Gems from June 2020

The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it.  Proverbs 10:22

The Lord is no man's debtor, and those who honour Him, He will honour.  What a wonderful promise!  As we obey His Word, we will experience His Spirit's leading and blessing.

In the same way that air and water fill a container (the more water, the less air and vice versa), so more of the world's ways in our lives will drive out the Spirit's influence over our actions and attitudes.

May God deliver us from the world's influence and may we be filled with the Spirit.
G. Frear

Oh, child of the kingdom,
From sin's service cease:
Be filled with the Spirit,
With comfort and peace.
Philip P. Bliss

N.J. Hiebert - 8131

May 30

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.  Proverbs 28:13

It can never be out of place to proclaim salvation by free, unmerited favour to all who put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.  But it also needs to be insisted on that the faith that justifies is not a mere intellectual process - not simply crediting certain historical facts or doctrinal statements; but is a faith that springs from a divinely wrought conviction of sin which produces a repentance that is sincere and genuine.

Our Lord's solemn words, "except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3), are as important today as when first uttered. No dispensational distinctions, important as these are in understanding and interpreting God's ways with man, can alter this truth.

No one was ever saved in any dispensation except by grace.  Neither sacrificial observances, nor ritual service, nor works of law ever had any part in justifying the ungodly.  Nor were any sinners ever saved by grace until they repented.  Repentance is not opposed to grace; it is the recognition of the need of grace. "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. . . . I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" (Matthew 9:12-13).

Grace is God's unmerited favour to those who have merited the very opposite.  Repentance is the sinner's recognition of and acknowledgment of his lost condition and, thus, of his need of grace.  H. A. Ironside  

Let not conscience make you linger, nor of fitness fondly dream; All the fitness He requireth is to feel your need of HIm.   Joseph Hart 

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May 31

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection.  Hebrews 6:1

There is no valid reason which stands before God save only His order and command. All we have to do is to obey. Elimelech (Ruth 1:1-2) did not go to Moab because he wanted his family to grow in the grace and in the knowledge of God, nor that he might glorify God there in the midst of the customs and ways of this so-called Christian world.  He simply wanted to satisfy his own natural desires.

Elimelech needed the help of God and so do we.  Perhaps there was food in Moab, but life and breath and all things are in the Lord's hands.  To leave Him and to loose life and breath in search of food is worse than folly.  Yet this was the way which Elimelech chose.

It is the way which many others choose also.  He wanted only to "sojourn" in the fields of Moab as a "stranger".  But he died there, and his sons settled there and married Moabitish girls.  Elimelech, the father, sought the things of the world; the children sought the world itself. Death came in and upset their plans.

Is this not the experience of many?  Have we never witnessed something similar?  "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of  death." (Proverbs 16:25).      

How different things would be if only we would act as the Israelites did in Numbers 9:15-23, "At the commandment of the Lord they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the Lord they journeyed: they kept the charge of the Lord." (v.23)
Ruth - H. L. Heijkoop

N.J. HIebert - 8133

June 1

IF THE LORD WILL

We will go into such a city, and continue there (residence), . . . and buy and sell . . . (occupation), and get gain (income). . . . Ye ought to say, If the Lord will. . . . James 4 :13-15.

Where shall I dwell, what toil my days employ,
And whether I shall gain thereby or lose,
Are not, O Lord, for me to will and choose.
The will, the choice, are Thine, I own with joy.

To-morrow's lot I know not, nor can tell
How soon this vapour, Life, shall flit from sight.
I only know Thy will is ever right,
Thy child can trust: Thou doest all things well.
James M. S. Tait

N.J. Hiebert - 8134 

June 2

Preserve my soul: for I am holy.  Psalm 86:2
Neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.   Acts 2:27

The Old Testament word "holy" means pious or godly, set apart.  The New Testament word means "right" by intrinsic character, hallowed.

The Lord Jesus was pure in every way. His words were holy; His deeds were holy; His thoughts were holy.  But on the cross He became sin for me.

Is it possible for us to even begin to comprehend it?
Tom Steere

The Holy One who knew no sin, God made Him sin for us;
The Saviour died our souls to win, upon the shameful cross.  His precious blood alone availed to wash our sins away; Thro' weakness He o'er hell prevailed, thro' death He won the day.

His beauty shineth far above our feeble power of praise;
And we shall live and learn His love through everlasting days. The knowing this, that us He loves, hath made our cup run o'er; Jesus, Thy name our spirit moves, today and evermore.
Hannah K. Burlingham

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June 3

THE LAMB OF GOD

And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt-offering in the stead of his son.  Genesis 22:13 

Please take note of this precious word "behind".  Well may we wonder why "behind" and not "ahead".  Of course, if the ram were ahead of the altar built by Abraham, it might not have escaped his attention before he attempted to offer up his son, Isaac.  Blessing only comes after obedience by faith.  Abraham "lifted up his eyes and looked."

Likewise we, in order to behold the Lamb of God, must learn to lift up our eyes by faith, and behold, looking away from ourselves and from that which is earthly.  The direction where the ram was found by Abraham reminds us that "as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained" the blood of Christ, foreknown indeed "before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you" (1 Peter 1:19-20).

How far the "behind" reached back!  God loved His Son "before the foundation of the world" (John 17:24).  So has God chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4).  
F.S.W.

Lamb of God, our souls adore Thee, while upon Thy face we gaze; There the Father's love and glory shine in all their brightest rays.  
J. G. Deck

N.J. Hiebert - 8136     

June 4

The Desired Haven

"I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."  
Psalm 23:6

FOR ALL ETERNITY.  In the clear light of the New Testament we can assert that every child of God will infallibly dwell in the House of the Lord for all eternity.  "In My Father's House," said the Lord Jesus, "are many mansions  . . . I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2).

And, after He accomplished redemption, we find Him linking us with Himself in the unspeakably blessed relationship which this verse sets forth: "I ascend unto My Father and your Father" (John 20:17).  "And if I go," He continues, "I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am there ye may be also" (John 14:3).

This is confirmed in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, where the apostle, describing the events which will take place at the second coming of our Lord, declares that we "shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord". 

What a strong and sure hope; what a grand and glorious destiny!  The hope is strong and sure because the anchor will never drag (Hebrews 6:19); and the cable will never snap (John 10:35); and the destiny is grand and glorious because "when He shall appear we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2).  Then He shall be satisfied, for "He shall see of the travail of His soul (Isaiah 53:11)"; and then we shall be satisfied, for we shall awake with His likeness (Psalm 17:15). The Pearl of Psalms - George Henderson

"He and I, in that bright glory,
One deep joy shall share,
Mine to be forever with Him,
His that I am there," Frances Bevan

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June 5

I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.  Psalm 16:8

Although it was more than 80 years ago, at about age 6, I clearly remember walking along a busy street holding my Dad's hand.  It was part companionship and part security.  Of course, what I now realize was that his grip on my hand was far stronger than mine on his.  When we crossed at the corner, I felt his grip tighten. He knew of potential dangers, even if I was oblivious to them.  All I had to do was trust.

When each of us accepted the Lord Jesus as personal Saviour, we learned to trust.  His strength was so much greater than anything we could muster.  He is fully capable of protecting and nurturing us along the way; a way that we know is strewn with dangers, pitfalls, and countless temptations. Even when one of  Satan's traps snags us, the Lord is ready to rescue us, as long as we cry out to Him in our weakness.  But even if He allows us to remain entangled for a time, He gives the grace to see His hand in it; always for our ultimate blessing.

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

Put your hand in the hand of the Man
Who stilled the water.
Put your hand in the hand of the Man
Who calmed the sea.
Take a look at yourself
And you can look at others differently.
Put your hand in the hand of the Man
From Galilee.  Anne Murray

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June 6

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet . . . Matthew 6:6 

The apostolic men, the saintly men, the heroic servants of God, the strong soldiers of Jesus Christ, have everywhere and always prayed without ceasing.

- David Brainerd rode through endless American woods praying, thus fulfilling his ministry in a short time.
- John Wesley came out from his seclusion to change the face of England.
- Andrew Bonar did not once miss the mercy-seat, and his fellowship with heaven made him the winsome Christian that he was.
- Adoniram Judson won Burma for Christ through unwearied prayer.
Such was the habit of those who wrought nobly for God.  Selected

Alone, dear Lord, in solitude serene,
Thy servant Moses was constrained to go,
Into the silent desert with the sheep;
The silvery stars his lovely vigil know.

And Paul, the fiery warrior, zealous, bold,
In desert places, 'neath Arabian skies,
Learned God's own lessons, hearkened to His voice,
Grew calm, resourceful, humble, meek and wise.

Alone, dear Lord, I fear to be alone;
My heart demands the blest companionship
Of those that love Thee; friendship's nectar sweet,
With those beloved, I evermore would sip.

But in the desert, Moses, David, Paul,
Were not alone, afar from love or care:
They companied with heavenly visitors,
They knew no loneliness, for Thou wert there.  Alice E.Sherwood

N.J. Hiebert - 8139 

June 7

Now when He had left speaking, Jesus said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught (catch).  Luke 5:4

He (Jesus) will not be beholden to any man, so He is going to pay Peter for the use of his boat.  Peter says, "Master, we have toiled all night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless, at Thy word I will let down the net." (Luke 5:5)

Peter obeys, for he knows now something of who He is who speaks, and, as a result, finds that he never had taken such a haul of fish in all his days.

His answer is at once a confession of failure, and of faith.  Failure as regards his own efforts, and faith in the One who now bids him lower his nets.  Daylight is not the time when fish enter a net, hence the man who would catch them goes out by night.

Reason would have said, if there were none to be got last night, there are sure to be none caught in broad daylight.  But reason is of no avail in nearing God.  Faith alone understands Him; and "the obedience of faith, ("Romans 1:5) as well as its confidence, is manifest in the utterance, "Nevertheless, at Thy word I will let down the net."  At once it is filled to breakage.
Simon Peter - W. T. P. Wolston

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June 8

And truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.  1 John 1:3

Is this indeed true?  Is this fellowship with the Father and the Son more real, more used than our fellowship with one another?  It is so good to be together, to sing and pray and work together, that we may easily slip into finding our first joy there, rather than in that which alone gives vitality to the other.

Let us pray for those who have not the help of human fellowship, that there may be such a sense of the invisible, the spiritual, the blessed fellowship with the Father and with our Lord Jesus Christ, that all loss may be turned to gain.

And let us watch, lest in our joy in His gifts we ever become dependent upon one another.

O God, Thou art my God; early will I seek Thee: my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.  Psalm 63:1
Whispers of His Power - Amy Carmichael

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June 9

". . . He is altogether lovely". Song of Solomon 5:16

What little follies in the writings and in the words of the holiest of men!  But every word of our Lord Jesus Christ was like the most fine gold; or like the frankincense that even when "beaten small," emitted its lovely fragrance from every particle.  How could this be if He were a mere man?  Surely "Never man spake like this Man." (John 7:46).

Our Lord, living in an eternal calm, never hesitated in the face of infinite difficulty.  He did not fear to say to the raging elements, "Peace, be still." (Mark 4:39).

Canute, the Danish king of England, moved his throne near the waves of the incoming tide.  His admirers told him the waves would obey his word.  Canute's submission to their desires caused them all shame; for had he not moved himself and his throne back again, all would have been overthrown by the sea.

Proud words from men carry refutation of their own emptiness and worthlessness.
Leonard Sheldrake

Thy lips the Father's name to us reveal;
What burning power in all Thy words we feel,
When to our raptured hearts we hear Thee tell
The heavenly glories which Thou know'st so well.
J. G. Deck

N.J. Hiebert - 8142

June 10

JOSEPH'S BRETHREN REASSURED

And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.  
Genesis 50:17 

The lack of confidence, after all the love that had been lavished upon them, broke the heart of Joseph.  The saddest thing in all this sad world is unrequited love.  But though his tears showed how deeply he felt he utters no word of reproach.

The very tears would surely be sufficient to wither up their unbelief.  But Joseph leads them into personal acquaintance with himself by letting them know there is nothing but love in his heart towards them, though he fully knows the evil of their hearts towards him.

THE FEAR REMOVED

"As for you," he can say, "Ye thought evil against me," but he can add, "Fear ye not."  He says as it were, "I know all the evil of your hearts toward me, but there is nothing to fear, for there is nothing but love in my heart toward you."  And thus once again he removes all fear as to the past and all anxiety as to the future, for he adds, "I will nourish you and your little ones."  Thus it was "he comforted them and spake to their hearts". Perfect love casts out all fear.

THE CONFIDENCE RESTORED

What a difference this interview must have made to  these brethren.  After this did anyone seek to cast a doubt upon Joseph's love they would surely say, "We have been in his presence, we have made personal acquaintance with himself, we know his mind.  We not only know what he has done for us, but we know how he feels towards us."  Joseph - Hamilton Smith

N.J. Hiebert - 8143    

June 11

AN UNEXPECTED LETTER

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:3

"During the Persian Gulf War, I was assigned to a US Naval ship, serving as a Marine intelligence analyst.  Work days were routine 12-16 hours long and like most soldiers serving in the Gulf, I really looked forward to 'mail call' - receiving letters from home.

During the Gulf war, US armed forces also received an enormous amount of encouraging, supportive letters from the States addressed "To any service member".  Not infrequently, such communications came from public school classes.  But I didn't take any of those letters since I wrote to my wife and two kids every day.  Occasionally I also wrote a note to my daughter Becky's class and felt that I didn't have the time to write anyone else.

However, after several months of hearing the mailroom announce that there were "To any service member" letters available, I finally gave in and picked up three of the letters.  There would be time, I hoped, to at least send them a note expressing our "Thanks" for their encouragement.

During the next week I began to answer the letters. The last of the three letters had no return address, but was stamped with a Kansas postmark.  Seeing the post mark was depressing because my family and I live in Kansas.  It also reminded me how much I missed spending Thanksgiving and the year end holidays with them, and especially how I missed our family time of prayer and Bible reading.

Loneliness swept over me as I began to read the letter, which was obviously written by a youngster, caught my eye; "My daddy is a Marine over there.  If you see him tell him 'hi' and I love him a lot."  I was deeply touched and felt even more lonely for my family.  Skipping to the end to look at the writer's signature, I sat stunned, while silent tears filled my eyes. My own daughter Becky had signed the letter."

Our gracious God and Father has written a wondrous letter, full of encouragement and assurances of His love, to all His dear children.  We are engaged in a "spiritual" combat that grows more fierce each day.  The Bible is God's communication of comfort, encouragement, and wisdom.  Let's read it daily and eagerly!   The Christian Shepherd - Doug Nicolet - November 2009

N.J. Hiebert - 8144

June 12

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.  Isaiah 40:31 

This is by no means easy.  Indeed, it is more difficult to walk than either to fly or run.  To go slow is sometimes harder, and tries us more than to go fast.  There is not the exhilaration which attaches to flying and running.  For walking may mean monotony, and monotony may become a grievous burden.

Some years ago, an editor of a very popular weekly religious journal invited his readers to confide to him what they considered to be their greatest trial in life.  To his surprise, he discovered that to a very large number the monotony of life was their heaviest burden.

As one correspondent put it: "I rise every morning at the same hour, I catch the same train, I see the same faces, I do the same work, and I return home at the same time."  This may not be felt in a similar degree to-day, but there must be still a great many people to whom life is very monotonous.  They may sometimes feel ready to faint.

Here is the remedy: "They that wait upon the Lord shall change their strength" - fresh strength shall be given day by day - it shall be as regular as the duties are regular - and the promise is, "They shall walk, and not faint."
Angels in White - Russell Elliott

N.J. Hiebert - 8145   

June 13

They say unto Him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.  John 8:4.

Some people think they are too sinful, too far gone to be forgiven of God.  Our Lord ministered to this woman who had been found in the act of adultery.

One of the last people He comforted was a condemned thief.

God loves you no matter what sin you have committed.  He wants you to turn to Him.  The thief asked the Lord Jesus to remember him and Jesus heard his cry and told him that he would be with Him in paradise.

Turn to the Lord Jesus and accept the salvation He lovingly offers.
M. Robins

Just as I am, without one plea,
Bu that Thy blood was shed for me;
And that Thou bid'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God I come! I come.
Charlotte Elliot

N.J. Hiebert - 8146

June 14

OCCUPATION WITH CHRIST

"One thing have I desired  . . . to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in His temple."  Psalm 27:4

Jesus! Thou art enough the mind and heart to fill;
Thy patient life - to calm the soul, Thy love - its fear dispel.

O fix our earnest gaze so wholly, Lord, on Thee,
That, with Thy beauty occupied, we elsewhere none may see.

The perfection of the Christian life is to lose sight of oneself completely and to make everything of Christ. The sign of a good state of soul is enjoyment of the presence of Christ. Everything that takes your eye off Christ is a snare of the devil.

The one object of the Christian life  is to learn more of Christ, and Satan cannot find entrance into a heart that is full of Christ.

 We are not to rejoice so much in the deliverances when they come as in the One who delivers us.  The deeper the sense of the state from which we have been delivered the more absorbingly intense our affection for the deliverer.

Intellectual conviction is always powerless, it occupies itself with the truth, and never leads to Christ Himself.

The Israelites were to "gather the manna every man according to his eating."  Exodus 16:16.  The appetite governed the amount collected.  How strikingly true this is of the believer!  We all have as much of Christ as we desire - no more, and no less.  If our desires are large, if we open our mouth wide, He will fill it. . . . On the other hand, if we are but feebly conscious of our need, a little only of Christ will be supplied.   Edward Dennett

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June 15

The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.  Psalm 14:2

O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their later end!   Deuteronomy 32:29 


God's heart is ever open to human need.  He sees the world's empty striving for mastery and it grieves Him.  We too should sorrow as we look around and see a world that is fast ripening for judgment.

Many loved ones are not yet sheltered from the coming wrath and are in need of salvation.  Surely this must lead us to intensify our prayers for them.
Drew Craig

Rescue the perishing, duty demands it;
Strength for thy labour the Lord will provide;
Back to the narrow way, patiently win them;
Tell the poor wanderer a Saviour has died.
Fanny J. Crosby

N.J. Hiebert - 8148 

June 16

THE MISSION OF THE MEEK

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.  Isaiah 57:15

Essentially in the Scriptures where we find such phrases as: "broken-hearted"; "contrite in spirit"; "meek and lowly in heart;" this is what is meant: A man's will has been brought into subjection to the will of God.  A person's powerful passions and drives and energy have been harnessed to do God's work in the world.

The "meek" man is the disciplined man, trained and taught to take on great responsibilities and to discharge them without fuss and fanfare.  He handles tough assignments with apparent ease.

The "meek" person is the one easily entreated of God.  The Master need only speak the word and the worker will throw all of his full weight and strength into the enterprise.

The "meek" man is the one under divine discipline who responds to the call of Christ and tackles the tough tasks without hesitation.  The "meek" individual is the one who gets God's work done in the world without a lot of showmanship or theatrics.
Phillip Keller

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June 17

He went out, not knowing whither he went.  
Hebrews 11:8

Too many of us want to see our way through before starting new enterprises. If we could and did, from whence would come the development of our Christian graces?  Faith, hope, and love cannot be plucked from trees, like ripe apples.

After the words "in the beginning" comes the word "God".  The first step turns the key into God's power-house, and it is not only true that God helps those who help themselves, but He also helps those who cannot help themselves.  You can depend upon Him every time.

Waiting on God brings us to our journey's end quicker than our feet.

The opportunity is often lost by deliberation.
Streams in the Desert.

N.J. Hiebert - 8150

June 18

STEPPING IN THE LIGHT

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.  Colossians 2:6

God would not have us merely "take a stand," He would have us walk.  Too many have taken a stand and are still standing; for years they have made no progress.

The New Testament makes much of our walk.  We walk by faith, not by sight.  We are to walk in the light, walk in love, walk in newness of life, walk worthy of our vocation, walk circumspectly, walk worthy of the Lord, walk honestly, walk in the truth, walk as He walked.

The Christian life begins with a step of faith- "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord" - and it proceeds step by step - "so walk ye in Him."

  We are inclined to take a stand and at best strive to maintain it instead of walking daily with God like Enoch.  Faith grows as we go. And don't let your tongue get too far ahead of your feet.  Let your walk match your talk!    
Day by Day with Vance Havner

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June 19

OLD AGE NO BARRIER

Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.  They shall still bring forth fruit in old age.   Psalm 92:13-14

Some of the fruits of the Spirit seem to be especially and peculiarly characteristic of sanctified older years; and do we not want to  bring them all forth?

- Look at the splendid ripeness of Abraham's faith in his old age;

- The grandeur of Moses' meekness when he went up the mountain alone to die;

- The mellowness of Paul's joy in his later Epistles;

- The wonderful gentleness of John which makes us almost forget his early character of "a son of thunder" wanting to call down God's lightnings of wrath.

And the same Spirit is given to us, that we, too, may bring forth "fruit that may abound, " and always more fruit.

Now, the pruning, sharp, unsparing;
Scattered blossom, bleeding shoot!
Afterward, the plenteous bearing
Of the Master's pleasant fruit.
Frances Ridley Havergal

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June 20

PRAYER AND PROSPERITY

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  Philippians 4:6

Prayer is not a winter garment: it is then to be worn indeed, but not to be left off in the summer of prosperity.  If you would find some at prayer, you must stay till it thunders and lightenings; and not go to them except it be in a storm.

Pray in prosperity, that you may speed when you pray in adversity; own God now, that He may acknowledge you then.  Shall that friend be welcome to us, who never gives us a visit but when he comes to borrow?  Pray in prosperity, that you may not be ensnared by it.

Prosperity is no friend to the memory, therefore we are cautioned so much to beware when we are full, lest we forget God.  You shall find, in Scripture, that the saints have had their saddest fall on the most even ground.

Noah, who had seen the whole world drowned in water, no sooner was safe on shore, but himself is drowned in wine.  David's heart was fixed when in the wilderness, but his wanton eye rolled and wandered when he walked upon the terrace of his palace.  
William Gurnall - 1617-1679

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June 21

Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God?  Shall the thing formed say to Him that formed it, Why hast Thou made me thus?  
Romans 9:20

Remember, whoever you are, if you die the death of the wicked, it is because you despise "the riches of His goodness and forbearance and long suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance."  (Romans 2:4)

For "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on Him."  (John 3:36).  Believe on Him and you are eternally saved, but go on in unbelief and you are certainly lost, for they that go down to the pit cannot hope for His mercy, because the truth of God has fixed a great gulf which none can pass over.

If you are not saved, be not satisfied until you rest in Jesus, who, in wondrous grace, has said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28).
Meditations on Ruth - C. McKendrick

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June 22

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show to you today.   Exodus 14:13

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 

Do you remember when Israel stood between the Red Sea and the hosts of Egypt what is said to them?  "Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord."  They had got from under the claims of the destroying angel.  They were in the salvation of God; but God had secrets in the cloud not yet unfolded to them.

There was a glory there that could scatter the hosts in the Red Sea.  It could turn one side, and take the wheels off the Egyptian chariots.  It could turn the other, and make crystal walls on either side of the Israelites.

So, in standing before the Ephesians, we do not come to see justification by blood, but to let the rich purpose of God unfold itself to our gaze.  How blessed are these divine ways!  Are we satisfied to know the blood on the lintel has delivered us?

All leans on that; but still I say, stand by, and mark the secrets - go and inquire into the cloudy glory before you.  This is just the attitude to take up in Ephesians.
J. G.Bellett - Ephesians

N.J. Hiebert - 8155  

June 23

And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.  
Revelation 5:11-12 

What a host!  You would think that God had enough without us.  Old John Bunyan says, "Oh, this Lamb of God! He had a whole heaven to Himself, myriads of angels to do His pleasure, but this could not satisfy Him.  He must have sinners to share it with Him!"

If you are ever going to sing up there you will have to start in down here.  Can you say, "Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed me by Thy blood?
H. A. Ironside - Revelation

Around the throne of God in heaven will many children sing;
Children whose sins are all forgiven, will heavenly anthems bring.

What brings them to that world above, that heaven so bright and fair, Where all is peace, and joy, and love?  How came those children there?

Because the Saviour shed His blood to wash away their sin;
Now washed in that most precious flood, behold them white and clean!

On earth they sought the Saviour's grace, on earth they loved His name; So then they'll see His blessed face, and praise before the Lamb,

Refrain:  Singing, " Glory, Glory, Glory be to God on high!"
Anna Shepherd

N.J. Hiebert - 8156  

June 24

JONAH  PREACHES

And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.  
Jonah 3:1-2

Scripture is often silent when we wish that it would speak.  Such a time is the gap (if we may use such a word), between the second and third chapters of Jonah.  How much we would like to know where the great fish vomited out Jonah?  Did he return home to Gath-Hepher after his strange and sad experience?

Did the command from God, given a second time, come immediately after Jonah was vomited out of the fish, or was there a space, perhaps a considerable space, of time?  None of these questions we can answer; and it is idle for us to ask them, much as we would like to know about these things.

We do know that God has told us in His Word all that we need to know, and we often can learn from the silence of Scripture as well as from that which reveals it to us.

Perhaps in this instance our gaze is the more steadily kept on God's determined purpose to send a warning to the great city of Nineveh.  The failure of man, even the failure of God's own servants, cannot deter the Lord in His purposes of grace.  What comfort there is for our souls in this thought.  Not that it should make us careless, far from it.

Jonah should surely have learned that lesson.  On the contrary it should give us a deeper and fuller confidence in the One  whom we trust and serve, as we realize that the work is His, and depends on Himself, and He will surely bring about His purposes .  Even though we may fail, He faileth not!
Lessons from Jonah the Prophet - G.C. Willis

N.J. Hiebert - 8157     

June 25

And He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.  Psalm 106:15

When bringing our requests to God, we are exhorted to pray boldly, fervently and persistently.  God's Word also teaches us to pray in His will, by faith and with pure motives.

When we pray with a heart of ingratitude, lust, or presumption, God often graciously declines our pleading.  Yet there may be times God responds to our persistent begging by granting our petition, emaciating our soul so that we will turn back to Him.

Instead let's learn to listen for God's answers, trust His wisdom and like both Moses (Deuteronomy 3:26) and Paul (2 Corinthians 12:9) learn to accept His refusals.
George Ferrier

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o'er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see;
Christ only, always, living in me.
Adelaide A. Pollard

N.J. Hiebert - 8158 

June 26

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes.   Psalm 119:71

In "Fanny Crosby's Life Story by Herself," this remarkable statement of faith in God's overruling hand pf Providence appears: "I have heard that this physician (who unwittingly caused her blindness), never ceased to express his regret at the occurrence; and that it was one of the sorrows of his life.

But if I could meet him now, I would say, "Thank you, thank you, over and over again, for making me blind . . ." Although it may have been a blunder on the physician's part, it was no mistake on God's.

I verily believe it was His intention that I should live my days in physical darkness, so as to be better prepared to sing His praises and incite others  so to do."

Fanny Crosby, blind writer of six thousand hymns testified, "I am the happiest creature in all the land."

O what a happy soul am I
Although I cannot see,
I am resolved that in this world
Contented I will 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.
Written by Fanny Crosby at the age of eight.

N.J. Hiebert - 8159  

June 27

Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  
Matthew 5:14-16.

"Ye are the light of the world."  Christ so designated Himself as long as He was in this scene "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world" (John 9:5).  In His absence His disciples are to witness for Him as lights in this dark world. (Philippians 2:15).  The light manifests the evils that were hidden in the darkness 
(Ephesians 5:13).

"On a candlestick . . .  it giveth light unto all that are in the house."  One who professes to be a follower of Christ, but who hides his light under a bushel - that is, obscures his testimony by an over occupation with the affairs of this life - makes no real impression for good upon his community; but one who lives consistently and is out-and-out for Christ shines as a lamp on a stand, enlightening the whole house,

Mere profession is not enough.  The life should speak for God.  As we live Christ before men, we let our light shine.  Thus they recognize our good works and see in them an evidence of sincerity.  So they glorify God by recognizing the reality of His work in the souls of those who are faithful in their witness and behaviour.

We need to remember that we do not let our light shine by mere profession, but as it was said of our Lord Himself, "The life was the light of men." (John 1:4).  So it is a devoted, faithful life that gives light to others.
H. A. Ironside - Matthew

N.J. Hiebert - 8160 

June 28

Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross.  Hebrews 12:2

The cross was a time of fearful suffering: spiritual, emotional and physical.  Christ did not enjoy the cross; He endured it.  He knew beforehand the nature of His death.  He would be rejected, humiliated, scourged and nailed to a cross.

What sustained Him through that awesome suffering?  Part of the answer is the joy, the anticipation, of having a vast throng of the redeemed in heaven with Him.

When sinners turn to Him by faith it gives Him much joy.  When believers follow Him and live for Him it makes His heart glad. 
Donald Norbie

I gave My life for thee; My precious blood I shed,
That thou might ransomed be, and quickened from the dead; I gave My life for thee, What hast thou given for Me?

My Father's house of light, My glory circled throne
I left, for earthly night, for wanderings sad and lone;
I left it all for thee, Hast thou left aught for Me?

I suffered much for thee, more than thy tongue can tell,
Of bitterest agony, to rescue thee from hell.
I've borne it all for thee, What hast thou borne for Me?

And I have brought to thee, down from My home above,
Salvation full and free, My pardon and My love.
I bring rich gifts to thee, What hast thou brought to Me?
Frances Ridley Havergal

N.J. Hiebert - 8161  

June 29

Glory to God in the highest . . .   Luke 2:14

Glory be to God on high; and that means praising Him,
Telling Him how great He is in Word, in prayer and hymn.
Not only praise for God Himself, but Jesus wants it too.
Worthy is the Lamb once slain a song described as new.  (Revelation 5:12)

God is Light and God is Love, they make a perfect pair,
The glory light illuminates and shows we need repair.
We know we cannot help ourselves, and so His love pours in, Jesus' work at Calvary takes care of every sin.  (2 Corinthians 4:6)

We hold Him in the highest place, His glory means esteem.
We honour Him for all His grace, an ever-flowing stream.
We give Him all pre-eminence, His suffering was severe,
Which surely serves to make our hearts consider Him more dear. (Luke 24:26)

His glory is His Majesty, His kingly perfect reign.
When every eye shall see Him, when He comes to earth again. Then we will be there with Him, close following as His bride. And so we shall be evermore, as promised, by His side.  (Hebrews 2:7) 

Glory means a place on high where God has always been.
It speaks of wonders far beyond what we have ever seen.
But soon the day at last will come when Jesus calls in love,
And we will rise and join Him there up in the clouds above.  (1 Timothy 3:16)

We glory in the fullness of Him who meets our need.
The Man we want to glorify in thought and word and deed.
We glory not in what we do, but in our Lord on high.
He paid the price, once, long ago to keep us ever nigh.  (1 Corinthians 1:31)
Lorne Perry

N.J. Hiebert - 8162

June 30

"Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost?" (1 Corinthians 6:19)

Slavery to habits that destroy body and mind has been the Waterloo of many a promising athlete.  What a pathetic sight is that of a young person, capable of doing really big things, but handicapped by intemperate living, and lacking in self control!  It is only a question of time until he becomes a castaway upon the scrap heap of human wreckage.  No fight is so severe as the fight with self.  No victory is so great as the conquering of self .

To be able to say "yes" or "no" at the right time is an indication of a God-controlled life.  Such a life is obtainable through the Lord Jesus Christ. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me"  
(Philippians 4:13).

There is a deep experience for every soul, where sin is seen in all its horrid ugliness, where the Blood of Calvary's Lamb is appropriated with all its cleansing and transforming power, and where the living Christ is allowed to take full charge, where the "old man" with all his evil propensities is relegated to the place where he belongs - the cross of crucifixion - and "a new creation" in which all the old things are passed away and all things become new is manifested.  Make it yours today!  Mountain Trailways for Youth 

Soldier, soldier, fighting in the world's great strife, On thyself relying, battling for thy life;
Trust thyself no longer, Trust to Christ - He's stronger;
I can all things, all things do Through Christ, which strengtheneth me.

In your daily duty, standing up for right, Are you sometimes weary - heart not always light?
Doubt your Saviour never, This your motto ever:
I can all things, all things do Through Christ, which strengtheneth me. 
R. Hudson Pope

N.J. Hiebert - 8163 

July 1

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

If God should never again send any trials intended to point us and others to Him, would all our sufferings cease?  No.  Left to ourselves, with our sinful natures unchecked, greater harm would result.

But as it is, He gives us only that which works for good and which will bring us closer to Him.  And there is something else: if we know Him as our Lord and Saviour, we will, at His time, go to heaven, where we will never suffer again.
Corrie Ten Boom - This Day is the Lord's

Whatever foes or fears betide,
In Thy blest presence let us hide;
And while we rest our souls on Thee,
Thou shalt our sanctuary be.

Through time, with all its changing scenes,
And all the grief that intervenes,
Let this support each fainting heart,
That Thou our sanctuary art.
C. Medley

N.J. Hiebert - 8164

July 2