rose and asked prayer that his father might read the Bible.

After prayer was offered Mr. Spurgeon looked for the boy and could not find him.

At the conclusion of the meeting he saw the lad and asked him why he had left the meeting.

He replied, “After you prayed for my father to read the Bible,  

I ran home to see him do it.”

"Did he do it?” Mr Spurgeon asked.

“Yes, there he was reading it; and I came back to tell you.”

God makes a promise,  Faith believes it,

Hope anticipates it,  Patience quietly awaits it.

(Traveling Toward Sunrise) 

N.J. Hiebert - 6750

June 17

“For He saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured (helped) thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

(2 Corinthians 6:2)

As an emergency room physician, I saw patients soon after they were injured. "What happened?”  I would ask.  Commonly they responded: “Well, it was so stupid, I was just . . . “ In other words, they knew better, but did not take the time or care to prevent an injury.

How tragic and terrible would it be for one who knew Christ died for their sins, and who knew that accepting Him as Saviour and Lord would mean eternal life; how tragic indeed for such a one to be cast into the lake of fire.  

Forever.  

(David Logan)

Come to the Saviour, make no delay;

Here in His Word, He’s shown us the way.

(George F. Root)

N.J. Hiebert - 6751 

June 18

“For Thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the, storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is a storm against the wall.” (Isaiah 25:4)

How often in the loneliness and strain of our work, when foes, seen and unseen, beset us,

we have been conscious of an invisible wall, the angel of the Lord encamping round about us to deliver us.

Often we have been helpless, with no strength of our own against the enemy.

Yet we have been able to lie down and sleep, conscious that our Keeper never slumbers.

"The wall” is a good figure, for we need not be roofed in overhead.  

Satan can surround us but he cannot roof us over, and we need the upward look unobstructed. 

Never has God’s wall broken down, nor has the adversary breached it.  

Because it is invisible, the devil would have us fear it is not there; 

but it is.  He can come so far but no farther.

If ever we needed a wall, it is now.

The hosts of evil are making their worst mad assaults, 

and no ramparts of our own can avail.

But we have a fortress, a hiding place, a Rock of Ages.

Are you hid with Christ in God?

(Day by Day with Vance Havner)

N.J. Hiebert - 6752  

June 19

“I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me forever: yet hast Thou brought up my life from corruption, O Lord my God.”

(Jonah 2:6)

Jonah had gone down of his own accord, down to Joppa, down into the ship, down into the sides of the ship: three sad steps down, God had brought him down into the sea, then down into the fish, and now God brings him down further still:

“I went down to the bottoms of the mountains.” 

Now Jonah was down about as far as he could go.

It is well for us when we are down.

“I was brought low, and He saved me" (Psalm 116:6).

It is when we are brought down, when our pride is brought low, that He is able to save us.  As soon as Jonah got down to the very bottom, he said,

“I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the bars of the earth closed upon me forever;” 

Then, immediately we read, “But Thou hast brought up my life from the pit, O Jehovah my God.” 

Jonah’s pride was broken; he was just as low as he could get.  It was then Jehovah, his God, brought up his life from the pit.

(Lessons from Jonah the Prophet - G. C. Willis)  

N.J. Hiebert - 6753

June 20

“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fastings, and sackcloth, and ashes: and I prayed unto the Lord my God . . . We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from Thy precepts and from Thy judgments . . .” 

(Daniel 9:3-5)      

Daniel was a man of prayer. . .he paid for his consistent prayer life, even to being cast into the den of lions. In Daniel chapter 9, we have a rare insight into Daniel at prayer.

There are so many things we can learn, as we see how he approached prayer,

the basis upon which he made his petitions, and the manner

in which his prayers were answered.

Prayer is is one of the most neglected exercises of the church of God today.

It is easier to read, to study, to write articles or to preach, 

than it is to pray.

Prayer is foreign to our old nature and whenever we exercise ourselves in this way,

we meet with resistance.

Satan is the “Prince of the Power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2), so when saints pray,

he is there to interrupt the communication with heaven wherever he can.

Prayer puts us into conflict with spiritual forces that are intent on keeping us from 

being on our knees, and so we often succumb.

 (William Burnett)

N.J. Hiebert - 6754 

June 21

“See that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.”

(Ephesians 5:15)

“Circumspectly”  means “looking all around,” like one who is walking in a very dangerous place. There are pitfalls on this side, quagmires on that side, traps and snares all about.

And so this person as he walks is constantly observing where he should next place his feet.

That is a circumspect walk, a walk looking all around.

Christian, your path leads you through a world of sin, a world of folly, 

a world where you are exposed to all kinds of temptations and unholy influences.

Snares and traps abound for your unwary feet. Therefore, walk circumspectly, 

be careful where you put down your feet, be careful as to the company 

you keep, be careful as to your behaviour in any company, so that 

there be that which will bring glory to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Walk not as fools, not as simple ones, not as those who are still darkness,

but walk as wise men—made wise by the wisdom of God.

(H. A. Ironside)

N.J. Hiebert - 6755 

June 22

“We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

(Ephesians 2:10)

“Doing good” for you may mean the pouring out of the wealth of a sympathetic spirit, the imparting of encouraging words to the downcast and the sorrowing, the pouring forth of the sunshine that radiates from a heart in the enjoyment of the smile of God.

You are indeed a profitable Christian if everyone is glad to see you coming, if eyes light up at your approach, especially if little children love to be with you and are sorry when you must go.

You are a profitable Christian if you are making happy those whom Christ came to make happy—particularly the poor, the sick, the lonely, the sorrowing, the sinful, the oppressed.

These six classes of people were closest to the heart of Jesus, because their need was the greatest; and He is best pleased when they are closest to the hearts of His disciples.

Care for these and your lives will exhibit the pure gold of the kingdom of heaven.

(Heaven’s Cure for Earth’s Care - George Henderson)

N.J. Hiebert - 6756

June 23

“If any man . . . open the door, I will come in.”

(Revelation 3:20)

The Heavenly Guest

If you open the door and let Christ in He will come as a courteous guest; He will take the space that you give Him and will leave you all the rest; If you crowd Him out of your of your largest largest room and give him a corner small, If you scarcely remember that He is there and speak of Him not at all.

Ah, then He may grieve when He sees your mind by the cares of the world possessed, When your feet have strayed and your soul is faint and your heart by grief opprest; But He cannot comfort and lift and guide and help as He longs to do—  Where He sits apart in your House of Life—for you have not asked Him to.

Oh, make him the Master of all you have, the Lord of your heart and soul, Yield all yourself for His dwelling-place and let Him take the whole; He will do with you, He will work for you, He will reign in your life alone, And you’ll find the blessing you have missed and the joys you have never known.

(Annie Johnson Flint’s Best Loved Poems)

N.J. Hiebert - 6757

June 24

“For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and

righteousness and truth proving what

is acceptable unto the Lord.”

(Ephesians 5:9-10)

- We are apt to regard the fruits of the Spirit in us 

rather than the work of Christ for us, as the foundation of peace.

- The Holy Ghost is the only gatherer;  

Christ Himself is the only object to which we are gathered;

and our assembly, when thus convened, is to be characterized by holiness,

so that the Lord our God can only gather to Christ.

He cannot gather to a system, a name, a doctrine, or an ordinance.

He gathers to a Person, and that Person 

is a glorified Christ in heaven.

(Food for the Desert)

N.J. Hiebert - 6758 

June 25

“When Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and 

beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.”

(Matthew 14:29-30)

Peter had a little faith in the midst of his doubts, says Bunyan; 

and so with crying and coming he was brought to Christ.

But here you see that sight was a hinderance; the waves were none of his business

when once he had set out; all Peter had any concern with, was the pathway of 

light that came gleaming across the darkness from where Christ stood. 

If it was tenfold Egypt beyond that, Peter

had no call to look and see. 

When the Lord shall call to you over the waters, “come,” step gladly forth.

Look not for a moment away from Him.

Not by measuring the waves can you prevail; not by gauging the wind will you 

grow strong; to scan the danger may be to fall before it; to pause at 

the difficulties, is to have them break above your head.

Lift up your eyes unto the hills, and go forward—there is no other way.

“Dost thou fear to launch away?

Faith lets go to swim!

Never will He let thee go;

’Tis by trusting thou shalt know fellowship with Him.”

(Streams in the Desert - Vol. One)

N.J. Hiebert - 6759   

June 26

“The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way.”

(Psalm 25:9)

One who truly wants to change for the better does not take offence when reminded of failure.

He does not argue, complain, lose his temper or resort to excuses.

Rather, he accepts responsibility and is grateful for the help in facing what he despises.

True repentance (there is no other kind) makes him humble.

Humility makes him grateful.

It is commonly held that a strong will aids in the development of a strong character.

In reality, an unbroken will impedes growth.

An active will is not teachable.

If we do not hear, we can not believe.

If we do not believe, we can not understand, and we remain in the dark. 

(Nuggets of Truth - John Kaiser) 

N.J. Hiebert - 6760

June 27

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God.”

(Ephesians 5:20) 

No matter what the source of the evil, if you are in God and surrounded by Him as by an atmosphere, all evil has to pass through Him before it comes to you.

Therefore you can thank God for everything that comes, not for the sin of it, but for what God will bring out of it and through it.

May God make our lives thanksgiving and perpetual praise, then He will make everything a blessing.

We once saw a man draw some black dots.  We looked and could make nothing of them but an irregular assemblage of black dots.  Then he drew a few lines, put in a few rests, then a clef at the beginning, and we saw these black dots were musical notes. On sounding them we were singing,

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise Him all creatures here below.” 

There are many black dots and black spots in our lives, and we cannot understand why they are there or why God permitted them to come.  But if we let God come into our lives, and adjust the dots in the proper way, and draw the lines He wants, and separate this from that, and put in the rests at the proper places; out of the black dots and spots in our lives  He will make a glorious harmony.  Let us not hinder Him in this glorious work!  (C.H.P.)   

“Would we know that the major chords were sweet, if there were no minor key? Would the painter’s work be fair to our eyes, without shade on land or sea?

Would we know the meaning of happiness, would we feel that the day was bright, If we'd never know what it was to grieve, nor gazed on the dark of night?”   

Many men owe the grandeur  of their lives to their tremendous difficulties.
(C. H. Spurgeon)   

When the musician presses the black keys on the great organ, the music is as sweet as when he touches the white ones, but to get the capacity of the instrument he must touch them all. (Selected)

N.J. Hiebert - 6761

June 28

“Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.”

(Ephesians 5:2)

“A sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:18). 

There are a number of sacrifices mentioned in the Scriptures besides those appointed through Moses: sacrifices which we can now offer: In Romans 12:1 our body is spoken of as a “living sacrifice,” and this sacrifice is also said to be ‘acceptable to God.’

In Hebrews 13:15 we are exhorted to offer “the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.”

Then in the next verse we are told not to forget to offer the sacrifice of  “doing good and having fellowship, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased”. 

This is exactly the sacrifice the Philippians had offered, and it is described in almost the same words: “God is well pleased”  “Well pleasing to God”.

These three sacrifices are are ones that almost all can offer, if they do not “forget.”

Even a Christian child can offer its body; and its praise, the fruit of its lips; and most children have as much money as the poor widow who offered the two mites, and found it more acceptable to God than all the great offerings of the rich.

(G. Christopher Willis)

N.J. Hiebert - 6762   

June 29

“O Lord God . . . I pray Thee, send me good speed this day.”

(Genesis 24:12)

"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: 

for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth 

what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him."

(Matthew 6:7-8)

Our Lord told His disciples that there was no need for many words when they prayed.

A brief prayer goes straight to the heart of God.

Abraham’s servant teaches us a prayer we can pray at all times, 

however pressed for time we may be.

It covers everything.

“O Lord God, send me good speed this day.”   

Give me success today, in my prayer life, in my 

work, in what I think and say and do, in what I am.

It is a telegram prayer. Let us use it at moments of sudden need.

We know it will be answered, for “our Father knows”

our needs long before we ask Him.

(Amy Carmichael)

N.J. Hiebert - 6763

June 30

"If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he 

put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.

The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious.”

(Ecclesiastes 10:10, 12)

A word is such a potent thing; 

A careless word may break a heart;

A bitter word may burn and sting;

A word can rip a home apart — 

And yet a word can comfort bring;

So, Lord of words, please grant to me 

The speech that spreads tranquility.

(Anon)

N.J. Hiebert - 6764