Gems from December 2020
December 1
JOSEPH MISUNDERSTOOD AND IMPRISONED
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. Galatians 6:9
Jospeh might have said, "I give all up; of what profit is my godliness? I may as well live as others do." How much nobler was his course of patient continuance in well doing! (Genesis 39) (Romans 2:7) Do right, because it is right to do right; because God sees you; because it puts gladness into the heart. And then, when you are misunderstood and ill-treated, you will not swerve, or sit down to whine and despair.
Above all, do not avenge yourselves. (Romans 12:19) When Joseph recounted his troubles, he did not recriminate harshly on his brethren, Potiphar, or Potiphar's wife. He simply said: "I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon." He might have read the words of the apostle, "Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath."
"If when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God." (1 Peter 2:20).
We make a great mistake in trying always to clear ourselves; we should be much wiser to go straight on, humbly doing the next thing, and leaving God to vindicate us.
"He will bring forth our righteousness as the light, and our judgment as the noonday." (Psalm 37:6) In Psalm 105:19 there follow words which rightly rendered, "The word of the Lord cleared him." What a triumphant clearing did God give His faithful servant!
Joseph - F. B. Meyer
N.J. Hiebert - 8317
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. Galatians 6:9
Jospeh might have said, "I give all up; of what profit is my godliness? I may as well live as others do." How much nobler was his course of patient continuance in well doing! (Genesis 39) (Romans 2:7) Do right, because it is right to do right; because God sees you; because it puts gladness into the heart. And then, when you are misunderstood and ill-treated, you will not swerve, or sit down to whine and despair.
Above all, do not avenge yourselves. (Romans 12:19) When Joseph recounted his troubles, he did not recriminate harshly on his brethren, Potiphar, or Potiphar's wife. He simply said: "I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon." He might have read the words of the apostle, "Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath."
"If when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God." (1 Peter 2:20).
We make a great mistake in trying always to clear ourselves; we should be much wiser to go straight on, humbly doing the next thing, and leaving God to vindicate us.
"He will bring forth our righteousness as the light, and our judgment as the noonday." (Psalm 37:6) In Psalm 105:19 there follow words which rightly rendered, "The word of the Lord cleared him." What a triumphant clearing did God give His faithful servant!
Joseph - F. B. Meyer
N.J. Hiebert - 8317
December 2
And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels. Malachi 3:17
Several years ago there was found in an African mine the most magnificent diamond in the world's history. It was presented to the king of England to blaze in his crown of state. The king sent it to Amsterdam to be cut. It was put in the hands of an expert lapidary. And what do you suppose he did with it? He took this gem of priceless value. He cut a notch in it. Then he struck it a hard blow with his instrument and lo! the superb jewel lay in his hand, cut in half.
What recklessness! what wastefulness! what criminal carelessness! Not so. For days and weeks that blow had been studied and planned. Drawings and models had been made of the gem. Its quality, its defects, its lines of cleavage had all been studied with minutest care. The man to whom it was committed was one of the most skillful lapidaries in the world. Do you say that blow was a mistake! No.
It was the climax of the lapidary's skill. When he struck that blow, he did the one thing which would bring that gem to its most perfect shapeliness, radiance, and jewelled splendor. That blow which seemed to ruin the superb precious stone was in fact its perfect redemption. For, from these two halves were wrought the two magnificent gems which the skilled eye of the lapidary saw hidden in the rough, uncut stone as it came from the mines.
So, God lets a stinging blow fall upon your life. The nerves wince. The soul cries out in an agony of wondering protest. The blow seems to you a mistake. But it is not, for you are the most priceless jewel in the world to God. And He is the most skilled lapidary in the universe. Some day you are to blaze in the diadem of the King of Kings. As you lie in His hand now He knows just how to deal with you. Not a blow will be permitted to fall upon your shrinking soul but that the love of God permits it, and works out from it depths of blessing and spiritual enrichment unseen, and unthought of by you. J. H. McConkey
N.J. Hiebert - 8318
Several years ago there was found in an African mine the most magnificent diamond in the world's history. It was presented to the king of England to blaze in his crown of state. The king sent it to Amsterdam to be cut. It was put in the hands of an expert lapidary. And what do you suppose he did with it? He took this gem of priceless value. He cut a notch in it. Then he struck it a hard blow with his instrument and lo! the superb jewel lay in his hand, cut in half.
What recklessness! what wastefulness! what criminal carelessness! Not so. For days and weeks that blow had been studied and planned. Drawings and models had been made of the gem. Its quality, its defects, its lines of cleavage had all been studied with minutest care. The man to whom it was committed was one of the most skillful lapidaries in the world. Do you say that blow was a mistake! No.
It was the climax of the lapidary's skill. When he struck that blow, he did the one thing which would bring that gem to its most perfect shapeliness, radiance, and jewelled splendor. That blow which seemed to ruin the superb precious stone was in fact its perfect redemption. For, from these two halves were wrought the two magnificent gems which the skilled eye of the lapidary saw hidden in the rough, uncut stone as it came from the mines.
So, God lets a stinging blow fall upon your life. The nerves wince. The soul cries out in an agony of wondering protest. The blow seems to you a mistake. But it is not, for you are the most priceless jewel in the world to God. And He is the most skilled lapidary in the universe. Some day you are to blaze in the diadem of the King of Kings. As you lie in His hand now He knows just how to deal with you. Not a blow will be permitted to fall upon your shrinking soul but that the love of God permits it, and works out from it depths of blessing and spiritual enrichment unseen, and unthought of by you. J. H. McConkey
N.J. Hiebert - 8318
December 3
When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against Me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. Luke 22:53
No longer did the Lord pass through their midst and go His way. No longer could it be said that His hour had not yet come. Events took place rapidly. Judas came near with his kiss of betrayal. Peter cut off the ear of one of those approaching. Defense was not the answer, said the Lord as He gave the man healing. The hour had come.
The Lord notified them, "This is your hour." Hatred had reached its zenith. The power of darkness was at work, inciting men to reject the One before Whom they should rightfully have bowed. Had they not heard His authoritative words? Had they not observed His gracious and miraculous works? Did they not know Who this was? It mattered not. The Lord's righteousness only illuminated the darkness of the human heart.
Their hour stands recorded for all humanity ever since. They rapidly demanded His crucifixion upon a Roman cross. The Messiah had come and they had received Him not. Let us ever be mindful that by the grace of God in the hour of the cross, the great atonement for mankind's sins was made. The solemn transaction between a holy God and Christ took place, making possible the salvation of every person who will believe that Christ died for His sins and who will received Him as his own personal Saviour. G. E. Wood
In that hour of shame unbounded,
When Thine own in terror fled,
When God's plans seemed all confounded
In Thee on the tree seen dead,
Then, blest Saviour,
Was the great atonement made.
W. Kelly
N.J. Hiebert - 8319
No longer did the Lord pass through their midst and go His way. No longer could it be said that His hour had not yet come. Events took place rapidly. Judas came near with his kiss of betrayal. Peter cut off the ear of one of those approaching. Defense was not the answer, said the Lord as He gave the man healing. The hour had come.
The Lord notified them, "This is your hour." Hatred had reached its zenith. The power of darkness was at work, inciting men to reject the One before Whom they should rightfully have bowed. Had they not heard His authoritative words? Had they not observed His gracious and miraculous works? Did they not know Who this was? It mattered not. The Lord's righteousness only illuminated the darkness of the human heart.
Their hour stands recorded for all humanity ever since. They rapidly demanded His crucifixion upon a Roman cross. The Messiah had come and they had received Him not. Let us ever be mindful that by the grace of God in the hour of the cross, the great atonement for mankind's sins was made. The solemn transaction between a holy God and Christ took place, making possible the salvation of every person who will believe that Christ died for His sins and who will received Him as his own personal Saviour. G. E. Wood
In that hour of shame unbounded,
When Thine own in terror fled,
When God's plans seemed all confounded
In Thee on the tree seen dead,
Then, blest Saviour,
Was the great atonement made.
W. Kelly
N.J. Hiebert - 8319
December 4
STORMS & SAFE HARBOUR
Jesus said: These things have I spoken unto you that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
The Bible tells us that there are bound to be stormy times in our lives. For the trusting Christian, it also promises refuge in times of trouble, not necessarily to be taken out of the problem, but given peace in the midst of it. Following are couplets of verses providing reassurance for the soul in Psalm 107.
ONE. Psalm 107:23 and 24 with verse 30. They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep. --- Then are they glad because they be quiet; so He bringeth them unto their desired haven. Every believer has the assurance that there is a safe haven in the arms of Jesus, and the ultimate assurance of being with Him forever in the Father's home.
TWO. Psalm 107:25,28. For He commandeth and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof --- then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and He bringeth them out of their distresses. Sometimes the stresses of our life seem way beyond us. For the calm to prevail, we need to come to the end of reasoning and logic, and cast ourselves upon our Saviour for relief. There we will find shelter and security.
THREE. Psalm 107: 26, 27 with verse 29. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man --- He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
How can it get so good so quickly? The answer is that the Lord Jesus can give us complete calm in the very depths of the threatening disaster. Lorne Perry
N.J. Hiebert - 8320
Jesus said: These things have I spoken unto you that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
The Bible tells us that there are bound to be stormy times in our lives. For the trusting Christian, it also promises refuge in times of trouble, not necessarily to be taken out of the problem, but given peace in the midst of it. Following are couplets of verses providing reassurance for the soul in Psalm 107.
ONE. Psalm 107:23 and 24 with verse 30. They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep. --- Then are they glad because they be quiet; so He bringeth them unto their desired haven. Every believer has the assurance that there is a safe haven in the arms of Jesus, and the ultimate assurance of being with Him forever in the Father's home.
TWO. Psalm 107:25,28. For He commandeth and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof --- then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and He bringeth them out of their distresses. Sometimes the stresses of our life seem way beyond us. For the calm to prevail, we need to come to the end of reasoning and logic, and cast ourselves upon our Saviour for relief. There we will find shelter and security.
THREE. Psalm 107: 26, 27 with verse 29. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man --- He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
How can it get so good so quickly? The answer is that the Lord Jesus can give us complete calm in the very depths of the threatening disaster. Lorne Perry
N.J. Hiebert - 8320
December 5
Marvel not, My brethren if the world hate you.
1 John 3:13
In the first great essential divisions of the Bible, the difference between Cain and Abel was in Cain, not in Abel. Cain (the world) hates Abel (likened to the Christian). Look at Joseph and his brethren. Look at David and Saul; read the story of how King Saul treated David and tried to get rid of him -- the jealousy, envy, and malice. Look at the treatment that was meted out to the prophets, those men of God who were trying to save the nation. It is there everywhere.
Look at the supreme example of our Lord Himself. Here is the Son of God incarnate; here is the eternal life in the flesh. Look at the world sneering at Him, how they picked up stones to cast at Him, how they shouted, "Crucify Him, away with Him!" (John 19:15). The world crucified the very Son of God who had come to save it! "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you." The world does not hate you because you are hateful people; the case of Cain and Abel proves that. Cain did not hate his brother because there was something hateful about him. There was was nothing hateful in Abel, but Cain hated him in spite of that.
Neither does the world hate us because we are good. Let us be quite clear about that. The world does not hate good people; the world hates Christian people. That is the subtle, vital distinction. If you are just a good person, the world, far from hating hating you, will admire you; it will cheer you. And what is true of the individual is true of the whole Church. The world, we are told, hates Christians, not because they are hateful, not because they are good, not because they do good, but specifically because they are Christians, because they are of God, because they have Christ within them.
A Thought to Ponder The World does not hate good people; the world only hates Christian people. Martyn Lloyd-Jones With thanks B. Lucas
N.J. Hiebert - 8321
In the first great essential divisions of the Bible, the difference between Cain and Abel was in Cain, not in Abel. Cain (the world) hates Abel (likened to the Christian). Look at Joseph and his brethren. Look at David and Saul; read the story of how King Saul treated David and tried to get rid of him -- the jealousy, envy, and malice. Look at the treatment that was meted out to the prophets, those men of God who were trying to save the nation. It is there everywhere.
Look at the supreme example of our Lord Himself. Here is the Son of God incarnate; here is the eternal life in the flesh. Look at the world sneering at Him, how they picked up stones to cast at Him, how they shouted, "Crucify Him, away with Him!" (John 19:15). The world crucified the very Son of God who had come to save it! "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you." The world does not hate you because you are hateful people; the case of Cain and Abel proves that. Cain did not hate his brother because there was something hateful about him. There was was nothing hateful in Abel, but Cain hated him in spite of that.
Neither does the world hate us because we are good. Let us be quite clear about that. The world does not hate good people; the world hates Christian people. That is the subtle, vital distinction. If you are just a good person, the world, far from hating hating you, will admire you; it will cheer you. And what is true of the individual is true of the whole Church. The world, we are told, hates Christians, not because they are hateful, not because they are good, not because they do good, but specifically because they are Christians, because they are of God, because they have Christ within them.
A Thought to Ponder The World does not hate good people; the world only hates Christian people. Martyn Lloyd-Jones With thanks B. Lucas
N.J. Hiebert - 8321
December 6
Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:29
In a world of trouble and confusion and frustration, rest for the soul appears to many as a delusive dream -- like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It sounds good, but it's never there. And indeed, formidable circumstances can keep even true believers from enjoying this rest:
1. Terrible events beyond our control crowd into our minds. Our inability to influence these events can easily frustrate us.
2. Situations in which we have failed to act aright can trouble us and leave us with a sense of guilt.
3. Situations we are unsure of what to do can confuse and agitate our minds.
And yet our Lord Jesus Christ has distinctly said, "Ye shall find rest unto your souls." How do we find this rest?
First, by learning daily from the Scriptures of His complete control over every event. Nothing takes Him by surprise. And no event can touch our lives unless He allows it.
Second, by quickly availing ourselves of His forgiveness and restoration whenever we fail. Satan would love to keep us floundering in the "slough of despond" because of our failures. But the One who restored erring Peter loves to restore us also. We need to learn afresh the meaning of those precious words, "He restoreth my soul." Psalm 23:3.
Third, we find rest from our confusion and uncertainty as we learn of His guidance for our daily lives. The confusion in our lives can come from a variety of sources, but God is not one them. As our self-will and self-sufficiency give way to His meekness and lowliness, the path becomes plain and simple. We begin echoing the prayer of King Asa: "Help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on Thee." 2 Chronicles 14:11. G. W. Steidl
N.J. Hiebert - 8322
In a world of trouble and confusion and frustration, rest for the soul appears to many as a delusive dream -- like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It sounds good, but it's never there. And indeed, formidable circumstances can keep even true believers from enjoying this rest:
1. Terrible events beyond our control crowd into our minds. Our inability to influence these events can easily frustrate us.
2. Situations in which we have failed to act aright can trouble us and leave us with a sense of guilt.
3. Situations we are unsure of what to do can confuse and agitate our minds.
And yet our Lord Jesus Christ has distinctly said, "Ye shall find rest unto your souls." How do we find this rest?
First, by learning daily from the Scriptures of His complete control over every event. Nothing takes Him by surprise. And no event can touch our lives unless He allows it.
Second, by quickly availing ourselves of His forgiveness and restoration whenever we fail. Satan would love to keep us floundering in the "slough of despond" because of our failures. But the One who restored erring Peter loves to restore us also. We need to learn afresh the meaning of those precious words, "He restoreth my soul." Psalm 23:3.
Third, we find rest from our confusion and uncertainty as we learn of His guidance for our daily lives. The confusion in our lives can come from a variety of sources, but God is not one them. As our self-will and self-sufficiency give way to His meekness and lowliness, the path becomes plain and simple. We begin echoing the prayer of King Asa: "Help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on Thee." 2 Chronicles 14:11. G. W. Steidl
N.J. Hiebert - 8322
December 7
I (Jesus) am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. Revelation 22:16
The New Testament ends with Christ, the Bright Morning Star, that is the Hope of the Church. Just as the bright morning star is seen before the sun arises, so the Church will see her Lord before Israel will see her Messiah. This title -- the Bright Morning Star -- refers to His coming for His saints, before He comes with His saints as the Sun of Righteousness with healing in His wings to reign in righteousness over the earth.
No wonder that with such a presentation of Christ the Spirit and the Church say, Come. The heart of God goes out in a last yearning appeal in inviting any, who hear, to say, Come, and any who are athirst to drink of the water of life freely. How good to always keep alive in our hearts a desire for the blessing of others.
A solemn warning is given as to adding to or subtracting from the sayings of the Book, evidently emphasizing the deep importance of these communications. Finally the Lord testifies to His own, as if loath to leave the subject, "Surely I come quickly, Amen." How sweetly solemn is the addition of that "Amen." There is no mistake about it. The response from the heart of the Church comes at once, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
Meanwhile, be the time short or long, circumstances easy or difficult--and surely they will be difficult-- "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen" is sufficient for each fainting heart. Surely the coming of the Lord draws nigh. An earnest spirit of expectation is upon the hearts of His people. Events in the world, happening with bewildering rapidity, proclaim the fact that the events narrated in this Book from chapter four are soon to begin. How happy it is that before that time arrives Christ will come for His Church. "A little while, and He that shall come will come and will not tarry" (Hebrews 10:37). How sweet and happy is our prospect. EVEN SO, COME, LORD JESUS." Things Which Must
N.J. Hiebert - 8323
December 8
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Hebrews 12:11
We read of a Christian blacksmith who had a good deal of affliction, and who was challenged by an unbeliever to account for it. This was his explanation: "I don't know that I can account for these things to your satisfaction, but I think I can to my own. You know that I am a blacksmith. I often take a piece of iron, and put it in the fire, and bring it to a white heat. Then I put it on the anvil, and strike it once or twice to see if it will take a temper.
If I think it will, I plunge it into the water, and suddenly change its temperature. Then I put it into the fire again, and again I plunge it into the water. This I repeat several times. Then I put it on the anvil, and hammer it into some useful article which I put into a carriage, where it does good service for twenty-five years. If, however, when I first strike it on the anvil, I think it will not take a temper, I throw it into the scrap heap, and sell it as scrap metal.
Now, I believe that my heavenly Father has been testing me to see if I would take a temper. He has just put me into the fire and put me into the water. I have tried to bear it as patiently as I could, and my daily prayer has been 'Lord, put me into the fire if you think I do need it; do anything you please, O Lord, only, for Christ's sake, don't throw me into the scrap heap'." George Henderson
In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet, God leads His dear children along;
Where the water's cool flow bathes the weary ones feet,
God leads His dear children along.
Refrain: Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long. George A. Young
N.J. Hiebert - 8324
We read of a Christian blacksmith who had a good deal of affliction, and who was challenged by an unbeliever to account for it. This was his explanation: "I don't know that I can account for these things to your satisfaction, but I think I can to my own. You know that I am a blacksmith. I often take a piece of iron, and put it in the fire, and bring it to a white heat. Then I put it on the anvil, and strike it once or twice to see if it will take a temper.
If I think it will, I plunge it into the water, and suddenly change its temperature. Then I put it into the fire again, and again I plunge it into the water. This I repeat several times. Then I put it on the anvil, and hammer it into some useful article which I put into a carriage, where it does good service for twenty-five years. If, however, when I first strike it on the anvil, I think it will not take a temper, I throw it into the scrap heap, and sell it as scrap metal.
Now, I believe that my heavenly Father has been testing me to see if I would take a temper. He has just put me into the fire and put me into the water. I have tried to bear it as patiently as I could, and my daily prayer has been 'Lord, put me into the fire if you think I do need it; do anything you please, O Lord, only, for Christ's sake, don't throw me into the scrap heap'." George Henderson
In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet, God leads His dear children along;
Where the water's cool flow bathes the weary ones feet,
God leads His dear children along.
Refrain: Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long. George A. Young
N.J. Hiebert - 8324
December 9
Look unto Me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God and there is none else. Isaiah 45:22
A man once said to a preacher after a gospel meeting: "I'd listen to your good news of salvation if I heard it from a great speaker like Spurgeon, but I'm not so convinced when I hear it from the likes of you." He was referring to the great evangelist of the 1800's who preached for more than 30 years to crowds as large as 6000. I wonder if this man would have been persuaded if he had known a little about how C. H. Spurgeon himself was saved.
A blinding snowstorm kept fifteen year-old Spurgeon from reaching the church he normally attended. To get out of the storm, he went into a small meeting room on a side street. There were only a dozen people in the room. The preacher couldn't make it, so after a few hymns and prayer, a simple tailor got up to preach briefly on the above verse. According to Spurgeon, this speaker referred to his own message as "very simple indeed." In fact, he could not even read very well.
But his message went direct to Spurgeon's heart: "All God asks you to do is look. Many of you are looking at yourselves. You'll never find comfort there . . . Look unto Jesus, who died, was buried, rose from the grave, ascended into heaven, and is now seated with the Father." Then he looked straight at Spurgeon: "Young man, you look miserable. And you will always be miserable if you do not obey this verse. But if you obey, you will be saved." Then he pointed at Spurgeon--who was not used to preaching that got so personal--and shouted: "Young man, look to Jesus now!" By the end of the message, Spurgeon was saved. Though he became a world-renowned preacher, He would have been the first to tell anyone who wanted to hear him preach, that it is not the preacher, but the Word of God that saves. L. J. Ondrejack
N.J. Hiebert - 8325
A man once said to a preacher after a gospel meeting: "I'd listen to your good news of salvation if I heard it from a great speaker like Spurgeon, but I'm not so convinced when I hear it from the likes of you." He was referring to the great evangelist of the 1800's who preached for more than 30 years to crowds as large as 6000. I wonder if this man would have been persuaded if he had known a little about how C. H. Spurgeon himself was saved.
A blinding snowstorm kept fifteen year-old Spurgeon from reaching the church he normally attended. To get out of the storm, he went into a small meeting room on a side street. There were only a dozen people in the room. The preacher couldn't make it, so after a few hymns and prayer, a simple tailor got up to preach briefly on the above verse. According to Spurgeon, this speaker referred to his own message as "very simple indeed." In fact, he could not even read very well.
But his message went direct to Spurgeon's heart: "All God asks you to do is look. Many of you are looking at yourselves. You'll never find comfort there . . . Look unto Jesus, who died, was buried, rose from the grave, ascended into heaven, and is now seated with the Father." Then he looked straight at Spurgeon: "Young man, you look miserable. And you will always be miserable if you do not obey this verse. But if you obey, you will be saved." Then he pointed at Spurgeon--who was not used to preaching that got so personal--and shouted: "Young man, look to Jesus now!" By the end of the message, Spurgeon was saved. Though he became a world-renowned preacher, He would have been the first to tell anyone who wanted to hear him preach, that it is not the preacher, but the Word of God that saves. L. J. Ondrejack
N.J. Hiebert - 8325
December 10
As the Father knoweth Me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down My life for the sheep. No man taketh it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself . . . this commandment have I received of My Father. John 10:15,18
What confidence the Father must have had in the Son's love and faithfulness to give Him such a commandment as this! What love the Son must have had for the Father, to bear at His commandment the curse and death of the cross! "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God." (Hebrews 10:9).
On the cross our Lord sustained God's wrath against sin; on the tree, He "Was made a curse for us" (Galatians 3:13); in those hours of Calvary's darkness, the Christ of God was forsaken (Matthew 27:46). "Thy wrath lieth hard upon Me, and Thou hast afflicted Me with all Thy waves" (Psalm 88:7).
This is what death meant to the Lord Jesus Christ: made a curse; visited with the wrath of God against sin; in darkness, forsaken, and alone, He died for us. Utterly solitary He died that none of us might have to face death alone.
Crowned with thorns upon the tree; silent in Thine agony;
Dying crushed beneath the load, of the wrath and curse of God."
This was the heart-breaking anguish of his death. God left Him alone in the hour of His deepest suffering. The sorrowing One of Psalm 22 pleaded "Our fathers trusted in Thee: they trusted and Thou didst deliver them. They cried unto Thee and were delivered: they trusted in Thee and were not confounded. But I am a worm and no man; a reproach of men and despised of the people".
The One who was the most faithful and the most beloved was the first to know the bitter sorrow of being left alone by God in the hour of His deep distress. Yet, He who died at Calvary was "glorious in the eyes of the Lord," and He is God's "Salvation unto the ends of the earth." Isaiah 49:6 Leonard Sheldrake
N.J. Hiebert - 8326
What confidence the Father must have had in the Son's love and faithfulness to give Him such a commandment as this! What love the Son must have had for the Father, to bear at His commandment the curse and death of the cross! "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God." (Hebrews 10:9).
On the cross our Lord sustained God's wrath against sin; on the tree, He "Was made a curse for us" (Galatians 3:13); in those hours of Calvary's darkness, the Christ of God was forsaken (Matthew 27:46). "Thy wrath lieth hard upon Me, and Thou hast afflicted Me with all Thy waves" (Psalm 88:7).
This is what death meant to the Lord Jesus Christ: made a curse; visited with the wrath of God against sin; in darkness, forsaken, and alone, He died for us. Utterly solitary He died that none of us might have to face death alone.
Crowned with thorns upon the tree; silent in Thine agony;
Dying crushed beneath the load, of the wrath and curse of God."
This was the heart-breaking anguish of his death. God left Him alone in the hour of His deepest suffering. The sorrowing One of Psalm 22 pleaded "Our fathers trusted in Thee: they trusted and Thou didst deliver them. They cried unto Thee and were delivered: they trusted in Thee and were not confounded. But I am a worm and no man; a reproach of men and despised of the people".
The One who was the most faithful and the most beloved was the first to know the bitter sorrow of being left alone by God in the hour of His deep distress. Yet, He who died at Calvary was "glorious in the eyes of the Lord," and He is God's "Salvation unto the ends of the earth." Isaiah 49:6 Leonard Sheldrake
N.J. Hiebert - 8326
December 11
Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. Philippians 1:27
Earnestly the apostle exhorts these saints to stand fast in one spirit. He saw the need for this earnest appeal. Now he goes a little further, beseeching them to fill full his joy when they mind the same thing. The other conditions for filling full his joy indicate that all in Philippi were not of one mind.
When we come to chapter 4 the apostle speaks out plainly, but oh how gently: "I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord." (Philippians 4:2). Two dear sisters, sisters who had toiled with him in the gospel, were not of one mind: and it kept the apostle's joy from being full. And let us ask what about the Lord's joy in His saints? Did it hinder His tender heart from having the full joy He longed for from His own?
What about us today? We must often fill His heart with grief rather than joy. How few companies of saints do we find where they mind the same thing! Rather, how often do all seek their own; do all look on their own thing; do all mind different things. Oh, the shame and sorrow of it! We know it grieves the Spirit of God and must fill our Lord's heart with sorrow.
We all know something of the exceeding difficulty of healing coldness and divisions that arise between the saints. "A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city." (Proverbs 18:19) Note the skill of the apostle, taught by the Spirit of God. Before ever he mentions the need for them to mind the same thing, he turns their eyes to Christ. "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love" (Philippians 2:1). He reminds them of that mighty bond, the "fellowship of the Spirit," and once again he looks off to Christ: "if any bowels and mercies." Only in Christ will we find healing for these sad rents that come between God's people. Let us be found "Looking unto Jesus" (Hebrews 12:2). G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8327
Earnestly the apostle exhorts these saints to stand fast in one spirit. He saw the need for this earnest appeal. Now he goes a little further, beseeching them to fill full his joy when they mind the same thing. The other conditions for filling full his joy indicate that all in Philippi were not of one mind.
When we come to chapter 4 the apostle speaks out plainly, but oh how gently: "I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord." (Philippians 4:2). Two dear sisters, sisters who had toiled with him in the gospel, were not of one mind: and it kept the apostle's joy from being full. And let us ask what about the Lord's joy in His saints? Did it hinder His tender heart from having the full joy He longed for from His own?
What about us today? We must often fill His heart with grief rather than joy. How few companies of saints do we find where they mind the same thing! Rather, how often do all seek their own; do all look on their own thing; do all mind different things. Oh, the shame and sorrow of it! We know it grieves the Spirit of God and must fill our Lord's heart with sorrow.
We all know something of the exceeding difficulty of healing coldness and divisions that arise between the saints. "A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city." (Proverbs 18:19) Note the skill of the apostle, taught by the Spirit of God. Before ever he mentions the need for them to mind the same thing, he turns their eyes to Christ. "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love" (Philippians 2:1). He reminds them of that mighty bond, the "fellowship of the Spirit," and once again he looks off to Christ: "if any bowels and mercies." Only in Christ will we find healing for these sad rents that come between God's people. Let us be found "Looking unto Jesus" (Hebrews 12:2). G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8327
December 12
For I am in a straight betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better. Philippians 1:23
These words were penned in a dark Roman dungeon. For the apostle it would have been"far better" to exchange it for the light and glory of Heaven. But he recognizes that God might have a reason for him to remain.
There are times in the lives of suffering saints when it would be "far better" to be "absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). At such times, peace can be found in knowing that this blessed release will be given, once His purposes for us in this world have been fulfilled. W. H. Burnett
Here let me wait with patience, wait till the night is oe'r,
Wait till I see the morning, break on the golden shore. Fanny Crosby
Shepherds - Where have all the shepherds gone,Those we loved and knew?
Who helped us with each falt'ring step, and through each face plant too!
Some are gone before our time to pastures green and bright,
Where all is peace, and joy, and love in the Saviour's glorious light.
Others have stumbled in the way, beset by trials sore
Or hindered by the cares of day and hazards of the road.
Some still carry on the fight with foes on every side,
Praying daily for our lives and helping stem the tide.
Will you step in and fill the ranks, thinned and harried so?
To lift each heavy, burdened soul and make their cares your own?
For if you stop with brotherly love to share your neighbour's care,
The Lord will stoop with heavenly love and all your burdens bear! A.Scharf
N.J. Hiebert - 8328
These words were penned in a dark Roman dungeon. For the apostle it would have been"far better" to exchange it for the light and glory of Heaven. But he recognizes that God might have a reason for him to remain.
There are times in the lives of suffering saints when it would be "far better" to be "absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). At such times, peace can be found in knowing that this blessed release will be given, once His purposes for us in this world have been fulfilled. W. H. Burnett
Here let me wait with patience, wait till the night is oe'r,
Wait till I see the morning, break on the golden shore. Fanny Crosby
Shepherds - Where have all the shepherds gone,Those we loved and knew?
Who helped us with each falt'ring step, and through each face plant too!
Some are gone before our time to pastures green and bright,
Where all is peace, and joy, and love in the Saviour's glorious light.
Others have stumbled in the way, beset by trials sore
Or hindered by the cares of day and hazards of the road.
Some still carry on the fight with foes on every side,
Praying daily for our lives and helping stem the tide.
Will you step in and fill the ranks, thinned and harried so?
To lift each heavy, burdened soul and make their cares your own?
For if you stop with brotherly love to share your neighbour's care,
The Lord will stoop with heavenly love and all your burdens bear! A.Scharf
N.J. Hiebert - 8328
December 13
And to love Him (God) with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all . . . sacrifices. Mark 12:33
LIVINGSTONE, ON SACRIFICE
People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. Can that which is simply paid back as a small part of a great debt we owe to our God be called a sacrifice? Is that a sacrifice which brings its own best reward in healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a glorious destiny hereafter?
Away with the word in such a view and with such a thought! It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say, rather, it is a privilege. Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or danger, now and then, with a foregoing of the common convenience and charities of this life, may make us pause, and cause the spirit to waver and the soul to sink, but let this be only for a moment.
All these are nothing when compared with the glory which shall hereafter be revealed in and for us. (Romans 8:18). I never made a sacrifice. Of this we ought not to talk when we remember the great sacrifice which was made by Him who left His Father's throne on high to give Himself for us.
"MY JESUS, MY LORD, MY LIFE, MY ALL, I AGAIN DEDICATE MY WHOLE SELF TO THEE."
The above words were found in Dr. Livingstone's diary under date of the day Stanley left him after failing to persuade him to take the only possible opportunity of returning home.
David Livingstone when but twenty-three years of age was exploring the Dark Continent. Mountain Trailways for Youth.
N.J. Hiebert - 8329
LIVINGSTONE, ON SACRIFICE
People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. Can that which is simply paid back as a small part of a great debt we owe to our God be called a sacrifice? Is that a sacrifice which brings its own best reward in healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a glorious destiny hereafter?
Away with the word in such a view and with such a thought! It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say, rather, it is a privilege. Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or danger, now and then, with a foregoing of the common convenience and charities of this life, may make us pause, and cause the spirit to waver and the soul to sink, but let this be only for a moment.
All these are nothing when compared with the glory which shall hereafter be revealed in and for us. (Romans 8:18). I never made a sacrifice. Of this we ought not to talk when we remember the great sacrifice which was made by Him who left His Father's throne on high to give Himself for us.
"MY JESUS, MY LORD, MY LIFE, MY ALL, I AGAIN DEDICATE MY WHOLE SELF TO THEE."
The above words were found in Dr. Livingstone's diary under date of the day Stanley left him after failing to persuade him to take the only possible opportunity of returning home.
David Livingstone when but twenty-three years of age was exploring the Dark Continent. Mountain Trailways for Youth.
N.J. Hiebert - 8329
December 14
Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, I will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee . Matthew 26:31-32.
He is not here: for He is risen as He said. . . . go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead; and behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him: Lo, I have told you.
He is not here: for He is risen as He said. . . . go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead; and behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him: Lo, I have told you.
(Matthew 28:6-7)
On the last journey to Jerusalem the Saviour charged the disciples to meet him in Galilee after His resurrection. They were reminded of His words by the angels at the sepulchre. Yet, when they reached the North, instead of quietly waiting for the Lord, seven of them went fishing, Simon Peter being the leader of this departure. Their night's labour yielded nothing, for what blessing can disobedient ones expect from God?
At dawn a stranger on the shore challenged them as to their condition; and presently, at His command, they let down their net once more, and this time "they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes." John said to Peter: "it is the Lord". Instantly the impulsive Peter put on his coat, and flung himself into the sea in order to hasten to His feet.
Very beautiful is this! Even after his shameful denial of his Lord, the apostle felt nowhere so happy as in His presence. If human love had broken down, the offender knew perfectly that divine love was still the same. Let every believer find comfort in the thought!
When the weary fishermen reached the shore that morning they found "a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread." A divinely provided breakfast for disobedient disciples! Well has the poet said, "To those who fall, how kind Thou art!" Not a word of remonstrance did the Saviour address either to Peter or his companions until He had first refreshed them with His bounty.
Peter the Apostle - W.W. Fereday
N.J. Hiebert - 8330
On the last journey to Jerusalem the Saviour charged the disciples to meet him in Galilee after His resurrection. They were reminded of His words by the angels at the sepulchre. Yet, when they reached the North, instead of quietly waiting for the Lord, seven of them went fishing, Simon Peter being the leader of this departure. Their night's labour yielded nothing, for what blessing can disobedient ones expect from God?
At dawn a stranger on the shore challenged them as to their condition; and presently, at His command, they let down their net once more, and this time "they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes." John said to Peter: "it is the Lord". Instantly the impulsive Peter put on his coat, and flung himself into the sea in order to hasten to His feet.
Very beautiful is this! Even after his shameful denial of his Lord, the apostle felt nowhere so happy as in His presence. If human love had broken down, the offender knew perfectly that divine love was still the same. Let every believer find comfort in the thought!
When the weary fishermen reached the shore that morning they found "a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread." A divinely provided breakfast for disobedient disciples! Well has the poet said, "To those who fall, how kind Thou art!" Not a word of remonstrance did the Saviour address either to Peter or his companions until He had first refreshed them with His bounty.
Peter the Apostle - W.W. Fereday
N.J. Hiebert - 8330
December 15
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these? John 21:15
"When then they had dined," the questioning began. It was a warmed and filled Peter that was interrogated that day. "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these?" How the question would strike home, seeing that Peter had so vehemently affirmed, "Although all shall be offended, yet will not I" Mark 14:29.
The apostle could but reply, "yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee." Never again could he say, "more than these"; his self-sufficiency was humbled and broken. The Lord employed the word indicative of general affection; Peter in his reply gave utterance to a stronger term, one of special affection, meaning "I dearly love." Forthwith the Lord said: "Feed My lambs."
Presently He challenged the apostle in a milder way -- "Lovest thou Me?" dropping the words "more than these." Peter replying as before, He said "Feed My sheep." Then the Lord demanded a third time, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?" this time using Peter's own word of special affection. This completely broke down the apostle, who could now but cast himself upon the Master's omniscience: "Lord, Thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love Thee."
It was a frank confession that those who had read his life of late could not have gathered from it that Christ was aught to him; but that, nevertheless, at the bottom of his heart there was a true appreciation of His priceless worth. Once more the Saviour said: "Feed My sheep."
No man is competent to serve our Lord Jesus Christ who has not trodden Peter's path. 1. Born again, his sins forgiven by the Saviour's atoning blood, 2. HIs self-confidence shattered that hence forward no power may operate within him but that of the divine Spirit. Peter - W. W. Fereday.
N.J. Hiebert - 8331
"When then they had dined," the questioning began. It was a warmed and filled Peter that was interrogated that day. "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these?" How the question would strike home, seeing that Peter had so vehemently affirmed, "Although all shall be offended, yet will not I" Mark 14:29.
The apostle could but reply, "yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee." Never again could he say, "more than these"; his self-sufficiency was humbled and broken. The Lord employed the word indicative of general affection; Peter in his reply gave utterance to a stronger term, one of special affection, meaning "I dearly love." Forthwith the Lord said: "Feed My lambs."
Presently He challenged the apostle in a milder way -- "Lovest thou Me?" dropping the words "more than these." Peter replying as before, He said "Feed My sheep." Then the Lord demanded a third time, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?" this time using Peter's own word of special affection. This completely broke down the apostle, who could now but cast himself upon the Master's omniscience: "Lord, Thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love Thee."
It was a frank confession that those who had read his life of late could not have gathered from it that Christ was aught to him; but that, nevertheless, at the bottom of his heart there was a true appreciation of His priceless worth. Once more the Saviour said: "Feed My sheep."
No man is competent to serve our Lord Jesus Christ who has not trodden Peter's path. 1. Born again, his sins forgiven by the Saviour's atoning blood, 2. HIs self-confidence shattered that hence forward no power may operate within him but that of the divine Spirit. Peter - W. W. Fereday.
N.J. Hiebert - 8331
December 16
". . . the pleasures of sin for a season . . ."
Hebrews 11:2.
"Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light"
"Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light"
2 Corinthians 11:14.
We sometimes call them Venus Fly Trap. But in the tropics a similar flower is called "Nepenthes". The meaning of its name is as sobering to consider as the manner in which it traps its victims. "Nepenthes" comes from an ancient Greek word that means "forgetting sorrow"-- something that masks pain (such as some modern day narcotic drugs).
The Nepenthes is a "jug" shaped flower with a narrow neck and a wide, deep body, attached to a long stalk. Inside, the flower is covered with sharp downward pointing spikes. The spikes and the outside opening rim of the flower are coated with a sweet honey-like syrup. Insects, attracted by the sweetness, eagerly begin to consume it gradually being enticed to enter the deadly flower's neck to get more. Enjoying the seemingly endless supply of sweet syrup the insect moves lower until suddenly it finds the sweet syrup is gone! The slippery sides of the Nepenthes afford no foot hold for its victim to escape. And even if the trapped prisoner were able to turn around, it meets sharp pointed spikes barring any exit.
How solemnly this reminds us of Satan as he seeks to trap dear believers, especially the young, with what seems so exiting and attractive in this world. At first, sin often seems "sweet and harmless". Yet each step in the downward path of self-will, seeking more and more fleeting pleasure from this world, only takes the believer deeper into Satan's awful deathtrap.
Only insects caught in these traps are ones that are hungry. Too often we aren't "satisfied" with what our loving God and Father has provided--"every good gift and every perfect gift" (James 1:17). Yet He always and only "filleth the hungry with good things" (Luke1:53). Satan can only offer a tempting "narcotic"--a "Nepenthes" by which he lulls souls into moral sleep till they become trapped in tragedy and sorrow. T.C.S - Feed the Flock
N.J. Hiebert - 8332
We sometimes call them Venus Fly Trap. But in the tropics a similar flower is called "Nepenthes". The meaning of its name is as sobering to consider as the manner in which it traps its victims. "Nepenthes" comes from an ancient Greek word that means "forgetting sorrow"-- something that masks pain (such as some modern day narcotic drugs).
The Nepenthes is a "jug" shaped flower with a narrow neck and a wide, deep body, attached to a long stalk. Inside, the flower is covered with sharp downward pointing spikes. The spikes and the outside opening rim of the flower are coated with a sweet honey-like syrup. Insects, attracted by the sweetness, eagerly begin to consume it gradually being enticed to enter the deadly flower's neck to get more. Enjoying the seemingly endless supply of sweet syrup the insect moves lower until suddenly it finds the sweet syrup is gone! The slippery sides of the Nepenthes afford no foot hold for its victim to escape. And even if the trapped prisoner were able to turn around, it meets sharp pointed spikes barring any exit.
How solemnly this reminds us of Satan as he seeks to trap dear believers, especially the young, with what seems so exiting and attractive in this world. At first, sin often seems "sweet and harmless". Yet each step in the downward path of self-will, seeking more and more fleeting pleasure from this world, only takes the believer deeper into Satan's awful deathtrap.
Only insects caught in these traps are ones that are hungry. Too often we aren't "satisfied" with what our loving God and Father has provided--"every good gift and every perfect gift" (James 1:17). Yet He always and only "filleth the hungry with good things" (Luke1:53). Satan can only offer a tempting "narcotic"--a "Nepenthes" by which he lulls souls into moral sleep till they become trapped in tragedy and sorrow. T.C.S - Feed the Flock
N.J. Hiebert - 8332
December 17
Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
Only three words, but in those three words is the whole secret of life.
Looking unto Jesus in the Scriptures, to learn there what He is, what He has done, what He gives, what He desires; to find in His character our pattern, in His teachings our instruction, in His precepts our law, in His promises our support, in His person and in His work a full satisfaction provided for every need of our souls.
Looking unto Jesus crucified to find in His shed blood our ransom, our pardon, our peace.
Looking unto Jesus risen to find in Him the righteousness which alone makes us righteous and permits us, all unworthy as we are, to draw near with boldness in His name to Him who is His Father and our Father, His God and our God.
Looking unto Jesus glorified to find in Him our heavenly Advocate completing by His intercession the work inspired by His loving kindness for our salvation (1 John 2:1); who even now is appearing for us before the face of God (Hebrews 9:24), the kingly Priest, the spotless Victim, continually bearing the iniquity of our holy things (Exodus 28:38).
Looking unto Jesus revealed by the Holy Spirit to find in constant communion with Him the cleansing of our sin-stained hearts, the illumination of our darkened spirits, the transformation of our rebel wills; enabled by Him to triumph over all attacks of the world and of the evil one, resisting their violence by Jesus our Strength, and overcoming their subtilty by Jesus our Wisdom; upheld by the sympathy of Jesus, who was spared no temptation, and by the help of Jesus, who yielded to none. T. Monod
N.J. Hiebert - 8333
Only three words, but in those three words is the whole secret of life.
Looking unto Jesus in the Scriptures, to learn there what He is, what He has done, what He gives, what He desires; to find in His character our pattern, in His teachings our instruction, in His precepts our law, in His promises our support, in His person and in His work a full satisfaction provided for every need of our souls.
Looking unto Jesus crucified to find in His shed blood our ransom, our pardon, our peace.
Looking unto Jesus risen to find in Him the righteousness which alone makes us righteous and permits us, all unworthy as we are, to draw near with boldness in His name to Him who is His Father and our Father, His God and our God.
Looking unto Jesus glorified to find in Him our heavenly Advocate completing by His intercession the work inspired by His loving kindness for our salvation (1 John 2:1); who even now is appearing for us before the face of God (Hebrews 9:24), the kingly Priest, the spotless Victim, continually bearing the iniquity of our holy things (Exodus 28:38).
Looking unto Jesus revealed by the Holy Spirit to find in constant communion with Him the cleansing of our sin-stained hearts, the illumination of our darkened spirits, the transformation of our rebel wills; enabled by Him to triumph over all attacks of the world and of the evil one, resisting their violence by Jesus our Strength, and overcoming their subtilty by Jesus our Wisdom; upheld by the sympathy of Jesus, who was spared no temptation, and by the help of Jesus, who yielded to none. T. Monod
N.J. Hiebert - 8333
December 18
He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth. Isaiah 53:7
Never allow yourself to answer again when you are blamed. Never defend your self. Let them reprehend you, in private or in public, as much as they please. "Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let them reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head" (Psalm 141:5). Never so much as explain your meaning under any invitation or demand whatsoever.
It is the mark of the deepest and truest humility, to see ourselves condemned without cause, and to be silent under it. To be silent under insult and wrong is a noble imitation of our Lord. O my Lord, when I remember in how many ways Thou didst suffer, Who in no way deserved it, I know not where my senses are when I am in such a haste to defend and excuse myself.
Is it possible I should desire anyone to speak good of me, or to think it, when so many ill things were thought and spoken of Thee! What is this, Lord; what do we imagine to get by pleasing words? What about being blamed by all men, if only we stand at last blameless before Thee! Alexander Whyte
The day when Jesus stood alone and felt the hearts of men like stone, And knew He came but to atone--that day "He held His peace." They witnessed falsely to His word, they bound Him with a cruel cord, And mockingly proclaimed Him Lord: and "But Jesus held His peace."
They spat upon Him in the face, they dragged Him on from place to place, They heaped upon Him all disgrace; "But Jesus held His peace." My friend, have you for far much less, with rage, which you called righteousness,
Never allow yourself to answer again when you are blamed. Never defend your self. Let them reprehend you, in private or in public, as much as they please. "Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let them reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head" (Psalm 141:5). Never so much as explain your meaning under any invitation or demand whatsoever.
It is the mark of the deepest and truest humility, to see ourselves condemned without cause, and to be silent under it. To be silent under insult and wrong is a noble imitation of our Lord. O my Lord, when I remember in how many ways Thou didst suffer, Who in no way deserved it, I know not where my senses are when I am in such a haste to defend and excuse myself.
Is it possible I should desire anyone to speak good of me, or to think it, when so many ill things were thought and spoken of Thee! What is this, Lord; what do we imagine to get by pleasing words? What about being blamed by all men, if only we stand at last blameless before Thee! Alexander Whyte
The day when Jesus stood alone and felt the hearts of men like stone, And knew He came but to atone--that day "He held His peace." They witnessed falsely to His word, they bound Him with a cruel cord, And mockingly proclaimed Him Lord: and "But Jesus held His peace."
They spat upon Him in the face, they dragged Him on from place to place, They heaped upon Him all disgrace; "But Jesus held His peace." My friend, have you for far much less, with rage, which you called righteousness,
Resented slights with great distress? your Saviour" Held His peace." L. S. P.
N.J. Hiebert - 8334
N.J. Hiebert - 8334
December 19
"YES, BUT" AND "WHAT IF?"
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:18
Habakkuk enumerates a lot of gloomy circumstances, failure of figs and olives and vines and fields and flocks. But although these barren states exist, he will rejoice and be glad, for heaven never knows a drought.
Whether actual or potential, we have to reckon with failure around us, and the devil whispers, "Yes, but" . . . and "What if . . .?" "What if you get sick? What if this friend proves false? What if this effort fails?"
If you are going to add up all that may happen, you may as well add sleeplessness and maybe a nervous breakdown. And the thing you fear is more than likely to arrive. "For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me" (Job 3:25).
We might as well face the worse thing that could happen and say, "Let worse come to worst, so what? I still have God." Drop your tense grip and fall into His arms. Break the tyranny of Yes, But and What If! Faith is worth nothing until it disregards the Failure around us and rejoices in the Faithfulness above us.
Day by Day with Vance Havner.
N.J. Hiebert - 8335
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:18
Habakkuk enumerates a lot of gloomy circumstances, failure of figs and olives and vines and fields and flocks. But although these barren states exist, he will rejoice and be glad, for heaven never knows a drought.
Whether actual or potential, we have to reckon with failure around us, and the devil whispers, "Yes, but" . . . and "What if . . .?" "What if you get sick? What if this friend proves false? What if this effort fails?"
If you are going to add up all that may happen, you may as well add sleeplessness and maybe a nervous breakdown. And the thing you fear is more than likely to arrive. "For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me" (Job 3:25).
We might as well face the worse thing that could happen and say, "Let worse come to worst, so what? I still have God." Drop your tense grip and fall into His arms. Break the tyranny of Yes, But and What If! Faith is worth nothing until it disregards the Failure around us and rejoices in the Faithfulness above us.
Day by Day with Vance Havner.
N.J. Hiebert - 8335
December 20
And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, He said to the ruler of his house, Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready; for these men shall dine with me at noon. Genesis 43:16
When their brother, who was to be their saviour, saw that they had brought with them the dearest treasure of their family, there went forth the instant word for a king's feast to be prepared for them.
That is all that my Saviour is waiting for that He may lavish the fullness of His bounty upon me: my bringing to Him the dearest possession of my life--myself--in unconditional surrender to His mastery, confessing my helplessness and awful need. Then He gives the word that I may come into His own house and eat at His table the best food of which He Himself partakes.
The surrender of Benjamin, their dearest possession, was the key to all the treasures of the kingdom--yes, even to the recognition of Joseph by the brothers and Jacob. The surrender of the costliest possession of my life is the key to the treasures of the kingdom for me--yes, even to the full recognition and appropriation of Christ as my whole and only life.
Messages for the Morning Watch
For me Lord Jesus, Thou hast died,
And I have died in Thee;
Thou'rt risen: my bands are all untied;
And now Thou liv'st in me.
The Father's face of radiant grace
Shines now in light on me.
Mrs. Cousins
N.J. Hiebert - 8336
When their brother, who was to be their saviour, saw that they had brought with them the dearest treasure of their family, there went forth the instant word for a king's feast to be prepared for them.
That is all that my Saviour is waiting for that He may lavish the fullness of His bounty upon me: my bringing to Him the dearest possession of my life--myself--in unconditional surrender to His mastery, confessing my helplessness and awful need. Then He gives the word that I may come into His own house and eat at His table the best food of which He Himself partakes.
The surrender of Benjamin, their dearest possession, was the key to all the treasures of the kingdom--yes, even to the recognition of Joseph by the brothers and Jacob. The surrender of the costliest possession of my life is the key to the treasures of the kingdom for me--yes, even to the full recognition and appropriation of Christ as my whole and only life.
Messages for the Morning Watch
For me Lord Jesus, Thou hast died,
And I have died in Thee;
Thou'rt risen: my bands are all untied;
And now Thou liv'st in me.
The Father's face of radiant grace
Shines now in light on me.
Mrs. Cousins
N.J. Hiebert - 8336
December 21
For every man shall bear his own burden.
Galatians 6:5
The burden (load) in verse 5 is the same word as the "light burden" that Christ speaks of in Matthew 11:30 "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." It really means "something carried," whether it be heavy or light, and it is often used for a soldier's "pack". You know in an army each soldier has his own pack, and he himself is responsible to carry that. Perhaps here, the Apostle is thinking of those individual packs which he had so often seen the Roman soldiers carrying. The Christian soldier also has own pack, and we must each one carry that.
Some soldiers put their own private things into their packs and make them heavy, but Christ's pack that He gives to each one of us is light. If we fill it up with gold, or even with books, or some other thing that in our eyes is quite innocent and harmless, we will soon find that our "load" has become very heavy. One of the best Christian soldiers that I ever knew used to say: My life motto is "travel light!" Do not put anything in that pack except what the Captain of our salvation has put in it, and then we may be sure our load will be, as He promised, "light."
But there is another burden that is never meant for the shoulders of a Christian, and that is the heavy, heavy burden of anxiety. The Lord says: "Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6-7). He tells us also what to do with anxiety when it comes, "Casting all your cares (anxiety) upon Him; for He careth for you" 1 Peter 5:7).
If we fill up our pack with anxiety, we will never have any strength left to bear the burdens of another. In Hebrews 10:35 we are told of something we are not to "cast away" and that is "our confidence, which hath great recompense of reward." Too often we cast away our confidence, and carry all our care. Galatians - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8337
The burden (load) in verse 5 is the same word as the "light burden" that Christ speaks of in Matthew 11:30 "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." It really means "something carried," whether it be heavy or light, and it is often used for a soldier's "pack". You know in an army each soldier has his own pack, and he himself is responsible to carry that. Perhaps here, the Apostle is thinking of those individual packs which he had so often seen the Roman soldiers carrying. The Christian soldier also has own pack, and we must each one carry that.
Some soldiers put their own private things into their packs and make them heavy, but Christ's pack that He gives to each one of us is light. If we fill it up with gold, or even with books, or some other thing that in our eyes is quite innocent and harmless, we will soon find that our "load" has become very heavy. One of the best Christian soldiers that I ever knew used to say: My life motto is "travel light!" Do not put anything in that pack except what the Captain of our salvation has put in it, and then we may be sure our load will be, as He promised, "light."
But there is another burden that is never meant for the shoulders of a Christian, and that is the heavy, heavy burden of anxiety. The Lord says: "Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6-7). He tells us also what to do with anxiety when it comes, "Casting all your cares (anxiety) upon Him; for He careth for you" 1 Peter 5:7).
If we fill up our pack with anxiety, we will never have any strength left to bear the burdens of another. In Hebrews 10:35 we are told of something we are not to "cast away" and that is "our confidence, which hath great recompense of reward." Too often we cast away our confidence, and carry all our care. Galatians - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8337
December 22
And when He had spoken these things . . . He was taken up; and a cloud received Him our of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, . . . why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven. Acts 1:9-11
The words of the angels would impress the hearts of each of the disciples with the precious fact that the One they had known would be eternally the same. None of them had lost the Saviour who spoke peace to their hearts. Not one had lost the Friend who so tenderly cared for him.
The One who Mary Magdalene called "Rabboni" (John 20:16), was coming again, her Saviour and gracious Lord. He whose voice had so often stilled the fears of His troubled disciples, as He spoke peace or pardon to their hearts, was coming back again. He has the same love, the same longsuffering, the same goodness, though now He sits on the throne of God. The One who cheered us on our pathway, the One who cared for us as a Shepherd for His sheep, is coming back again.
We read, "And when He had spoken these things" (Acts 1:9). He talked with them as He left them, and how sweet will be His voice when we hear it audibly for the first time:
"Oh, the blessed joy of meeting, all the desert past!
Oh, the wondrous words of greeting, He shall speak at last!
He and I in that bright glory, one deep joy shall share,
Mine to be forever with Him, His that I am there.
The most thrilling joy of the present moment for the people of God, is, "The coming of the Lord draweth nigh" (James 5:8). May we be watching for Him. Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake
N.J. Hiebert - 8338
The words of the angels would impress the hearts of each of the disciples with the precious fact that the One they had known would be eternally the same. None of them had lost the Saviour who spoke peace to their hearts. Not one had lost the Friend who so tenderly cared for him.
The One who Mary Magdalene called "Rabboni" (John 20:16), was coming again, her Saviour and gracious Lord. He whose voice had so often stilled the fears of His troubled disciples, as He spoke peace or pardon to their hearts, was coming back again. He has the same love, the same longsuffering, the same goodness, though now He sits on the throne of God. The One who cheered us on our pathway, the One who cared for us as a Shepherd for His sheep, is coming back again.
We read, "And when He had spoken these things" (Acts 1:9). He talked with them as He left them, and how sweet will be His voice when we hear it audibly for the first time:
"Oh, the blessed joy of meeting, all the desert past!
Oh, the wondrous words of greeting, He shall speak at last!
He and I in that bright glory, one deep joy shall share,
Mine to be forever with Him, His that I am there.
The most thrilling joy of the present moment for the people of God, is, "The coming of the Lord draweth nigh" (James 5:8). May we be watching for Him. Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake
N.J. Hiebert - 8338
December 23
And Jesus taketh with Him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain and He was transfigured before them. Mark 9:2
A glory from within burst forth and irradiates His whole being, until not only His face, but his very garments are radiate with a dazzling light. As the disciples gaze on Him in wonder "there appeared unto them Elijah with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus." These men speak concerning His coming death. "And Peter answereth and saith to Jesus, Rabbi, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses and one for Elijah.
Even while Peter is speaking, a bright cloud comes and overshadows them all. The scene is about to end; but first there comes out of the cloud the voice of the Father conveying the supreme message of the hour, "This is my beloved Son: hear ye Him." There was no need of detaining Moses and Elijah. He had come of whom Moses and the law and prophets had testified, even Jesus the divine Son of God.
Suddenly the cloud departs, and "looking round about, they saw no one any more, save Jesus only with themselves." They needed none other; Him they were to hear; nor could they ever forget the vision of His revealed glory; henceforth He was to them more truly than ever their divine Lord and Master. The mysterious predictions of His death and resurrection were confirmed by what they had seen and heard. Charles Erdman
2 Peter 1:16-18 "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to Him from the excellent glory, this is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount."
N.J. Hiebert - 8339
A glory from within burst forth and irradiates His whole being, until not only His face, but his very garments are radiate with a dazzling light. As the disciples gaze on Him in wonder "there appeared unto them Elijah with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus." These men speak concerning His coming death. "And Peter answereth and saith to Jesus, Rabbi, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses and one for Elijah.
Even while Peter is speaking, a bright cloud comes and overshadows them all. The scene is about to end; but first there comes out of the cloud the voice of the Father conveying the supreme message of the hour, "This is my beloved Son: hear ye Him." There was no need of detaining Moses and Elijah. He had come of whom Moses and the law and prophets had testified, even Jesus the divine Son of God.
Suddenly the cloud departs, and "looking round about, they saw no one any more, save Jesus only with themselves." They needed none other; Him they were to hear; nor could they ever forget the vision of His revealed glory; henceforth He was to them more truly than ever their divine Lord and Master. The mysterious predictions of His death and resurrection were confirmed by what they had seen and heard. Charles Erdman
2 Peter 1:16-18 "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to Him from the excellent glory, this is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount."
N.J. Hiebert - 8339
December 24
When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with HIs disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which He entered, and His disciples. John 18:1
A thousand years earlier some one else walked through this valley, rejected by his people and weeping over what he had left behind? King David had walked this way because of his own heavy guilt; but the Son of David went this way because it was the beginning of His path for the guilt and sins of others.
Here the shadow of the cross fell across His path, and here the Father gave Him the cup, the bitter cup of the wrath of God in just judgment of sin, for He had come to this earth for the very purpose of drinking this cup. There on the cross He was to bear "Our sins in His own body" (1 Peter 2:24), and He "who knew no sin" was to be "made . . . sin for us." (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Before our eyes is the Man Jesus Christ with all His divinely perfect feelings of dependence and obedience. The path leading to the cross lay before Him--the path which He would now have to walk in order to accomplish God's counsels. As He approached this path of suffering He felt keenly what was to befall Him, and He began to be amazed and oppressed in Spirit.
He said to His disciples: "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with Me." (Matthew 26:38) He longed for their sympathy and comfort (Psalm 69:20); He might expect it, but He knew that He would be bitterly disappointed. The only sources of His strength were above, with His Father. Entirely alone, He knelt down; He fell upon the earth, upon His face. He prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from Him. But no one knew as well as He that even this was not possible if He wanted to open the way of salvation for sinners and accomplish the Father's eternal counsels. Therefore He adds: "Not as I will, but as Thou wilt . . . Thy will be done." (Luke 22:42). (F. von Kietzell)
N.J. Hiebert - 8340
A thousand years earlier some one else walked through this valley, rejected by his people and weeping over what he had left behind? King David had walked this way because of his own heavy guilt; but the Son of David went this way because it was the beginning of His path for the guilt and sins of others.
Here the shadow of the cross fell across His path, and here the Father gave Him the cup, the bitter cup of the wrath of God in just judgment of sin, for He had come to this earth for the very purpose of drinking this cup. There on the cross He was to bear "Our sins in His own body" (1 Peter 2:24), and He "who knew no sin" was to be "made . . . sin for us." (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Before our eyes is the Man Jesus Christ with all His divinely perfect feelings of dependence and obedience. The path leading to the cross lay before Him--the path which He would now have to walk in order to accomplish God's counsels. As He approached this path of suffering He felt keenly what was to befall Him, and He began to be amazed and oppressed in Spirit.
He said to His disciples: "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with Me." (Matthew 26:38) He longed for their sympathy and comfort (Psalm 69:20); He might expect it, but He knew that He would be bitterly disappointed. The only sources of His strength were above, with His Father. Entirely alone, He knelt down; He fell upon the earth, upon His face. He prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from Him. But no one knew as well as He that even this was not possible if He wanted to open the way of salvation for sinners and accomplish the Father's eternal counsels. Therefore He adds: "Not as I will, but as Thou wilt . . . Thy will be done." (Luke 22:42). (F. von Kietzell)
N.J. Hiebert - 8340
December 25
THE TRANSFORMING TOUCH
Hearken unto Me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is My law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but My righteousness shall be forever, and My salvation from generation to generation. Isaiah 51:7-8.
Like the chill winds of November, the stern events of our little lives can quickly make our days seem gaunt with grief and grim with the struggle to sustain enthusiasm. Some seasons it seems sorrow is added to sorrow until only the gray framework remains of what had once been beautiful and bright adventures.
In one recent eighteen-month period my wife and I shared in the deepening gloom of no fewer than fourteen families who faced the scourge of terminal illness. At such times of stress and distress a man needs more than sentiment or sympathy. He needs more than pious platitudes or easy pleasantries. He needs God--in all His majesty and glory and might!
Only the transforming touch of the Risen Christ upon the life can change the dark contours of the circumstances. He alone can descend upon the darkness of the soul in sorrow, bringing exuberant brightness and whiteness to dispel the doubts and gloom. He alone can transform the very outlook from one of despair to that of eager anticipation.
If this is to happen then we must be open and receptive to the presence and power of the Living Lord who gladly comes to engulf us with the wonder of His own person. Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller
The Lord is risen: our trumpet-shout shall be,
Thou hast prevailed! Thy people, Lord, are free! W. P. Mackay
N.J. Hiebert - 8341
Hearken unto Me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is My law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but My righteousness shall be forever, and My salvation from generation to generation. Isaiah 51:7-8.
Like the chill winds of November, the stern events of our little lives can quickly make our days seem gaunt with grief and grim with the struggle to sustain enthusiasm. Some seasons it seems sorrow is added to sorrow until only the gray framework remains of what had once been beautiful and bright adventures.
In one recent eighteen-month period my wife and I shared in the deepening gloom of no fewer than fourteen families who faced the scourge of terminal illness. At such times of stress and distress a man needs more than sentiment or sympathy. He needs more than pious platitudes or easy pleasantries. He needs God--in all His majesty and glory and might!
Only the transforming touch of the Risen Christ upon the life can change the dark contours of the circumstances. He alone can descend upon the darkness of the soul in sorrow, bringing exuberant brightness and whiteness to dispel the doubts and gloom. He alone can transform the very outlook from one of despair to that of eager anticipation.
If this is to happen then we must be open and receptive to the presence and power of the Living Lord who gladly comes to engulf us with the wonder of His own person. Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller
The Lord is risen: our trumpet-shout shall be,
Thou hast prevailed! Thy people, Lord, are free! W. P. Mackay
N.J. Hiebert - 8341
December 26
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. . . . and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:18,20
What the Lord said to the eleven is of great interest, and full of comfort to us. While addressed to them, His words are of immense value to us, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth" (ver.18). If we got hold of this immense truth, we should not be so poverty-stricken spiritually as we often are.
This sad condition obtains oftentimes just because we have not realized that He has all power, and it is at the disposal of faith and affection. His closing words here, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (ver 20), have carried with them deepest comfort and support to all His own from that day to this.
Well indeed may we rest upon them in simple faith. The hope of our hearts is to be with Him. Meantime what sustains these hearts? He says, "I am with you." The Lord is coming back to take us to be where He is, but till then He is with us. Matthew's gospel closes by showing us the Lord in the midst of His people saying, "I am with you alway," i.e., He remains here.
He is at the right hand of God--all power is in His hands, and He gives us the grace and cheer of His presence as we pass along here. All power is in the hands of the Anointed Man at God's right hand, upon whom our eyes should be fixed steadfastly. W. T. P. Wolston
N.J. Hiebert - 8342
What the Lord said to the eleven is of great interest, and full of comfort to us. While addressed to them, His words are of immense value to us, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth" (ver.18). If we got hold of this immense truth, we should not be so poverty-stricken spiritually as we often are.
This sad condition obtains oftentimes just because we have not realized that He has all power, and it is at the disposal of faith and affection. His closing words here, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (ver 20), have carried with them deepest comfort and support to all His own from that day to this.
Well indeed may we rest upon them in simple faith. The hope of our hearts is to be with Him. Meantime what sustains these hearts? He says, "I am with you." The Lord is coming back to take us to be where He is, but till then He is with us. Matthew's gospel closes by showing us the Lord in the midst of His people saying, "I am with you alway," i.e., He remains here.
He is at the right hand of God--all power is in His hands, and He gives us the grace and cheer of His presence as we pass along here. All power is in the hands of the Anointed Man at God's right hand, upon whom our eyes should be fixed steadfastly. W. T. P. Wolston
N.J. Hiebert - 8342
December 27
ENDURANCE (Remaining Behind)
And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. But Shammah stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the Lord wrought a great victory. 2 Samuel 23:11-12
We find a very beautiful example of this word (endurance) in the lovely story of Shammah in the field of lentiles. Shammah "remained behind." Shammah "endured". There are, perhaps, few things more difficult than to endure. When others have given up, to remain behind, is not easy. I suppose Shammah's friends and fellow soldiers told him it was hopeless, it was certain death to stay where he was, and anyway for a field of lentiles (in the Chinese Bible it is "red beans") it was not worth remaining behind.
I expect David had given that field of lentiles to Shammah to defend. And you and I have been given a field of lentiles in the midst of which 'great David's Greater Son' has placed us. Our field of lentiles may be our home, or the office, or the shop. Our field of lentiles may not seem worth defending, and we may feel like giving up, or perhaps we are turning our eyes to fields that seem to us more attractive, and more worth while. Let us remember Shammah, who remained behind when the others fled. Let us endure, as he endured.
Many years ago some kind friends were urging a young man to give up some work the Lord had given him to do. He went in his perplexity to a dear old brother. He will never forget the way he exclaimed: "Give up? All giving up is of the devil!" Yes, our God is "the God of Endurance."
Do you think Shammah would have missed the experience he gained by that fight in the lentile field? Never! And 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 worked endurance. Hid Treasures - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8343
And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. But Shammah stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the Lord wrought a great victory. 2 Samuel 23:11-12
We find a very beautiful example of this word (endurance) in the lovely story of Shammah in the field of lentiles. Shammah "remained behind." Shammah "endured". There are, perhaps, few things more difficult than to endure. When others have given up, to remain behind, is not easy. I suppose Shammah's friends and fellow soldiers told him it was hopeless, it was certain death to stay where he was, and anyway for a field of lentiles (in the Chinese Bible it is "red beans") it was not worth remaining behind.
I expect David had given that field of lentiles to Shammah to defend. And you and I have been given a field of lentiles in the midst of which 'great David's Greater Son' has placed us. Our field of lentiles may be our home, or the office, or the shop. Our field of lentiles may not seem worth defending, and we may feel like giving up, or perhaps we are turning our eyes to fields that seem to us more attractive, and more worth while. Let us remember Shammah, who remained behind when the others fled. Let us endure, as he endured.
Many years ago some kind friends were urging a young man to give up some work the Lord had given him to do. He went in his perplexity to a dear old brother. He will never forget the way he exclaimed: "Give up? All giving up is of the devil!" Yes, our God is "the God of Endurance."
Do you think Shammah would have missed the experience he gained by that fight in the lentile field? Never! And 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 worked endurance. Hid Treasures - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8343
December 28
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
By faith, not appearance; God never wants us to look at our feelings. Self may want us to; and Satan may want us to. But God wants us to face facts, not feelings; the facts of Christ and of His finished and perfect work for us.
When we face these precious facts, and believe them because God says they are facts, God will take care of our feelings.
God never gives feeling to enable us to trust Him; God never gives feeling to encourage us to trust Him; God never gives feeling to show that we have already and utterly trusted Him.
God gives feeling only when He sees that we trust Him apart from all feeling, resting on His own Word, and on His own faithfulness to His promise.
Never until then can the feeling (which is from God) possibly come; and God will give the feeling in such a measure and at such a time as His love sees best for the individual case.
We must choose between facing toward our feelings and facing toward God's facts. Our feelings may be as uncertain as the sea or the shifting sands. God's facts are as certain as the Rock of Ages, even Christ Himself, who is the same yesterday, today and forever. Streams in the Desert
"When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil."
Edward Mote
N.J. Hiebert - 8344
By faith, not appearance; God never wants us to look at our feelings. Self may want us to; and Satan may want us to. But God wants us to face facts, not feelings; the facts of Christ and of His finished and perfect work for us.
When we face these precious facts, and believe them because God says they are facts, God will take care of our feelings.
God never gives feeling to enable us to trust Him; God never gives feeling to encourage us to trust Him; God never gives feeling to show that we have already and utterly trusted Him.
God gives feeling only when He sees that we trust Him apart from all feeling, resting on His own Word, and on His own faithfulness to His promise.
Never until then can the feeling (which is from God) possibly come; and God will give the feeling in such a measure and at such a time as His love sees best for the individual case.
We must choose between facing toward our feelings and facing toward God's facts. Our feelings may be as uncertain as the sea or the shifting sands. God's facts are as certain as the Rock of Ages, even Christ Himself, who is the same yesterday, today and forever. Streams in the Desert
"When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil."
Edward Mote
N.J. Hiebert - 8344
December 29
GOD SENT HIS SON
Last of all He sent unto them His Son. Matthew 21:37
In all the confusion and commercialization of Christmas these days we are more than likely to lose sight of Christ. Let us never forget that God sent not merely a prophet, a philosopher, a leader, to meet the world's need. "He gave His only begotten Son . . ." (John 3:16). Like the man in the parable, He said, "I will send My beloved Son" (Luke 20:13). He spared not His own Son (Romans 8:32).
A little boy accustomed to seeing service stars in windows during the war exclaimed as he watched the evening star at sunset, "God must have a Son in the war!" The story has been misapplied, but in the age-old struggle with sin God truly gave His Son.
Remember at Christmas that the Gospel is not that Jesus came or that He lived or that He taught. He could have done all that, but if He had returned to the Father some other way than by Calvary and the open tomb, we would still be in our sins. Thank God He was born. But He was born to die and live again, that we might live forever. Day by Day - Vance Havner
God sent His Son, they called Him Jesus,
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Saviour lives.
Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear s gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives. - William & Gloria Gaither
N.J. Hiebert - 8345
Last of all He sent unto them His Son. Matthew 21:37
In all the confusion and commercialization of Christmas these days we are more than likely to lose sight of Christ. Let us never forget that God sent not merely a prophet, a philosopher, a leader, to meet the world's need. "He gave His only begotten Son . . ." (John 3:16). Like the man in the parable, He said, "I will send My beloved Son" (Luke 20:13). He spared not His own Son (Romans 8:32).
A little boy accustomed to seeing service stars in windows during the war exclaimed as he watched the evening star at sunset, "God must have a Son in the war!" The story has been misapplied, but in the age-old struggle with sin God truly gave His Son.
Remember at Christmas that the Gospel is not that Jesus came or that He lived or that He taught. He could have done all that, but if He had returned to the Father some other way than by Calvary and the open tomb, we would still be in our sins. Thank God He was born. But He was born to die and live again, that we might live forever. Day by Day - Vance Havner
God sent His Son, they called Him Jesus,
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Saviour lives.
Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear s gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives. - William & Gloria Gaither
N.J. Hiebert - 8345
December 30
The Bible!
(Henry Law, "Beacons of the Bible" 1869)
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The Bible is the richest treasure of the world!
Without it, the palace is a dark blank.
With it, the poor cottage sparkles with celestial light.
It is the transcript of God's heart.
It tells what human reason is too weak to find.
It is pure truth without one shadow of error.
It gives knowledge on all things needful for time and for eternity.
It is a safe guide through life's entangled path.
It is a compass . . .
through shoals and rocks;
amid winds and waves;
to Heaven's eternal rest!
The sage is ignorant without it.
The peasant learns from it salvation's road.
It is a solace for every hour.
It is a companion always ready to converse.
It cheers when other comforts fail.
It is arrayed in every charm for the intellect.
It never wearies.
It is always fresh.
Its oldest truths cannot grow old.
Its readers become more wise--and more holy.
Other books may puzzle and corrupt.
The Bible is from Heaven, and leads to Heaven.
It enters the heart with purifying grace.
The more you search the Bible--the more your minds will wonder, and your hearts will love.
Read it as literally true. Then no human philosophy will beguile you.
Ponder its characters. You will find on them the intrinsic stamp of truth.
"The Bible is . . .
an armory of heavenly weapons,
a pharmacy of infallible medicines,
a mine of exhaustless wealth,
a guidebook for every road,
a chart for every sea,
a medicine for every malady,
and a balm for every wound!
Rob us of our Bible, and our sky has lost its sun!" (Thomas Guthrie)
"Oh, how I love Your Law! I meditate on it all day long!" Psalm 119:97
"Your Words were found, and I ate them--and Your Word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart!" Jeremiah 15:16
December 31
WONDERFUL COUNSELLOR
Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Psalm 73:24
One of the offices which our Lord Jesus sustains is "Counsellor" (Isaiah 9:6).
Now there are numberless things before us continually in our earthly pilgrimage regarding which we need counsel, we need advice; and then under these circumstances we should go to our Lord Jesus Christ and say to Him: "My Lord, I am ignorant; now what am I to do? Thou art my Counsellor, now show me clearly and distinctly how to act under these circumstances." And what will be the result? We shall be taught!
You never need take a step in the dark. If you do, you are sure to make a mistake. Wait! Wait till you have light. Remind yourself, that the Lord Jesus is Counsellor to the Church of God. So He will be, in your particular case, Counsellor and Guide. He will direct you, and if you patiently wait, believingly, expectantly, you will find that the waiting is not in vain. The Lord will prove Himself a Counsellor both wise and good.
George Mueller, of Bristol.
Thou art our Counsellor, our Pattern, and our Guide,
And Thou our Shepherd art; Oh! keep us near Thy side;
Nor let our feet e'er turn aside, to wander in the crocked way.
We love the Shepherd's voice; His watchful eyes shall keep
Our pilgrim souls among the thousands of God's sheep;
He feeds His flock, He calls their names, and gently leads the tender lambs.
R. Chapman
N.J. Hiebert - 8346
Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Psalm 73:24
One of the offices which our Lord Jesus sustains is "Counsellor" (Isaiah 9:6).
Now there are numberless things before us continually in our earthly pilgrimage regarding which we need counsel, we need advice; and then under these circumstances we should go to our Lord Jesus Christ and say to Him: "My Lord, I am ignorant; now what am I to do? Thou art my Counsellor, now show me clearly and distinctly how to act under these circumstances." And what will be the result? We shall be taught!
You never need take a step in the dark. If you do, you are sure to make a mistake. Wait! Wait till you have light. Remind yourself, that the Lord Jesus is Counsellor to the Church of God. So He will be, in your particular case, Counsellor and Guide. He will direct you, and if you patiently wait, believingly, expectantly, you will find that the waiting is not in vain. The Lord will prove Himself a Counsellor both wise and good.
George Mueller, of Bristol.
Thou art our Counsellor, our Pattern, and our Guide,
And Thou our Shepherd art; Oh! keep us near Thy side;
Nor let our feet e'er turn aside, to wander in the crocked way.
We love the Shepherd's voice; His watchful eyes shall keep
Our pilgrim souls among the thousands of God's sheep;
He feeds His flock, He calls their names, and gently leads the tender lambs.
R. Chapman
N.J. Hiebert - 8346
LIGHT SHINES THROUGH JOB'S DARKNESS
"For I know that my Redeemer liveth," Job 19:25
This may be the earliest reference to God as Redeemer. Job lived thousands of years before Christ, so how did he come to know it? Only by revelation from God. In spite of the misery Job was put through, God saw him as a righteous man and gave him wonderful insights. The apostle Peter confirms the thought, and relates it to what Job was experiencing: "The trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold which perisheth, though it be tried with fire. . . . Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold . . . but with the precious blood of Christ". 1 Peter 1:7.18,19.
"And that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth" Job 19:25.
Another great truth foretold! Jesus will come back and reign over the earth, and we will be with Him. "Behold, He cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see Him". Revelation 1:7
"And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God." Job 19;26.
There was hope for Job, and so there is for all who now trust in Jesus. Job was given a view ahead, that could only come true after the Lord died at Calvary. We will see Jesus, the Son of God. "Now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2
Whatever misery, trial or persecution we are called upon to endure, we, like poor Job, can rest securely upon what God has revealed to us. "Thy Word is Truth " John 17:17 Lorne Perry
Redeemed - how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy, His child, and forever, I am. W. J. Kirkpatrick
N.J. Hiebert - 8347
"For I know that my Redeemer liveth," Job 19:25
This may be the earliest reference to God as Redeemer. Job lived thousands of years before Christ, so how did he come to know it? Only by revelation from God. In spite of the misery Job was put through, God saw him as a righteous man and gave him wonderful insights. The apostle Peter confirms the thought, and relates it to what Job was experiencing: "The trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold which perisheth, though it be tried with fire. . . . Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold . . . but with the precious blood of Christ". 1 Peter 1:7.18,19.
"And that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth" Job 19:25.
Another great truth foretold! Jesus will come back and reign over the earth, and we will be with Him. "Behold, He cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see Him". Revelation 1:7
"And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God." Job 19;26.
There was hope for Job, and so there is for all who now trust in Jesus. Job was given a view ahead, that could only come true after the Lord died at Calvary. We will see Jesus, the Son of God. "Now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2
Whatever misery, trial or persecution we are called upon to endure, we, like poor Job, can rest securely upon what God has revealed to us. "Thy Word is Truth " John 17:17 Lorne Perry
Redeemed - how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy, His child, and forever, I am. W. J. Kirkpatrick
N.J. Hiebert - 8347
January 1
My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defence; I shall not be moved. Psalm 62:5-6.
In considering the power and majesty of God we are made to realize that whatever His purpose is, He is able to carry it through, and there is no creature power that can prevent His doing so. It is sheer folly to think one can go against His purpose with any success.
So the realization in our souls of God's invincible power should have a wholesome effect upon us to restrain us from any course of self-will. Whenever a child of God sets aside God's will to pursue a course of his own, he does so to his own hurt; for he has, in fact, plunged into a battle against Omnipotence with nothing on his side but creature strength, and he is certain to lose in the end.
But on the other hand, what a source of peace and comfort for the believer who has surrendered his will to God! He knows he is a child of God. God who is over all, blessed forever, is his Father, and he an object of His special love and care. God's thoughts are always thoughts of peace towards His children. What a solid rock for His children to rest upon in all the circumstances of life, however monotonous or changing they may otherwise be.
Ever remind yourself then of this great fact. Your Father's hand, guided by His thoughts of peace, is acting for you in every circumstance as the moving power behind the scene, working all things together for your good. You can't remind yourself too often of this blessed peace-giving, soul-steadying fact; for it is as a bright rainbow in the clouds and an anchor that holds you fast and keeps you from being driven by the storm. E. C. Hadley
N.J. Hiebert - 8348
In considering the power and majesty of God we are made to realize that whatever His purpose is, He is able to carry it through, and there is no creature power that can prevent His doing so. It is sheer folly to think one can go against His purpose with any success.
So the realization in our souls of God's invincible power should have a wholesome effect upon us to restrain us from any course of self-will. Whenever a child of God sets aside God's will to pursue a course of his own, he does so to his own hurt; for he has, in fact, plunged into a battle against Omnipotence with nothing on his side but creature strength, and he is certain to lose in the end.
But on the other hand, what a source of peace and comfort for the believer who has surrendered his will to God! He knows he is a child of God. God who is over all, blessed forever, is his Father, and he an object of His special love and care. God's thoughts are always thoughts of peace towards His children. What a solid rock for His children to rest upon in all the circumstances of life, however monotonous or changing they may otherwise be.
Ever remind yourself then of this great fact. Your Father's hand, guided by His thoughts of peace, is acting for you in every circumstance as the moving power behind the scene, working all things together for your good. You can't remind yourself too often of this blessed peace-giving, soul-steadying fact; for it is as a bright rainbow in the clouds and an anchor that holds you fast and keeps you from being driven by the storm. E. C. Hadley
N.J. Hiebert - 8348
January 2
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Joseph's brethren have condemned themselves out of their own lips. They have protested that they are true men, (Genesis 42:11) and in the same breath they say, "one is not," (Genesis 42:13), knowing full well that if Joseph has passed out of their existence it is entirely owing to their own wickedness. They stand in the presence of the one that they had rejected with unrepentant hearts, and yet protest they are honest men.
Joseph now takes the first step to convict them of their sin, by putting them into prison. The fear of losing their lives had brought them into Egypt, with the result that they lose their liberty. For three days they are left in prison that they may learn in some measure what their sins merit. (v.17).
Joseph had been thrown into prison unjustly, but they are justly brought into the same condemnation. The result is conscience begins to work. Conscience connects their present trouble with their past sin. The prison has so far done its work. They not only say, "we are verily guilty," but "we are verily guilty concerning our brother." We saw the anguish of his soul, but we hardened our hearts. He besought us but we stopped our ears to all his entreaties, "Therefore is this distress come upon us." They rightly connect their present distress with the past sin of twenty years ago. Hamilton Smith
Listen, oh, listen, my Father, all holy - humble and sorrowful, owning my sin,
Hear me confess in my penitence lowly - how in my weakness temptation came in.
Pity me now, for, my Father, no sorrow - weighs on my soul like the pain that I know,
Trembling and fearing that all thro' the morrow - missing the light of Thy love I may go.
Father, I know for the grace I am seeking - nothing of mine can I offer to Thee;
Thou to my sinful and sad spirit speaking - giving forgiveness--gives all things to me. Anon
N.J. Hiebert - 8349
Joseph's brethren have condemned themselves out of their own lips. They have protested that they are true men, (Genesis 42:11) and in the same breath they say, "one is not," (Genesis 42:13), knowing full well that if Joseph has passed out of their existence it is entirely owing to their own wickedness. They stand in the presence of the one that they had rejected with unrepentant hearts, and yet protest they are honest men.
Joseph now takes the first step to convict them of their sin, by putting them into prison. The fear of losing their lives had brought them into Egypt, with the result that they lose their liberty. For three days they are left in prison that they may learn in some measure what their sins merit. (v.17).
Joseph had been thrown into prison unjustly, but they are justly brought into the same condemnation. The result is conscience begins to work. Conscience connects their present trouble with their past sin. The prison has so far done its work. They not only say, "we are verily guilty," but "we are verily guilty concerning our brother." We saw the anguish of his soul, but we hardened our hearts. He besought us but we stopped our ears to all his entreaties, "Therefore is this distress come upon us." They rightly connect their present distress with the past sin of twenty years ago. Hamilton Smith
Listen, oh, listen, my Father, all holy - humble and sorrowful, owning my sin,
Hear me confess in my penitence lowly - how in my weakness temptation came in.
Pity me now, for, my Father, no sorrow - weighs on my soul like the pain that I know,
Trembling and fearing that all thro' the morrow - missing the light of Thy love I may go.
Father, I know for the grace I am seeking - nothing of mine can I offer to Thee;
Thou to my sinful and sad spirit speaking - giving forgiveness--gives all things to me. Anon
N.J. Hiebert - 8349
January 3
Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. Titus 2:10
I was recently asked to give a short gospel message to a large company of men who had gathered at the graveside of their foreman. For some years I had known the one who had answered his home-call as a happy consistent Christian. I had visited him a few days before his death, and though he was suffering much, no murmurs escaped his lips. Instead he was full of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord, and insisted on singing a verse of a hymn that had been running through his mind. It was:
Thy death has brought to light the Father's heart, and mine has won;
And now I contemplate Thee as Thou art, God's glorious Son!
And know that I am loved with that great love,
That rests on Thee in those bright courts above.
I had confidence in speaking of the power of the Lord Jesus to save and sustain because I could cite my friend as one who in the very presence of death had proved that power.
But I had another ground of confidence also. Sitting by my side on our way to the cemetery was my friend's employer. He said to me: "We never had a more faithful employee. He was most conscientious and honest. All the men who attend his funeral today will be there out of regard for him." And he gave me instances of his thoughtfulness and kindness to others which made me feel that in preaching the gospel to his fellow-workmen I should have their attentive interest because they had seen the effect of the gospel in his life. Not only on a bed of sickness and suffering, but in the humdrum duties of his daily toil he had adorned the doctrine of God our Saviour. Lives such as his often make men ready to listen to the gospel because with their own eyes they have seen it reduced to practice. The Lord is Near
N.J. Hiebert - 8350
I was recently asked to give a short gospel message to a large company of men who had gathered at the graveside of their foreman. For some years I had known the one who had answered his home-call as a happy consistent Christian. I had visited him a few days before his death, and though he was suffering much, no murmurs escaped his lips. Instead he was full of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord, and insisted on singing a verse of a hymn that had been running through his mind. It was:
Thy death has brought to light the Father's heart, and mine has won;
And now I contemplate Thee as Thou art, God's glorious Son!
And know that I am loved with that great love,
That rests on Thee in those bright courts above.
I had confidence in speaking of the power of the Lord Jesus to save and sustain because I could cite my friend as one who in the very presence of death had proved that power.
But I had another ground of confidence also. Sitting by my side on our way to the cemetery was my friend's employer. He said to me: "We never had a more faithful employee. He was most conscientious and honest. All the men who attend his funeral today will be there out of regard for him." And he gave me instances of his thoughtfulness and kindness to others which made me feel that in preaching the gospel to his fellow-workmen I should have their attentive interest because they had seen the effect of the gospel in his life. Not only on a bed of sickness and suffering, but in the humdrum duties of his daily toil he had adorned the doctrine of God our Saviour. Lives such as his often make men ready to listen to the gospel because with their own eyes they have seen it reduced to practice. The Lord is Near
N.J. Hiebert - 8350
January 4
THE CROWNING DAY
The four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sat on the throne, and worship Him that liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy. Revelation 4:10-11
One year at a Bible school graduation, they sang the hymn "Is it the Crowning Day?" Unfortunately, a typing error was made in preparing the program and the hymn appeared as "Is it the CROWING DAY?"
Isn't it great to know that when we adoringly bow before the Lord in that day of glory there will be no crowing (boasting)? Christ will fill our gaze; His praises will fill our lips; His worthiness shall fill our hearts. We will cast our crowns before Him, realizing that whatever service was done for Him upon earth was done through His grace and strength alone. And yet the Word of God does set before us various crowns to be given to the saints:
The incorruptible crown -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
The crown of joy - 1 Thessalonians 2:19
The crown righteousness - 2 Timothy 4:8
The crown of life - James 1:12
The crown of glory - 1 Peter 5:4
Let's set our hearts upon gaining these crowns that we may cast them at His blessed feet. And let's forget about doing any crowing now. We certainly won't do any crowing then! Grant W. Steidl
This song be ours, and this alone,
To celebrate the name of Him that sits upon the throne,
And to exalt the Lamb.
To Him whom men despise and slight to Him be glory given;
The crown is His, and His by right
The highest place in heaven. T. Kelly
N.J. Hiebert - 8351
The four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sat on the throne, and worship Him that liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy. Revelation 4:10-11
One year at a Bible school graduation, they sang the hymn "Is it the Crowning Day?" Unfortunately, a typing error was made in preparing the program and the hymn appeared as "Is it the CROWING DAY?"
Isn't it great to know that when we adoringly bow before the Lord in that day of glory there will be no crowing (boasting)? Christ will fill our gaze; His praises will fill our lips; His worthiness shall fill our hearts. We will cast our crowns before Him, realizing that whatever service was done for Him upon earth was done through His grace and strength alone. And yet the Word of God does set before us various crowns to be given to the saints:
The incorruptible crown -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
The crown of joy - 1 Thessalonians 2:19
The crown righteousness - 2 Timothy 4:8
The crown of life - James 1:12
The crown of glory - 1 Peter 5:4
Let's set our hearts upon gaining these crowns that we may cast them at His blessed feet. And let's forget about doing any crowing now. We certainly won't do any crowing then! Grant W. Steidl
This song be ours, and this alone,
To celebrate the name of Him that sits upon the throne,
And to exalt the Lamb.
To Him whom men despise and slight to Him be glory given;
The crown is His, and His by right
The highest place in heaven. T. Kelly
N.J. Hiebert - 8351
January 5
Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them. Luke 24:15
The New Year is not present with us. Only a new day! So it will be continually. We shall see but one day at a time. Each day is a white page to be written.
Lord, Thou hast given me a clean, new year.
Help me to keep its pages pure, unspoiled;
To write upon its scroll but kindly thoughts,
With no unsightly blots to have it soiled.
Let me not mar, in thought or word or deed,
This page, so white, so pure, unsullied, fair.
Help me to know that when I stand in need
Of help from Thee, thou'rt always standing there.
When duty calls me, Lord, let pleasure wait.
Let me fulfill my calling. Let Thy will,
Not mine, be done. Oh, let me ever hear
Thy calm, approving voice, Thy guidance still.
Lead me, O Lord, in paths of peacefulness.
But if, perchance, Thy paths should ever lie
O'er mountain trails, though they be rough and bleak,
Then may I answer, "Master, here am I."
I. S. Ellis
An artist who was asked, "What is your best picture?" answered, "My next." Make tomorrow your best day!
"Yesterday ended last night."
Mountain Trailways
N.J. Hiebert - 8352
The New Year is not present with us. Only a new day! So it will be continually. We shall see but one day at a time. Each day is a white page to be written.
Lord, Thou hast given me a clean, new year.
Help me to keep its pages pure, unspoiled;
To write upon its scroll but kindly thoughts,
With no unsightly blots to have it soiled.
Let me not mar, in thought or word or deed,
This page, so white, so pure, unsullied, fair.
Help me to know that when I stand in need
Of help from Thee, thou'rt always standing there.
When duty calls me, Lord, let pleasure wait.
Let me fulfill my calling. Let Thy will,
Not mine, be done. Oh, let me ever hear
Thy calm, approving voice, Thy guidance still.
Lead me, O Lord, in paths of peacefulness.
But if, perchance, Thy paths should ever lie
O'er mountain trails, though they be rough and bleak,
Then may I answer, "Master, here am I."
I. S. Ellis
An artist who was asked, "What is your best picture?" answered, "My next." Make tomorrow your best day!
"Yesterday ended last night."
Mountain Trailways
N.J. Hiebert - 8352
January 6
January 7
posted by soundwords at
December 01, 2020
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