Gems from February 2021
February 1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life and the life was the light of men. John 1:1-4
Why is the Lord designated as the Word? Just as the spoken word reveals a man's mind and personality, so God has revealed Himself in and by a Person, who came near to man, living a perfect life before them, and above all dying a sacrificial death upon the cross in order that this revelation of God might be one of infinite grace and eternal blessing.
In these verses we read that Jesus from all eternity was God, that He was a distinct Person in the Godhead, the eternal Word; that as distinct in the Godhead, He was eternally so; that He was the Creator of all things; that in Him was life inherently, that is to say not conferred, but that He was the eternal Source. This life was the light of men.
Then comes the stupendous statement that "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).
There came a moment when the Son of God became flesh in Bethlehem, born of a virgin in a stable, and cradled in a manger. He was the eternal Son of God, who became Man, who died on the cross to satisfy the claims of Divine righteousness and enable God in all His holiness justly to save guilty sinners, as we are. Why I Believe the Bible - A, J Pollock
N.J. Hiebert - 8379
Why is the Lord designated as the Word? Just as the spoken word reveals a man's mind and personality, so God has revealed Himself in and by a Person, who came near to man, living a perfect life before them, and above all dying a sacrificial death upon the cross in order that this revelation of God might be one of infinite grace and eternal blessing.
In these verses we read that Jesus from all eternity was God, that He was a distinct Person in the Godhead, the eternal Word; that as distinct in the Godhead, He was eternally so; that He was the Creator of all things; that in Him was life inherently, that is to say not conferred, but that He was the eternal Source. This life was the light of men.
Then comes the stupendous statement that "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).
There came a moment when the Son of God became flesh in Bethlehem, born of a virgin in a stable, and cradled in a manger. He was the eternal Son of God, who became Man, who died on the cross to satisfy the claims of Divine righteousness and enable God in all His holiness justly to save guilty sinners, as we are. Why I Believe the Bible - A, J Pollock
N.J. Hiebert - 8379
February 2
They which have believed in God . . . be careful to maintain good works. Titus 3:8 When thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly." Matthew 6:3,4
Put a seal upon your lips and forget what you have done. After you have been kind, after love has stolen forth into the world and done its beautiful work, go back into the shade, and say nothing about it. Love hides even from itself.
Oberlin was travelling on one occasion from Strasbourg. It was in winter. The ground was deeply covered with snow and the roads were almost impassable. He had reached the middle of his journey, and was so exhausted that he could stand up no longer. He commended himself to God, and yielded to what he felt to be the sleep of death.
He knew not how long he slept, but suddenly became conscious of someone rousing him up. Before him stood a wagon driver, the wagon not far away. He gave him a little wine and food, and the spirit of life returned. He then helped him on to the wagon, and brought him to the next village. The rescued man was profuse in his thanks, and offered money, which his benefactor refused. "It is only a duty to help one another," said the wagoner, and it is next thing to an insult to offer a reward for such a service".
"Then," replied Oberlin, "at least tell me your name, that I may have you in thankful remembrance before God". "I see," said the wagoner, "that you are a minister of the Gospel; please tell me the name of the good Samaritan". "That," said Oberlin, "l cannot do, for it was not put on record". "Then" replied the wagoner, "until you can tell me his name, permit me to withhold mine". Service thus rendered will bring glory to God. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify"--not you (no true Christian should desire that)-but "your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16)
Winsome Christianity
N.J. Hiebert - 8380
Put a seal upon your lips and forget what you have done. After you have been kind, after love has stolen forth into the world and done its beautiful work, go back into the shade, and say nothing about it. Love hides even from itself.
Oberlin was travelling on one occasion from Strasbourg. It was in winter. The ground was deeply covered with snow and the roads were almost impassable. He had reached the middle of his journey, and was so exhausted that he could stand up no longer. He commended himself to God, and yielded to what he felt to be the sleep of death.
He knew not how long he slept, but suddenly became conscious of someone rousing him up. Before him stood a wagon driver, the wagon not far away. He gave him a little wine and food, and the spirit of life returned. He then helped him on to the wagon, and brought him to the next village. The rescued man was profuse in his thanks, and offered money, which his benefactor refused. "It is only a duty to help one another," said the wagoner, and it is next thing to an insult to offer a reward for such a service".
"Then," replied Oberlin, "at least tell me your name, that I may have you in thankful remembrance before God". "I see," said the wagoner, "that you are a minister of the Gospel; please tell me the name of the good Samaritan". "That," said Oberlin, "l cannot do, for it was not put on record". "Then" replied the wagoner, "until you can tell me his name, permit me to withhold mine". Service thus rendered will bring glory to God. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify"--not you (no true Christian should desire that)-but "your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16)
Winsome Christianity
N.J. Hiebert - 8380
February 3
Now thanks be unto God which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place. 2 Corinthians 2:14
The supreme witness for God in this world is the one whose life is Christlike in spirit and conduct. Just as glass may be considered as brilliantly beautiful until we see the fascinating radiance of a diamond, so, when we behold our all-glorious Lord, we cry out with one of old: "He is altogether lovely".
The Lord Jesus ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach. "The officers took knowledge of Peter and John that they had been with Jesus," because these two men of God carried with them the fragrance of the One in Whose presence they had been dwelling.
For us today who have not access to His physical presence, the whole secret is enshrined in 2 Corinthians 3:18 "We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
Long ago the first protestant missionary to Japan was once brought into touch with members of the royal house of that country. During his furlough in England, he was visited in his room one day by some members of the Emperor's family who were touring Europe. They chatted for an hour and then left. Later in the day another group of Japanese officials called in. "Oh!" one of them exclaimed, "You have have been entertaining royalty here today!" "What makes you think so?" the missionary asked. "Why, there is perfume manufactured in our country for the exclusive use of royalty. No one else is allowed to use it, and its fragrant odour is in evidence in this apartment, so that we know you have had royal visitors today!"
Our Lord has promised not only to visit us, but also to abide with us . Is the fragrance of His presence diffused from us day by day? Henry Durbanville
N.J. Hiebert - 8381
The supreme witness for God in this world is the one whose life is Christlike in spirit and conduct. Just as glass may be considered as brilliantly beautiful until we see the fascinating radiance of a diamond, so, when we behold our all-glorious Lord, we cry out with one of old: "He is altogether lovely".
The Lord Jesus ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach. "The officers took knowledge of Peter and John that they had been with Jesus," because these two men of God carried with them the fragrance of the One in Whose presence they had been dwelling.
For us today who have not access to His physical presence, the whole secret is enshrined in 2 Corinthians 3:18 "We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
Long ago the first protestant missionary to Japan was once brought into touch with members of the royal house of that country. During his furlough in England, he was visited in his room one day by some members of the Emperor's family who were touring Europe. They chatted for an hour and then left. Later in the day another group of Japanese officials called in. "Oh!" one of them exclaimed, "You have have been entertaining royalty here today!" "What makes you think so?" the missionary asked. "Why, there is perfume manufactured in our country for the exclusive use of royalty. No one else is allowed to use it, and its fragrant odour is in evidence in this apartment, so that we know you have had royal visitors today!"
Our Lord has promised not only to visit us, but also to abide with us . Is the fragrance of His presence diffused from us day by day? Henry Durbanville
N.J. Hiebert - 8381
February 4
And the superscription of His accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Mark 15:26 For even the Son of Man came . . .and to give His life a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)
Pilate puts upon the cross, above the head of Jesus, a title: "The King of the Jews"; but Mark has given us a superscription to place over the whole tragic scene of the crucifixion: "to give His life a ransom for many." The former is related to the mocking inflicted upon Jesus; the later solves, at least in part, the mystery of His death.
The heartless derision is begun by the soldiers to whom Pilate has given the shameful task of executing the sentence of death. They know that Jesus has been condemned for claiming to be a king, therefore in mock homage they clothe Him with purple, crown Him with a wreath of thorns, and salute Him as "King of the Jews". Then they smite Him and spit upon Him and worship Him. It is not merely the brutality of coarse natures which they reveal; it is also the bitter scorn of the Roman for the Jew, and for the Jewish hopes of a Messiah and king.
Then, as they lead Him forth to die, they add a further insult by crucifying Him between two robbers, identifying Him with criminals and malefactors. Then as He hangs in nameless agony, the crowds that are passing by rail on Him and bid Him to save Himself and to come down from the cross; and the chief priests and scribes "mocking Him" say, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save". What vast reaches of unconscious truth these taunts contained! He must die that others might live.
This, then, is the meaning of His death. The sinless One was bearing the sins of many. This is the death of no human prophet or martyr. The darkened skies, the trembling earth, the shout of triumph, the lordly dismissal of His spirit, all speak of a voluntary death, all conspire to make thoughtful witnesses unite in the exclamation: "Truly this Man was the Son of God!" Charles Erdman'
N.J. Hiebert - 8382
Pilate puts upon the cross, above the head of Jesus, a title: "The King of the Jews"; but Mark has given us a superscription to place over the whole tragic scene of the crucifixion: "to give His life a ransom for many." The former is related to the mocking inflicted upon Jesus; the later solves, at least in part, the mystery of His death.
The heartless derision is begun by the soldiers to whom Pilate has given the shameful task of executing the sentence of death. They know that Jesus has been condemned for claiming to be a king, therefore in mock homage they clothe Him with purple, crown Him with a wreath of thorns, and salute Him as "King of the Jews". Then they smite Him and spit upon Him and worship Him. It is not merely the brutality of coarse natures which they reveal; it is also the bitter scorn of the Roman for the Jew, and for the Jewish hopes of a Messiah and king.
Then, as they lead Him forth to die, they add a further insult by crucifying Him between two robbers, identifying Him with criminals and malefactors. Then as He hangs in nameless agony, the crowds that are passing by rail on Him and bid Him to save Himself and to come down from the cross; and the chief priests and scribes "mocking Him" say, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save". What vast reaches of unconscious truth these taunts contained! He must die that others might live.
This, then, is the meaning of His death. The sinless One was bearing the sins of many. This is the death of no human prophet or martyr. The darkened skies, the trembling earth, the shout of triumph, the lordly dismissal of His spirit, all speak of a voluntary death, all conspire to make thoughtful witnesses unite in the exclamation: "Truly this Man was the Son of God!" Charles Erdman'
N.J. Hiebert - 8382
February 5
Trust in the Lord, and do good; Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil; for evil-doers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Psalm 37:1-9
In Eden, when addressing the serpent, God said: "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed" (Genesis 3:15). That is one of the profoundest sayings in the Bible. It is a key to scripture. All that comes after proves the virulence and the universality of the conflict between God and Satan. This was the secret of the conflict that raged around Joseph.
Do you know by sad experience what Joseph felt: "The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him" (Genesis 49:23). Do the archers shoot at you? Are you lonesome and depressed, and ready to give up? Take heart! Christ your Lord suffered much worse treatment.
Go on doing right, in nothing terrified by your adversaries. Be pitiful and gentle, forgiving and forbearing. Be specially careful not to take your case into your own hands. Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath. Our Saviour, "left an example that ye should follow Him. "Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously." (1 Peter 2:21-23).
And what was the result? Joseph was carried through the hatred and opposition of his foes; and his dreams were literally fulfilled in the golden days of prosperity which came at length.
"And Pharaoh said unto Joseph . . . there is none so wise as thou art . . . I have set thee over all the land of Egypt . . . and he made him to ride in the second chariot . . . and they cried before him, bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt." (Genesis 41:39-44). F. B. Meyer
N.J.Hiebert - 8383
In Eden, when addressing the serpent, God said: "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed" (Genesis 3:15). That is one of the profoundest sayings in the Bible. It is a key to scripture. All that comes after proves the virulence and the universality of the conflict between God and Satan. This was the secret of the conflict that raged around Joseph.
Do you know by sad experience what Joseph felt: "The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him" (Genesis 49:23). Do the archers shoot at you? Are you lonesome and depressed, and ready to give up? Take heart! Christ your Lord suffered much worse treatment.
Go on doing right, in nothing terrified by your adversaries. Be pitiful and gentle, forgiving and forbearing. Be specially careful not to take your case into your own hands. Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath. Our Saviour, "left an example that ye should follow Him. "Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously." (1 Peter 2:21-23).
And what was the result? Joseph was carried through the hatred and opposition of his foes; and his dreams were literally fulfilled in the golden days of prosperity which came at length.
"And Pharaoh said unto Joseph . . . there is none so wise as thou art . . . I have set thee over all the land of Egypt . . . and he made him to ride in the second chariot . . . and they cried before him, bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt." (Genesis 41:39-44). F. B. Meyer
N.J.Hiebert - 8383
February 6
The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree. . . . Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age. Psalm 92:12-14
How meaningless this statement is by the Psalmist, (flourish like the palm tree) unless you are acquainted with palm trees. People who live in tropical areas are so familiar with their graceful towering beauty, they are a very common tree to them. But few realize what meanings the characteristics of this stately tree have. The first simile is life. The life of the tree comes through its centre or heart.
Just as all other trees, it draws its moisture up through its roots from the earth. But instead of the sap going up on the outside between the bark and the wood of the tree, and so on up into the branches and twigs, as in most other trees, in the palm tree the sap goes up the very heart of the tree. Most trees can be killed by simply severing the bark completely around the tree. The life of the palm however, does not lie so close under the surface, and is not affected by surface injury. It must be completely cut off to be killed.
The same applies to "Palm-tree Christians." The Word of God states this so aptly in Romans 10:9-10, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness." A "Palm-tree Christian's" everlasting life is not affected by outward environment, but draws his life and strength through the heart. The palm tree is perennially green. Life flows within its being continually. Anon
"I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20
N.J. Hiebert - 8384
How meaningless this statement is by the Psalmist, (flourish like the palm tree) unless you are acquainted with palm trees. People who live in tropical areas are so familiar with their graceful towering beauty, they are a very common tree to them. But few realize what meanings the characteristics of this stately tree have. The first simile is life. The life of the tree comes through its centre or heart.
Just as all other trees, it draws its moisture up through its roots from the earth. But instead of the sap going up on the outside between the bark and the wood of the tree, and so on up into the branches and twigs, as in most other trees, in the palm tree the sap goes up the very heart of the tree. Most trees can be killed by simply severing the bark completely around the tree. The life of the palm however, does not lie so close under the surface, and is not affected by surface injury. It must be completely cut off to be killed.
The same applies to "Palm-tree Christians." The Word of God states this so aptly in Romans 10:9-10, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness." A "Palm-tree Christian's" everlasting life is not affected by outward environment, but draws his life and strength through the heart. The palm tree is perennially green. Life flows within its being continually. Anon
"I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20
N.J. Hiebert - 8384
February 7
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abraham. Matthew 1:1
Christ = Messiah = Anointed
"Christ" is one of the many names and titles of the Lord Jesus. This is the Greek form, while the Hebrew version is Messiah. In either case the significance is "the anointed one". Anointing means identification beforehand for a specific role or office. In the case of the Lord, He was anointed, or singled out, by God in a past eternity, to be the Saviour offered to this world, as well as to be King of Israel.
We who are saved know Him now as Saviour and recognize Him as our Lord, the One who now rules in our lives. But we are still waiting for the day when He will return to earth to take up His Kingdom in Israel, and ultimately embracing the entire world under His rule.
He has waited a long time between anointing and crowning; according to the Bible time-reckoning, some 8,000 plus years. By contrast, David, mentioned in the same verse at the beginning of Matthew, waited, only 30 years after Samuel anointed him, until he was actually crowned king.
Prince Charles, as the eldest offspring of Queen Elizabeth was destined from a young age to be king, but so far, has waited more than 65 years.
Time and Eternity
In the case of the Lord Jesus, time is not the issue. "And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:6. From God's perspective, He already sees us believers as in heaven with Christ. That thought pays no attention to time, a concept God invented for this world; separate from eternity where there are no clocks.
In the meantime, we live here as citizens of heaven, keeping track of the days, waiting for the Lord's call to join Him there in the Father's home. As we measure time, believers have been waiting many years, but that amazing event has always been a bright, shining star; and so it needs to be for us. "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ". Titus 2:13. The promise WILL be fulfilled. Lorne Perry
N.J. Hiebert - 8385
Christ = Messiah = Anointed
"Christ" is one of the many names and titles of the Lord Jesus. This is the Greek form, while the Hebrew version is Messiah. In either case the significance is "the anointed one". Anointing means identification beforehand for a specific role or office. In the case of the Lord, He was anointed, or singled out, by God in a past eternity, to be the Saviour offered to this world, as well as to be King of Israel.
We who are saved know Him now as Saviour and recognize Him as our Lord, the One who now rules in our lives. But we are still waiting for the day when He will return to earth to take up His Kingdom in Israel, and ultimately embracing the entire world under His rule.
He has waited a long time between anointing and crowning; according to the Bible time-reckoning, some 8,000 plus years. By contrast, David, mentioned in the same verse at the beginning of Matthew, waited, only 30 years after Samuel anointed him, until he was actually crowned king.
Prince Charles, as the eldest offspring of Queen Elizabeth was destined from a young age to be king, but so far, has waited more than 65 years.
Time and Eternity
In the case of the Lord Jesus, time is not the issue. "And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:6. From God's perspective, He already sees us believers as in heaven with Christ. That thought pays no attention to time, a concept God invented for this world; separate from eternity where there are no clocks.
In the meantime, we live here as citizens of heaven, keeping track of the days, waiting for the Lord's call to join Him there in the Father's home. As we measure time, believers have been waiting many years, but that amazing event has always been a bright, shining star; and so it needs to be for us. "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ". Titus 2:13. The promise WILL be fulfilled. Lorne Perry
N.J. Hiebert - 8385
February 8
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4.
Guidance-- "Thy crook (Thy rod)". Dr. Duff tells how that once, while travelling in the Himalayas, he saw a native shepherd, followed by his flock. The man frequently looked back, and, if he noticed a sheep going too near the edge of the precipice, he would gently draw it towards the rest by applying his crook to its hind leg. And so "He will keep the feet of His saints" (1 Samuel 2:9) "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and He delighteth in his way. Though he fall he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord up-holdeth him with His hand" (Psalm 37:23,24).
Defence-- "Thy staff" (John 10:11-14). Divine Companionship; Heavenly guidance; Omnipotent Defense! We walk not in the valley, but through it; for there is a vast distinction between the two propositions. A person might wander for a very long time in a street; but it does not take him long, however, to walk through it. Is it not even so with the trials incidental to Christian life and warfare?
As we pass through the trial, the Word is-- When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee (Isaiah 43:2). Should the trial continue, this is the Word: "Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of His servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon his God" Isaiah 50:10).
And, finally, we should remember that the reason why we are allowed to pass through such an experience at all is that we might be led to the rich fields of light and plenty which lie beyond it. "We went through fire and through water; but Thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place" (Psalm 66:12)
George Henderson - The Pearl of Psalms
N.J. Hiebert - 8386
Guidance-- "Thy crook (Thy rod)". Dr. Duff tells how that once, while travelling in the Himalayas, he saw a native shepherd, followed by his flock. The man frequently looked back, and, if he noticed a sheep going too near the edge of the precipice, he would gently draw it towards the rest by applying his crook to its hind leg. And so "He will keep the feet of His saints" (1 Samuel 2:9) "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and He delighteth in his way. Though he fall he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord up-holdeth him with His hand" (Psalm 37:23,24).
Defence-- "Thy staff" (John 10:11-14). Divine Companionship; Heavenly guidance; Omnipotent Defense! We walk not in the valley, but through it; for there is a vast distinction between the two propositions. A person might wander for a very long time in a street; but it does not take him long, however, to walk through it. Is it not even so with the trials incidental to Christian life and warfare?
As we pass through the trial, the Word is-- When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee (Isaiah 43:2). Should the trial continue, this is the Word: "Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of His servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon his God" Isaiah 50:10).
And, finally, we should remember that the reason why we are allowed to pass through such an experience at all is that we might be led to the rich fields of light and plenty which lie beyond it. "We went through fire and through water; but Thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place" (Psalm 66:12)
George Henderson - The Pearl of Psalms
N.J. Hiebert - 8386
February 9
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
Faith is taking God at His word. Faith is not belief without evidence. It is belief on the very best of evidence-- the Word of Him "that cannot lie." (Titus 1:2). Faith is so rational that it asks no other evidence than this all--sufficient evidence. To ask other than the Word of Him Who cannot lie is not rationalism, but consummate irrationalism. R. A. Torrey.
When we can see, it is not faith but reasoning. Look at the faith of the master mariner! He looses his cable, he steams away from the land. For days, weeks, or even months, he sees neither sail nor shore; yet on he goes day and night without fear, till one morning he finds himself exactly opposite the desired haven toward which he had been steering.
How has he found his way over the trackless deep? He has trusted in his compass, his nautical almanac, his glass, and the heavenly bodies; and obeying their guidance without sighting land, he has steered so accurately that he has not changed a point to enter port.
It is a wonderful thing--that sailing or steaming without sight. Spiritually it is a blessed thing to leave altogether the shores of sight and feeling; to say "Good-bye " to inward feelings, cheering providences, signs, tokens, and so forth. It is glorious to be far out on the ocean of Divine love, believing in God, and steering for heaven straight away, by the direction of the Word of God. Charles Spurgeon
Faith is a very simple thing, tho' little understood; It frees the soul from death's dread sting, by resting on the blood, It looks not on the things around, nor on the things within, It takes its flight to scenes above, beyond the sphere of sin.
Faith is taking God at His word. Faith is not belief without evidence. It is belief on the very best of evidence-- the Word of Him "that cannot lie." (Titus 1:2). Faith is so rational that it asks no other evidence than this all--sufficient evidence. To ask other than the Word of Him Who cannot lie is not rationalism, but consummate irrationalism. R. A. Torrey.
When we can see, it is not faith but reasoning. Look at the faith of the master mariner! He looses his cable, he steams away from the land. For days, weeks, or even months, he sees neither sail nor shore; yet on he goes day and night without fear, till one morning he finds himself exactly opposite the desired haven toward which he had been steering.
How has he found his way over the trackless deep? He has trusted in his compass, his nautical almanac, his glass, and the heavenly bodies; and obeying their guidance without sighting land, he has steered so accurately that he has not changed a point to enter port.
It is a wonderful thing--that sailing or steaming without sight. Spiritually it is a blessed thing to leave altogether the shores of sight and feeling; to say "Good-bye " to inward feelings, cheering providences, signs, tokens, and so forth. It is glorious to be far out on the ocean of Divine love, believing in God, and steering for heaven straight away, by the direction of the Word of God. Charles Spurgeon
Faith is a very simple thing, tho' little understood; It frees the soul from death's dread sting, by resting on the blood, It looks not on the things around, nor on the things within, It takes its flight to scenes above, beyond the sphere of sin.
It sees upon throne of God a victim that was slain; It rests its all on His shed blood, and says, "I'm born again." Faith is not we feel or see, it is a simple trust In what the God of love has said of Jesus, as "the Just." John C. Ryle
N.J. Hiebert - 8387
N.J. Hiebert - 8387
February 10
Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness . . . Hebrews 12:12-14
Some years ago, at a Special Olympics event, eight young contestants who were either physically or mentally challenged, lined up on the track to compete in the 100 yard dash. At the sound of the starter's pistol, they began an excited, exuberant dash.
One of the participants, a little boy, stumbled and tripped as he ran. He fell, tumbling and rolling to a stop in crumpled heap. He began to cry. The rest of the runners, not far away, heard him. Each slowed, looked back at the crying boy, and also stopped. Without hesitation everyone of the other runners turned around and went back to where their fellow competitor lay crying. One of the children, afflicted with Down Syndrome, kneeled down beside him, and, giving him a kiss, said in her sweet, gentle voice, "That will make it better." At that, the little boy was helped to his feet and all eight runners with arms locked together walked to the finish line crossing it as one triumphant group.
How often, and in how many different ways, do we find illustrated in God's precious Word the principles of love, oneness, and comfort. And never was there a day when it has been more important for the people of God to walk together in love "endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the (uniting) bond of peace" Ephesians 4:3. These last moments before the Lord's return are times when all the people of God, wherever they may be found, are experiencing violent, unprecedented Satanic attacks.
Comfort, consolation and fellowship in the Spirit are directly linked to believers having the "the mind of Christ". Philippians 2:5--that divine mind which willingly took the lowest place in perfect humility that there might be eternal blessing for a vast, innumerable company. To have and display the mind of Christ is to show humility, love and care for one another.
"Two are better than one. . . For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up" (Ecclesiastes 4:9,10) The Christian Shepherd - Doug Nicolet 2005
N.J. Hiebert - 8388
Some years ago, at a Special Olympics event, eight young contestants who were either physically or mentally challenged, lined up on the track to compete in the 100 yard dash. At the sound of the starter's pistol, they began an excited, exuberant dash.
One of the participants, a little boy, stumbled and tripped as he ran. He fell, tumbling and rolling to a stop in crumpled heap. He began to cry. The rest of the runners, not far away, heard him. Each slowed, looked back at the crying boy, and also stopped. Without hesitation everyone of the other runners turned around and went back to where their fellow competitor lay crying. One of the children, afflicted with Down Syndrome, kneeled down beside him, and, giving him a kiss, said in her sweet, gentle voice, "That will make it better." At that, the little boy was helped to his feet and all eight runners with arms locked together walked to the finish line crossing it as one triumphant group.
How often, and in how many different ways, do we find illustrated in God's precious Word the principles of love, oneness, and comfort. And never was there a day when it has been more important for the people of God to walk together in love "endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the (uniting) bond of peace" Ephesians 4:3. These last moments before the Lord's return are times when all the people of God, wherever they may be found, are experiencing violent, unprecedented Satanic attacks.
Comfort, consolation and fellowship in the Spirit are directly linked to believers having the "the mind of Christ". Philippians 2:5--that divine mind which willingly took the lowest place in perfect humility that there might be eternal blessing for a vast, innumerable company. To have and display the mind of Christ is to show humility, love and care for one another.
"Two are better than one. . . For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up" (Ecclesiastes 4:9,10) The Christian Shepherd - Doug Nicolet 2005
N.J. Hiebert - 8388
February 11
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, It is finished: and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost. John 19:30
Wonderful climax of all the events of that unforgettable day! The holy, blessed Son of God had been apprehended the night before. All night long He had been subjected to the hateful persecution of the Jewish council. He had stood before them with calm, quiet dignity, falsely accused and slandered, but not opening His mouth in self-defence, not making the slightest suggestion of resenting their cruel, unjust treatment. They had sought every means of intimidating Him to draw from His lips some bitter, angry reply, but they were defeated by the dignity of His lowliness.
Early in the morning they brought Him to Pilate, the Roman governor, determined to have Him condemned. But they had no real charge against Him that Pilate could even consider. Yet instead of dismissing the case, Pilate joined in with their persecution, and his soldiers added their heartless mockery and cruel violence. Jesus spoke in such calm authority that Pilate was made to feel himself the criminal before his judge. Yet he gave in to the Jews, delivering the Lord of glory to be crucified.
Nailed to the cross, He showed His heart's faithful, tender grace as He pled, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." He was still in control of the whole situation.
But at noon thick darkness enveloped Him and the whole land, and for three hours He suffered under God's hand, with no eye to observe. There He bore our sins in His own body on the tree, and cried out, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" How penetrating, how awesome His cry!
Then those wonderful words, spoken with a loud voice, "It is finished" (John 19:30). The great Victor, in perfect control of all the circumstances, pronounced His work complete. How great, how good He is! The Lord is Near
N.J. Hiebert - 8389
Wonderful climax of all the events of that unforgettable day! The holy, blessed Son of God had been apprehended the night before. All night long He had been subjected to the hateful persecution of the Jewish council. He had stood before them with calm, quiet dignity, falsely accused and slandered, but not opening His mouth in self-defence, not making the slightest suggestion of resenting their cruel, unjust treatment. They had sought every means of intimidating Him to draw from His lips some bitter, angry reply, but they were defeated by the dignity of His lowliness.
Early in the morning they brought Him to Pilate, the Roman governor, determined to have Him condemned. But they had no real charge against Him that Pilate could even consider. Yet instead of dismissing the case, Pilate joined in with their persecution, and his soldiers added their heartless mockery and cruel violence. Jesus spoke in such calm authority that Pilate was made to feel himself the criminal before his judge. Yet he gave in to the Jews, delivering the Lord of glory to be crucified.
Nailed to the cross, He showed His heart's faithful, tender grace as He pled, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." He was still in control of the whole situation.
But at noon thick darkness enveloped Him and the whole land, and for three hours He suffered under God's hand, with no eye to observe. There He bore our sins in His own body on the tree, and cried out, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" How penetrating, how awesome His cry!
Then those wonderful words, spoken with a loud voice, "It is finished" (John 19:30). The great Victor, in perfect control of all the circumstances, pronounced His work complete. How great, how good He is! The Lord is Near
N.J. Hiebert - 8389
February 12
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Mere natural and physical powers will not avail in the hour when one is called upon to face great mental and spiritual emergencies.
But they who have learned to refer everything to God and to wait quietly upon Him will be given all needed strength to rise above depressing circumstances, thus enabling them to mount heaven ward as eagles facing the sun, to run their race with patience, and to walk with God with renewed confidence and courage, knowing that they are ever the objects of His love and care.
It is one thing to wait on the Lord. It is quite another to wait for Him. As we wait on Him we are changed into His likeness. As we wait for Him in patience we are delivered from worry and fretfulness, knowing that God is never late, but that in His own time He will give the help we need.
Someone has suggested that we may apply Isaiah's words, verse 31, as representing Christians or children of God in different ages. The young believers mount up with wings of hope and expectancy as eagles flying into the height of Heaven.
The middle-aged ones are running with patience the race set before them, while those who have reached old age have come down to a quiet walk with God as they near the portals of the eternal Home of the saints. H. A. Ironside
Through waves, through clouds and storms,
Mere natural and physical powers will not avail in the hour when one is called upon to face great mental and spiritual emergencies.
But they who have learned to refer everything to God and to wait quietly upon Him will be given all needed strength to rise above depressing circumstances, thus enabling them to mount heaven ward as eagles facing the sun, to run their race with patience, and to walk with God with renewed confidence and courage, knowing that they are ever the objects of His love and care.
It is one thing to wait on the Lord. It is quite another to wait for Him. As we wait on Him we are changed into His likeness. As we wait for Him in patience we are delivered from worry and fretfulness, knowing that God is never late, but that in His own time He will give the help we need.
Someone has suggested that we may apply Isaiah's words, verse 31, as representing Christians or children of God in different ages. The young believers mount up with wings of hope and expectancy as eagles flying into the height of Heaven.
The middle-aged ones are running with patience the race set before them, while those who have reached old age have come down to a quiet walk with God as they near the portals of the eternal Home of the saints. H. A. Ironside
Through waves, through clouds and storms,
God gently clears the way;
We wait His time; so shall the night soon end in blissful days.
Gerhardt tr. by J. Wesley
N.J. Hiebert - 8390
We wait His time; so shall the night soon end in blissful days.
Gerhardt tr. by J. Wesley
N.J. Hiebert - 8390
February 13
For your heavenly Father knoweth. Matthew 6:32
A visitor at a school for the deaf and dumb was writing questions on the blackboard for the children. By and by he wrote this sentence: "Why has God made me to hear and speak, and made you deaf and dumb?" The awful sentence fell upon the little ones like a fierce blow in the face. They sat palsied before that dreadful "Why?" And then a little girl arose. Her lip was trembling. Her eyes were swimming with tears. Straight to the board she walked, and picked up the crayon, wrote with firm hand these precious words: "Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight!" (Luke 10:21).
What a reply! It reaches up and and lays hold of an eternal truth upon which the maturest believer as well as the youngest child of God may alike securely rest--the truth that God is your Father.
Do you mean that? Do you really and fully believe that? When you do, then your dove of faith will no longer wander in weary unrest, but will settle down forever in its eternal resting place of peace. "Your Father!"
I believe that a day comes for all of us, however far off it may be, when we shall understand; when these tragedies that now blacken and darken the very air of heaven for us, will sink into their places in a scheme so august, so magnificent, so joyful, that we shall praise Him with wonder and delight. Arthur C. Bacon.
No chance hath brought this ill to me; 'tis God's own hand, so let it be, He seeth what I cannot see--there is a need-be for each pain, And He one day will make it plain that earthly loss is heavenly gain.
Like as a piece of tapestry viewed from the back appears to be Not but threads tangled hopelessly;
A visitor at a school for the deaf and dumb was writing questions on the blackboard for the children. By and by he wrote this sentence: "Why has God made me to hear and speak, and made you deaf and dumb?" The awful sentence fell upon the little ones like a fierce blow in the face. They sat palsied before that dreadful "Why?" And then a little girl arose. Her lip was trembling. Her eyes were swimming with tears. Straight to the board she walked, and picked up the crayon, wrote with firm hand these precious words: "Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight!" (Luke 10:21).
What a reply! It reaches up and and lays hold of an eternal truth upon which the maturest believer as well as the youngest child of God may alike securely rest--the truth that God is your Father.
Do you mean that? Do you really and fully believe that? When you do, then your dove of faith will no longer wander in weary unrest, but will settle down forever in its eternal resting place of peace. "Your Father!"
I believe that a day comes for all of us, however far off it may be, when we shall understand; when these tragedies that now blacken and darken the very air of heaven for us, will sink into their places in a scheme so august, so magnificent, so joyful, that we shall praise Him with wonder and delight. Arthur C. Bacon.
No chance hath brought this ill to me; 'tis God's own hand, so let it be, He seeth what I cannot see--there is a need-be for each pain, And He one day will make it plain that earthly loss is heavenly gain.
Like as a piece of tapestry viewed from the back appears to be Not but threads tangled hopelessly;
but in the front a picture fair Rewards the worker for his care, proving his skill and patience rare.
Thou art the Workman, I the frame. Lord, for the glory of Thy Name, Perfect Thine image on the same. Selected
N.J. Hiebert - 8391
Thou art the Workman, I the frame. Lord, for the glory of Thy Name, Perfect Thine image on the same. Selected
N.J. Hiebert - 8391
February 14
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to loved one another."
1 John 4:11
I like the word, ought, it suggests duty. Sometimes Christians do not like to be reminded of duty, for they have an idea that duty is not consistent with grace. But the grace of God, when it is active in the life, leads men and women to do the things they ought to do.
Here is one thing we ought to do, we ought to love one another; we ought to love those that do not love us, those who mistreat us, those who speak evil of us, those who harm us, those who would ruin us if they could. That is the way God loves us.
Nothing that men did to our blessed Lord Jesus, nothing that they said about Him could change the attitude of His heart toward them. As He was hanging extended upon the cross of shame, that angry rabble cried out for His life, He prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do!" Luke 23:34
This is not natural. No man will love like this naturally. But this is spiritual, this is divine, and this is possible as we walk in the power of the new nature which God has communicated to those who believe. The Epistle of John - H. Ironside
Living for Jesus who died in my place, bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace,
Such love constrains me to answer His call, follow His leading and give Him my all.
Living for Jesus thru earth's little while, my dearest treasure, the light of His smile,
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem, bringing the weary to find rest in Him.
O Jesus, Lord and Saviour, I give myself to Thee;
For Thou, in Thy atonement didst give Thyself for me.
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne,
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone. Thomas Chisholm
N.J. Hiebert - 8392
1 John 4:11
I like the word, ought, it suggests duty. Sometimes Christians do not like to be reminded of duty, for they have an idea that duty is not consistent with grace. But the grace of God, when it is active in the life, leads men and women to do the things they ought to do.
Here is one thing we ought to do, we ought to love one another; we ought to love those that do not love us, those who mistreat us, those who speak evil of us, those who harm us, those who would ruin us if they could. That is the way God loves us.
Nothing that men did to our blessed Lord Jesus, nothing that they said about Him could change the attitude of His heart toward them. As He was hanging extended upon the cross of shame, that angry rabble cried out for His life, He prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do!" Luke 23:34
This is not natural. No man will love like this naturally. But this is spiritual, this is divine, and this is possible as we walk in the power of the new nature which God has communicated to those who believe. The Epistle of John - H. Ironside
Living for Jesus who died in my place, bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace,
Such love constrains me to answer His call, follow His leading and give Him my all.
Living for Jesus thru earth's little while, my dearest treasure, the light of His smile,
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem, bringing the weary to find rest in Him.
O Jesus, Lord and Saviour, I give myself to Thee;
For Thou, in Thy atonement didst give Thyself for me.
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne,
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone. Thomas Chisholm
N.J. Hiebert - 8392
February 15
The Lord God prepared a gourd. . . Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd. But God prepared a worm. . . and it smote the gourd that it withered. . . . Then said the Lord, thou hast had pity on the gourd. . . which came up in a night, and perished in a night: and should I not spare Nineveh.
(Jonah 4:6-11)
The Lord did not rebuke Jonah for having pity on the gourd. There was nothing wrong in that. The wrong lay in the fact that he gave more pity, more thought, more care, for a gourd that came up in a night and perished in a night, than for the teeming, perishing thousands of a great city.
It is not by any accident that God used that expression, "perished" in a night. It is the fourth time in this little book we have heard that word "perish." Surely there would echo back in Jonah's mind the frantic words of that shipmaster, as he roused Jonah from his sleep, "Arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not." (Jonah 1:6)
Or again, could he ever forget the fervent prayer of those sailors as they cast him into the sea: "Let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for Thou, O Lord, hast done as it pleased Thee." (1:14)
Also, the agonized words of the people of Nineveh must have still been ringing in his ears: "Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from His fierce anger, that we perish not?" (3:9)
These people all perished not. God knew they were of more value than many gourds, and He found a way that they should not perish. He was willing that the gourd which came up in a night should perish in a night, in order to teach His servant the lesson he so greatly needed. Alas, how different was that servant! He would have been wiling enough for all these men to perish, if his gourd might have been saved. Jonah - G. C. Willis (To be continued)
N.J. Hiebert - 8393
The Lord did not rebuke Jonah for having pity on the gourd. There was nothing wrong in that. The wrong lay in the fact that he gave more pity, more thought, more care, for a gourd that came up in a night and perished in a night, than for the teeming, perishing thousands of a great city.
It is not by any accident that God used that expression, "perished" in a night. It is the fourth time in this little book we have heard that word "perish." Surely there would echo back in Jonah's mind the frantic words of that shipmaster, as he roused Jonah from his sleep, "Arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not." (Jonah 1:6)
Or again, could he ever forget the fervent prayer of those sailors as they cast him into the sea: "Let us not perish for this man's life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for Thou, O Lord, hast done as it pleased Thee." (1:14)
Also, the agonized words of the people of Nineveh must have still been ringing in his ears: "Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from His fierce anger, that we perish not?" (3:9)
These people all perished not. God knew they were of more value than many gourds, and He found a way that they should not perish. He was willing that the gourd which came up in a night should perish in a night, in order to teach His servant the lesson he so greatly needed. Alas, how different was that servant! He would have been wiling enough for all these men to perish, if his gourd might have been saved. Jonah - G. C. Willis (To be continued)
N.J. Hiebert - 8393
February 16
Then said the Lord, thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither made it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night: and should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than six-score thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle? Jonah 4:10,11
What does that tell us? It tells us of God's tender care, not for the gourd alone, but for the many thousands of Nineveh. Each individual life in that great city was precious in God's sight. Each one was the work of God's hand, for each one He had laboured, and it was God alone who had made each one to grow.
This was true not alone of the grown men and women, but of the little children, and the cattle, whom God especially mentions in these verses. What a lesson this is to us as we see the vast numbers of the heathen, those utterly without God in the world. For each of these individually, God has a tender care, on the ground that He has laboured for them, He has made them to grow.
It is truly His hand that provides them day by day with their daily bread, though they have never learned to acknowledge Him as "Father." May the Lord help us to look on them with His own thoughts, and love them with a little of that wondrous love told out with such ringing eloquence in those words so familiar to us all: "God so love the world"!
The Lord could say to His disciples, "Ye are of more value than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:21) Here was Jonah placing a higher value on a gourd (more worthless than a sparrow), than on a city that was so immense that there were a hundred and twenty thousand tiny children in it (notice the Lord had counted the little children--He knew them each one) "and also much cattle." Jonah - G. C. Willis - # 2
N.J. Hiebert - 8394
What does that tell us? It tells us of God's tender care, not for the gourd alone, but for the many thousands of Nineveh. Each individual life in that great city was precious in God's sight. Each one was the work of God's hand, for each one He had laboured, and it was God alone who had made each one to grow.
This was true not alone of the grown men and women, but of the little children, and the cattle, whom God especially mentions in these verses. What a lesson this is to us as we see the vast numbers of the heathen, those utterly without God in the world. For each of these individually, God has a tender care, on the ground that He has laboured for them, He has made them to grow.
It is truly His hand that provides them day by day with their daily bread, though they have never learned to acknowledge Him as "Father." May the Lord help us to look on them with His own thoughts, and love them with a little of that wondrous love told out with such ringing eloquence in those words so familiar to us all: "God so love the world"!
The Lord could say to His disciples, "Ye are of more value than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:21) Here was Jonah placing a higher value on a gourd (more worthless than a sparrow), than on a city that was so immense that there were a hundred and twenty thousand tiny children in it (notice the Lord had counted the little children--He knew them each one) "and also much cattle." Jonah - G. C. Willis - # 2
N.J. Hiebert - 8394
February 17
Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh from the rock of the field? or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken? Jeremiah 18:14
Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? Job 38:22
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater . . ." Isaiah 55:10
The mountain peaks of Lebanon are snow-capped all year, resulting in a steady flow of melt-water to the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan Valley. It would be a foolish farmer who chose to leave his riverside farm and opt for a cistern of water elsewhere. So we would be foolish to ignore God's wonderful blessings and turn instead to attempting to find happiness in what we ourselves can build.
The new snow covers everything in a blanket of pure white, hiding all the grime left from weeks of pollution. In the Bible, snow is often used to describe what God deems pure and clean. "Come now, let us reason together, saith Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow" Isaiah 1:18. Just as God provides the snow of Lebanon, so He has given His Son, whose blood shed cleanses us from all sin. God does not only hide the grime from sight, but removes it from His memory forever.
Never give up what you possess forever in Christ, for some temporary enjoyment that will surely fade away. The water of God's Word is like the snow-melt from Lebanon that keeps flowing all year. Lorne Perry
Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;
I want Thee forever to live in my soul;
Break down every idol, cast out every foe--
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. James Nicholson
N.J. Hiebert - 8395
Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? Job 38:22
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater . . ." Isaiah 55:10
The mountain peaks of Lebanon are snow-capped all year, resulting in a steady flow of melt-water to the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan Valley. It would be a foolish farmer who chose to leave his riverside farm and opt for a cistern of water elsewhere. So we would be foolish to ignore God's wonderful blessings and turn instead to attempting to find happiness in what we ourselves can build.
The new snow covers everything in a blanket of pure white, hiding all the grime left from weeks of pollution. In the Bible, snow is often used to describe what God deems pure and clean. "Come now, let us reason together, saith Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow" Isaiah 1:18. Just as God provides the snow of Lebanon, so He has given His Son, whose blood shed cleanses us from all sin. God does not only hide the grime from sight, but removes it from His memory forever.
Never give up what you possess forever in Christ, for some temporary enjoyment that will surely fade away. The water of God's Word is like the snow-melt from Lebanon that keeps flowing all year. Lorne Perry
Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;
I want Thee forever to live in my soul;
Break down every idol, cast out every foe--
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. James Nicholson
N.J. Hiebert - 8395
February 18
And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:8
Who can estimate the greatness of the willing humiliation of our blessed Lord Jesus! Lord of glory, from the highest heights of majestic splendour and equality with the Father, where He held the awesome dignity of creatorial power as the living God from all eternity, He came down to the lowest depths of degradation and of unfathomable anguish. He was mocked and despised even by creatures of the lowest human character.
It was a tremendous stoop of love and grace that brought Him down from His great glory to be born of a virgin in an obscure village. Angels announced Him to shepherds alone--He was unknown, unsought by the dignities of the world. Yet He was a Babe perfect in purity, in whom dwelt all the fullness of the eternal God in bodily form.
Passing through the world in lowly simplicity and devotion to God, He was recognized only by few as the Son of God. Does it not amaze us that He should willingly take so humble a place in His 33 years of sojourning on earth?
But how much further our verse takes us! How much greater was His willing humiliation as He submitted to His creatures' bitter hatred. They subjected Him to cursing and spitting, tore out His hair, lashed Him with metal-tipped whips, crowned Him with thorns, and nailed Him to a cross!
That cross! What does it tell us? Not only of a violent death but death under God's curse--utter humiliation indeed! He willingly bore the unalleviated judgment of a holy God against our many sins. None other could suffer as He did. How rightly has God now exalted Him to the highest place of eternal glory. Well may we in lowliest, worshipping adoration give glory to Jesus our Lord! The Lord is Near
N.J. Hiebert - 8396
Who can estimate the greatness of the willing humiliation of our blessed Lord Jesus! Lord of glory, from the highest heights of majestic splendour and equality with the Father, where He held the awesome dignity of creatorial power as the living God from all eternity, He came down to the lowest depths of degradation and of unfathomable anguish. He was mocked and despised even by creatures of the lowest human character.
It was a tremendous stoop of love and grace that brought Him down from His great glory to be born of a virgin in an obscure village. Angels announced Him to shepherds alone--He was unknown, unsought by the dignities of the world. Yet He was a Babe perfect in purity, in whom dwelt all the fullness of the eternal God in bodily form.
Passing through the world in lowly simplicity and devotion to God, He was recognized only by few as the Son of God. Does it not amaze us that He should willingly take so humble a place in His 33 years of sojourning on earth?
But how much further our verse takes us! How much greater was His willing humiliation as He submitted to His creatures' bitter hatred. They subjected Him to cursing and spitting, tore out His hair, lashed Him with metal-tipped whips, crowned Him with thorns, and nailed Him to a cross!
That cross! What does it tell us? Not only of a violent death but death under God's curse--utter humiliation indeed! He willingly bore the unalleviated judgment of a holy God against our many sins. None other could suffer as He did. How rightly has God now exalted Him to the highest place of eternal glory. Well may we in lowliest, worshipping adoration give glory to Jesus our Lord! The Lord is Near
N.J. Hiebert - 8396
February 19
Jesus entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard His word. Luke 10:38,39
In the home of His special friends at Bethany, how courteously Jesus behaved. Remember the occasion when Martha was cumbered about much serving. She looked with impatient eye on Mary "sitting at Jesus feet": "Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me."
But that would have been out of place for Him as a guest to take the place of master in the house of His friends. Martha wanted Him to assume the role of head of that house, but He was too courteous to leave the character of guest.
He was charity that did not "behave itself unseemly." (unmannerly) Although Lord of all, He respected the honour of His friends ruling in their own house. But He did give Martha needed instruction as to what delighted Him most. He did not desire to sit alone while both the sisters busied themselves preparing Him many dishes.
The Word of God was more to Him than His necessary food. When the care of "many things" took the place of hearing His Word, it is the "many things" that must go. So our Lord, when a guest, maintained the character of of a guest, and did it in a lovely way. He was the courteous Gentleman in the home.
A Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake
Thou wast the image, in man's lowly guise, of the invisible to mortal eyes;
Come from His bosom, from the heavens above, we see in Thee incarnate, God is love.
Thy lips the Father's name to us reveal; what burning power in all Thy words we feel,
When to our raptured hearts we hear Thee tell the heavenly glories which Thou knowest so well. J. G. Deck
N.J. Hiebert - 8397
In the home of His special friends at Bethany, how courteously Jesus behaved. Remember the occasion when Martha was cumbered about much serving. She looked with impatient eye on Mary "sitting at Jesus feet": "Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me."
But that would have been out of place for Him as a guest to take the place of master in the house of His friends. Martha wanted Him to assume the role of head of that house, but He was too courteous to leave the character of guest.
He was charity that did not "behave itself unseemly." (unmannerly) Although Lord of all, He respected the honour of His friends ruling in their own house. But He did give Martha needed instruction as to what delighted Him most. He did not desire to sit alone while both the sisters busied themselves preparing Him many dishes.
The Word of God was more to Him than His necessary food. When the care of "many things" took the place of hearing His Word, it is the "many things" that must go. So our Lord, when a guest, maintained the character of of a guest, and did it in a lovely way. He was the courteous Gentleman in the home.
A Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake
Thou wast the image, in man's lowly guise, of the invisible to mortal eyes;
Come from His bosom, from the heavens above, we see in Thee incarnate, God is love.
Thy lips the Father's name to us reveal; what burning power in all Thy words we feel,
When to our raptured hearts we hear Thee tell the heavenly glories which Thou knowest so well. J. G. Deck
N.J. Hiebert - 8397
February 20
Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heaves; and Thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Psalm 36:5
A remarkable principle that the ocean has impressed upon my spirit is one shaped by the action of the waves upon sand. I see it repeated a hundred thousand times when I walk softly between the tides. Every wave or wavelet that surges across the sand seems to run up the beach in threatening fashion. The water foams and froths ominously. It comes swishing up the sand, hissing menacingly. It seems intent on shifting and sweeping everything before it.
Yet, mysteriously, wondrously, incredibly, I have seen those same threatening waves come to a quiet end. Their energy spent, they simply sink into the sand. The water not soaked up recedes gently, to be reclaimed by the next incoming wave. The threatening presence is lost and dissipated in the matrix of the great white beach. Only tiny bursting rainbow bubbles and a vanishing fleck of foam remain to remind one of the menace.
It seemed so real, so overwhelming, so all-engulfing. Yet it came to nothing. Life, too, is like that. So many of the events or things we fear often come to nothing. Initially they may appear, like a rising wave on the sea, intent on sweeping right over us. We are sure they will engulf us in calamity and chaos. We are terrified at times that they will fling us off our feet, to toss us up, crumpled and broken, on the beach of life.
Yet again and again, like waves that run out of energy, to spend themselves softly on the sand, the threats of our day fade away. They look so menacing, they appear so formidable; we want to turn and run from them. Yet time tames most of them. They dissolve into nothing. Lord, help me to remember this word from the waves. Songs of My Soul - W. Philip Keller
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, the clouds ye so much dread
A remarkable principle that the ocean has impressed upon my spirit is one shaped by the action of the waves upon sand. I see it repeated a hundred thousand times when I walk softly between the tides. Every wave or wavelet that surges across the sand seems to run up the beach in threatening fashion. The water foams and froths ominously. It comes swishing up the sand, hissing menacingly. It seems intent on shifting and sweeping everything before it.
Yet, mysteriously, wondrously, incredibly, I have seen those same threatening waves come to a quiet end. Their energy spent, they simply sink into the sand. The water not soaked up recedes gently, to be reclaimed by the next incoming wave. The threatening presence is lost and dissipated in the matrix of the great white beach. Only tiny bursting rainbow bubbles and a vanishing fleck of foam remain to remind one of the menace.
It seemed so real, so overwhelming, so all-engulfing. Yet it came to nothing. Life, too, is like that. So many of the events or things we fear often come to nothing. Initially they may appear, like a rising wave on the sea, intent on sweeping right over us. We are sure they will engulf us in calamity and chaos. We are terrified at times that they will fling us off our feet, to toss us up, crumpled and broken, on the beach of life.
Yet again and again, like waves that run out of energy, to spend themselves softly on the sand, the threats of our day fade away. They look so menacing, they appear so formidable; we want to turn and run from them. Yet time tames most of them. They dissolve into nothing. Lord, help me to remember this word from the waves. Songs of My Soul - W. Philip Keller
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, the clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head. Cowper - 1779
N.J. Hiebert - 8398
N.J. Hiebert - 8398
February 21
Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then said Jesus unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered Him, No. John 21:3-5.
You remember how Jesus stood on the shore, and called to the disciples who were in the fishing boat, "Children, Have ye any meat?" And they had to answer, "No!" In the Greek Testament the word the Lord used is not "Children" but the diminutive of children, Paidia or as we would say "Little children." But I do not think He was thinking of their age or size: I think that diminutive was called forth by the Lord's loving concern for their long, discouraging night of failure; and now no breakfast; for the very form of His question as recorded in Greek, intimates that He knew the answer must be, "No!"
Then the same love that asks the question in that particular form, tells them what to do: "Cast the net on the right side of the ship and ye shall find." And then the answering chord in the heart of the disciple (John) whom Jesus loved tells him who is that "Stranger" standing on the beach, and he says to Peter, "It is the Lord!"
Then He invites them to breakfast: the breakfast His own hands have prepared, and after they have finished eating, you remember He asks Peter if he loved Him more than the other disciples. Peter dare not use the strong word (agapao) for love, that the Lord had used, but replies, Thou knowest that I am fond of of Thee, (phileõ). Then the Lord says, "Feed my arnia." Arnia is the diminutive of 'lambs" or "Feed my lambkins."
The Lord said to Peter, "Feed My beloved lambs." And let us not forget that He meant size or age as well as affection. So let us not pass by the Children.
Hid Treasures - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8399
You remember how Jesus stood on the shore, and called to the disciples who were in the fishing boat, "Children, Have ye any meat?" And they had to answer, "No!" In the Greek Testament the word the Lord used is not "Children" but the diminutive of children, Paidia or as we would say "Little children." But I do not think He was thinking of their age or size: I think that diminutive was called forth by the Lord's loving concern for their long, discouraging night of failure; and now no breakfast; for the very form of His question as recorded in Greek, intimates that He knew the answer must be, "No!"
Then the same love that asks the question in that particular form, tells them what to do: "Cast the net on the right side of the ship and ye shall find." And then the answering chord in the heart of the disciple (John) whom Jesus loved tells him who is that "Stranger" standing on the beach, and he says to Peter, "It is the Lord!"
Then He invites them to breakfast: the breakfast His own hands have prepared, and after they have finished eating, you remember He asks Peter if he loved Him more than the other disciples. Peter dare not use the strong word (agapao) for love, that the Lord had used, but replies, Thou knowest that I am fond of of Thee, (phileõ). Then the Lord says, "Feed my arnia." Arnia is the diminutive of 'lambs" or "Feed my lambkins."
The Lord said to Peter, "Feed My beloved lambs." And let us not forget that He meant size or age as well as affection. So let us not pass by the Children.
Hid Treasures - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8399
February 22
THREE WORLDS
The world that then was . . . 2 Peter 3:6
The heavens and earth, which are now . . . 2 Peter 3:7
Nevertheless, we. . . look for new heavens and a new earth. 2 Peter 3:13
We are hearing much about "one world." The Christian thinks in terms of three worlds. The first was destroyed by water. The second will perish by fire. The believer looks for a third, where righteousness dwells. This present world is reserved for fire. The new world is reserved for us who have become citizens of heaven, to whom this present evil world is but our passage, not our portion. We are strangers and pilgrims, we seek a city.
The people of the first world "knew not" until the flood came. Only Noah had his eyes open. The people of our world know not, nor will they know, until sudden destruction comes. They pride themselves on what they know, but it is only educated ignorance.
There are those today, however, like Noah who know what time of day it is. When the last storm begins to break and all heads in this world droop, they will lift up theirs, for redemption nears. The Third World is about to begin!
Day by Day with Vance Havner
Come to the Saviour, make no delay;
Here in His Word He has shown us the way;
Here in our midst He's standing today,
Tenderly saying, "Come!"
Joyful, joyful, will the meeting be,
When from sin our hearts are pure and free;
And we shall gather, Saviour, with Thee,
In our eternal home G. F. Root
N.J. Hiebert - 8400
The world that then was . . . 2 Peter 3:6
The heavens and earth, which are now . . . 2 Peter 3:7
Nevertheless, we. . . look for new heavens and a new earth. 2 Peter 3:13
We are hearing much about "one world." The Christian thinks in terms of three worlds. The first was destroyed by water. The second will perish by fire. The believer looks for a third, where righteousness dwells. This present world is reserved for fire. The new world is reserved for us who have become citizens of heaven, to whom this present evil world is but our passage, not our portion. We are strangers and pilgrims, we seek a city.
The people of the first world "knew not" until the flood came. Only Noah had his eyes open. The people of our world know not, nor will they know, until sudden destruction comes. They pride themselves on what they know, but it is only educated ignorance.
There are those today, however, like Noah who know what time of day it is. When the last storm begins to break and all heads in this world droop, they will lift up theirs, for redemption nears. The Third World is about to begin!
Day by Day with Vance Havner
Come to the Saviour, make no delay;
Here in His Word He has shown us the way;
Here in our midst He's standing today,
Tenderly saying, "Come!"
Joyful, joyful, will the meeting be,
When from sin our hearts are pure and free;
And we shall gather, Saviour, with Thee,
In our eternal home G. F. Root
N.J. Hiebert - 8400
February 23
HEAVEN'S BANK
But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
I know a never-failing Bank, well filled with golden store;
No other bank contains so much that can enrich the poor.
Should all the banks of Europe break, the Bank of England fail,
Fear not that heaven's glorious Bank its discounts will curtail.
Though a thousand notes lie scattered round, all signed, and sealed and free,
Yet many a doubting soul will say, Ah! they are not for me.
Proud unbelief cannot admit such tidings to be true;
And yet I tell each bankrupt soul, These notes belong to you!
I, too, right at the door have been with painful doubts molested:
Knowing, if Moses keeps the bank, my notes had been protested;
Some fear they write so bad a hand their notes will be rejected;
But always humble souls obtain much more than they expected.
Whenever all my money's spent, and I'm in utter need,
Straight to my Bank I always go, for generous aid to plead.
I've been a thousand times before, and never was rejected;
No notes can ever be refused, that are by Grace accepted.
Should all the bankers close their doors, my Bank stands open wide
To all the chosen of the Lord, for whom the Saviour died.
Sometimes my Banker, smiling says, "Why don't you oftener come?"
And when I draw a little bill, "Why not a larger sum?"
Rowland Hill
N.J. Hiebert - 8401
But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
I know a never-failing Bank, well filled with golden store;
No other bank contains so much that can enrich the poor.
Should all the banks of Europe break, the Bank of England fail,
Fear not that heaven's glorious Bank its discounts will curtail.
Though a thousand notes lie scattered round, all signed, and sealed and free,
Yet many a doubting soul will say, Ah! they are not for me.
Proud unbelief cannot admit such tidings to be true;
And yet I tell each bankrupt soul, These notes belong to you!
I, too, right at the door have been with painful doubts molested:
Knowing, if Moses keeps the bank, my notes had been protested;
Some fear they write so bad a hand their notes will be rejected;
But always humble souls obtain much more than they expected.
Whenever all my money's spent, and I'm in utter need,
Straight to my Bank I always go, for generous aid to plead.
I've been a thousand times before, and never was rejected;
No notes can ever be refused, that are by Grace accepted.
Should all the bankers close their doors, my Bank stands open wide
To all the chosen of the Lord, for whom the Saviour died.
Sometimes my Banker, smiling says, "Why don't you oftener come?"
And when I draw a little bill, "Why not a larger sum?"
Rowland Hill
N.J. Hiebert - 8401
February 24
And, behold, there arose a a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but Jesus was asleep. Matthew 8:24
Tired from His labour, the Saviour slept--a touching proof of His humanity. Presently, one of the Gennesaret's sudden storms burst upon the little boat, to the dismay of the disciples, who realized only feebly who it was that was voyaging with them. This was the One who ages before "shut up the sea with doors, . . . Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?" (Job 38:8,11).
Mark tells us that the disciples awoke their Lord crying, "Master, carest Thou not that we perish?" (Mark 4:38) How those words must have wounded the heart of the Saviour! Had He not cared, He would have remained in His own glory, and the Bethlehem manger, the Galilean boat, and the cross of Calvary would never have been His lot. Yet so gracious is He that no word of censure escaped His lips for their heartless speech. He merely asked, "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith (Matthew 8:26).
His voice sufficed for the stilling of the storm. The psalmist wrote of Him, "Thou rulest the raging of the sea. Thou stillest them." (Psalm 89:9). Not a single attribute of Deity did He lay aside on becoming Man. Omnipotence and Omniscience shone forth in Him whenever occasion called forth their display. Demons, disease, death, winds, and waves all fled before His word. No human mind, however richly taught of God, can unravel the mystery of the union of the divine and human natures in His Person.
The disciples marvelled, saying, "What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him!" (Matthew 8:27). The answer is simple and plain: He was God manifested in flesh, on His way to death for the eternal blessing of all who believe. Then and now, He has power to dispel every danger that could befall His people. We need only to trust Him. W. W. Fereday.
N.J. Hiebert - 8402
Tired from His labour, the Saviour slept--a touching proof of His humanity. Presently, one of the Gennesaret's sudden storms burst upon the little boat, to the dismay of the disciples, who realized only feebly who it was that was voyaging with them. This was the One who ages before "shut up the sea with doors, . . . Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?" (Job 38:8,11).
Mark tells us that the disciples awoke their Lord crying, "Master, carest Thou not that we perish?" (Mark 4:38) How those words must have wounded the heart of the Saviour! Had He not cared, He would have remained in His own glory, and the Bethlehem manger, the Galilean boat, and the cross of Calvary would never have been His lot. Yet so gracious is He that no word of censure escaped His lips for their heartless speech. He merely asked, "Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith (Matthew 8:26).
His voice sufficed for the stilling of the storm. The psalmist wrote of Him, "Thou rulest the raging of the sea. Thou stillest them." (Psalm 89:9). Not a single attribute of Deity did He lay aside on becoming Man. Omnipotence and Omniscience shone forth in Him whenever occasion called forth their display. Demons, disease, death, winds, and waves all fled before His word. No human mind, however richly taught of God, can unravel the mystery of the union of the divine and human natures in His Person.
The disciples marvelled, saying, "What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him!" (Matthew 8:27). The answer is simple and plain: He was God manifested in flesh, on His way to death for the eternal blessing of all who believe. Then and now, He has power to dispel every danger that could befall His people. We need only to trust Him. W. W. Fereday.
N.J. Hiebert - 8402
February 25
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. Acts 20:7-8
The apostle Paul had a very active and busy life. Serving the Lord in a hostile world gave him very little time to think of himself. We don't read of him taking a vacation either.
Nevertheless when the first day of the week came around he was not too busy to meet with the Christians at Troas to break bread. After the many conflicts he encountered in following and serving the Lord, what a delight it must have been for the apostle just to enjoy the presence of the Lord in the midst of His saints. And in the breaking of the bread and the drinking of the cup he could recall the love that had led the Lord into unfathomable depths of suffering at Calvary.
Nothing less than the sufferings of Christ could put away our sins and secure a place of acceptance before God for us. And as we gain an increased appreciation of the Lord Jesus, our affections are stirred up to greater devotion and untiring service for Him.
The upper room reminds us of our spiritual blessings in the heavenlies. A high and lofty calling is ours. If we want to be in a condition to walk worthy of our calling we need to hear Paul's discourse in this morally dark midnight hour.
There were also many lights in the upper room where they were assembled, and so it will ever be when the Word of God is opened to us in the power of the Spirit of God. There we will not need to grope in the darkness, but the light of His Word will be a lamp we need for the pathway before us. Wondrous provision from God! J. Redekop January 1995
N.J. Hiebert - 8403
The apostle Paul had a very active and busy life. Serving the Lord in a hostile world gave him very little time to think of himself. We don't read of him taking a vacation either.
Nevertheless when the first day of the week came around he was not too busy to meet with the Christians at Troas to break bread. After the many conflicts he encountered in following and serving the Lord, what a delight it must have been for the apostle just to enjoy the presence of the Lord in the midst of His saints. And in the breaking of the bread and the drinking of the cup he could recall the love that had led the Lord into unfathomable depths of suffering at Calvary.
Nothing less than the sufferings of Christ could put away our sins and secure a place of acceptance before God for us. And as we gain an increased appreciation of the Lord Jesus, our affections are stirred up to greater devotion and untiring service for Him.
The upper room reminds us of our spiritual blessings in the heavenlies. A high and lofty calling is ours. If we want to be in a condition to walk worthy of our calling we need to hear Paul's discourse in this morally dark midnight hour.
There were also many lights in the upper room where they were assembled, and so it will ever be when the Word of God is opened to us in the power of the Spirit of God. There we will not need to grope in the darkness, but the light of His Word will be a lamp we need for the pathway before us. Wondrous provision from God! J. Redekop January 1995
N.J. Hiebert - 8403
February 26
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
1 Corinthians 4:2
I suppose that there has been no man in the world more distinguished for sound wisdom in the field of medicine than Sir William Osler. At the time of his death he was Regius Professor of medicine in Oxford University in England and was ultimately knighted by the Queen. He had received honorary degrees from almost every high-class university and college in the world.
Where did he start? Under what auspices did he make his beginning? In a little frontier settlement on the edge of the forest in eastern Canada, twelve miles from the nearest doctor. His father was a missionary, a university man from England, who with his bride came out to that wild primitive country. His circuit riding took him away from home four days out of every week. If he ever had a bridge over which to cross those abundant Canadian rivers it was made of floating logs fastened together in primitive fashion, which sometimes sank when he stepped upon it.
It is not your entrance but your exit that really counts. Selected
All the way my Saviour leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the rock before,
Lo! a spring of joy I see.
Fanny Crosby
N. J. Hiebert - 8404
1 Corinthians 4:2
I suppose that there has been no man in the world more distinguished for sound wisdom in the field of medicine than Sir William Osler. At the time of his death he was Regius Professor of medicine in Oxford University in England and was ultimately knighted by the Queen. He had received honorary degrees from almost every high-class university and college in the world.
Where did he start? Under what auspices did he make his beginning? In a little frontier settlement on the edge of the forest in eastern Canada, twelve miles from the nearest doctor. His father was a missionary, a university man from England, who with his bride came out to that wild primitive country. His circuit riding took him away from home four days out of every week. If he ever had a bridge over which to cross those abundant Canadian rivers it was made of floating logs fastened together in primitive fashion, which sometimes sank when he stepped upon it.
It is not your entrance but your exit that really counts. Selected
All the way my Saviour leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the rock before,
Lo! a spring of joy I see.
Fanny Crosby
N. J. Hiebert - 8404
February 27
WHICH MAN IS IN CHARGE
Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Romans 13:14
Are you aware of two forces striving within: the old Adam doubting and fearing, the new man believing and rejoicing? In the Christian, both are present and we shift gears back and forth. It should not be so. We should walk habitually in the Spirit although there may be occasional lapses back into the flesh. Such lapses should be accidents on the trip, possible but not on the schedule! Make no provision for the flesh, leave no loopholes, nothing that makes sinning more likely. Live in the new man and the old Adam will grow weaker.
Which man is in charge?
All the Days - Vance Havner
Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin;
Each victory will help you some other to win;
Fight prayerfully onward, dark passions subdue,
Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through.
To him that o'ercometh God giveth a crown;
Through faith we shall conquer, though often cast down;
He who is our Saviour our strength will renew;
Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through.
Ask the Saviour to help you,
Comfort, strengthen and keep you,
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through. Horatio Palmer
N.J. Hiebert - 8405
Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Romans 13:14
Are you aware of two forces striving within: the old Adam doubting and fearing, the new man believing and rejoicing? In the Christian, both are present and we shift gears back and forth. It should not be so. We should walk habitually in the Spirit although there may be occasional lapses back into the flesh. Such lapses should be accidents on the trip, possible but not on the schedule! Make no provision for the flesh, leave no loopholes, nothing that makes sinning more likely. Live in the new man and the old Adam will grow weaker.
Which man is in charge?
All the Days - Vance Havner
Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin;
Each victory will help you some other to win;
Fight prayerfully onward, dark passions subdue,
Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through.
To him that o'ercometh God giveth a crown;
Through faith we shall conquer, though often cast down;
He who is our Saviour our strength will renew;
Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through.
Ask the Saviour to help you,
Comfort, strengthen and keep you,
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through. Horatio Palmer
N.J. Hiebert - 8405
February 28
THE BURDEN-BEARER
Casting all your your care upon Him; for He careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7
I know the Son of God for me
The cross endured.
I know He suffered in my stead,
And, by the precious blood He shed,
My peace secured.
I know the Man who died for me
Is on the throne.
I know He ever watches there,
With sympathizing shepherd-care,
O'er all His own.
So why should I not trust His love
And power divine?
If He could bear my sins away,
Can He not carry day by day
Those cares of mine?
My burdens, then, my frets, my fears,
On Him I'll cast.
I'll leave my life in His good hand,
Assured my path in love He's planned
From first to last.
Thus gladly on my homeward way
I'll singing go;
Until, by His abounding grace,
At last I see Him face to face
Who loved me so.
Bells & Pomegranates - James M. S. Tait
N.J.Hiebert - 8406
Casting all your your care upon Him; for He careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7
I know the Son of God for me
The cross endured.
I know He suffered in my stead,
And, by the precious blood He shed,
My peace secured.
I know the Man who died for me
Is on the throne.
I know He ever watches there,
With sympathizing shepherd-care,
O'er all His own.
So why should I not trust His love
And power divine?
If He could bear my sins away,
Can He not carry day by day
Those cares of mine?
My burdens, then, my frets, my fears,
On Him I'll cast.
I'll leave my life in His good hand,
Assured my path in love He's planned
From first to last.
Thus gladly on my homeward way
I'll singing go;
Until, by His abounding grace,
At last I see Him face to face
Who loved me so.
Bells & Pomegranates - James M. S. Tait
N.J.Hiebert - 8406
March 1
WAKEFUL HOURS
"Thou holdest mine eyes waking." Psalm 77:4
If we could always say, night after night, "I will both lay me down in peace and sleep," (Psalm 4:8) receiving in full measure the Lord's quiet gift to His beloved, we should not learn the disguised sweetness of this special word for the wakeful ones.
When the wearisome nights come, it is hushing to know that they are appointed (Job 7:3). But this is something nearer and closer bringing, something individual and personal; not only an appointment, but an act of our Father: "Thou holdest mine eyes waking." (Psalm 77:4). It is not that He is merely not giving us sleep; it is not a denial, but a different dealing.
Every moment that the tired eyes are sleepless, it is because our Father is holding them waking. It seems so natural to say, "How I wish I could go to sleep!" Yet even that restless wish may be soothed by the happy confidence in our Father's hand, which will not relax its "hold" upon the weary eyelids until the right moment has come to let them fall in slumber.
Ah! but we say, "It is not only wish, I really want sleep." Well; wanting it is one thing, and needing it is another. For He is pledged to supply "All our need, not all our notions." (Philippians 4:19) And if He holds our eyes waking, we may rest assured that, so long as He does so, it is not sleep but wakefulness that is our true need.
Now if we first simply submit ourselves in the appointed wakefulness, instead of getting fidgeted because we cannot go to sleep, the resting in His will, even in this little thing, will bring a certain blessing. And the perfect learning of this little page in the great lesson-book of our Father's will, will make others easier and clearer. Royal Bounty - Frances Ridley Havergal
N.J. Hiebert - 8407
"Thou holdest mine eyes waking." Psalm 77:4
If we could always say, night after night, "I will both lay me down in peace and sleep," (Psalm 4:8) receiving in full measure the Lord's quiet gift to His beloved, we should not learn the disguised sweetness of this special word for the wakeful ones.
When the wearisome nights come, it is hushing to know that they are appointed (Job 7:3). But this is something nearer and closer bringing, something individual and personal; not only an appointment, but an act of our Father: "Thou holdest mine eyes waking." (Psalm 77:4). It is not that He is merely not giving us sleep; it is not a denial, but a different dealing.
Every moment that the tired eyes are sleepless, it is because our Father is holding them waking. It seems so natural to say, "How I wish I could go to sleep!" Yet even that restless wish may be soothed by the happy confidence in our Father's hand, which will not relax its "hold" upon the weary eyelids until the right moment has come to let them fall in slumber.
Ah! but we say, "It is not only wish, I really want sleep." Well; wanting it is one thing, and needing it is another. For He is pledged to supply "All our need, not all our notions." (Philippians 4:19) And if He holds our eyes waking, we may rest assured that, so long as He does so, it is not sleep but wakefulness that is our true need.
Now if we first simply submit ourselves in the appointed wakefulness, instead of getting fidgeted because we cannot go to sleep, the resting in His will, even in this little thing, will bring a certain blessing. And the perfect learning of this little page in the great lesson-book of our Father's will, will make others easier and clearer. Royal Bounty - Frances Ridley Havergal
N.J. Hiebert - 8407
March 2
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:2-4)
It is no evidence of God's displeasure when His people are called upon to pass through great trials. If one professes to have faith in the Lord he can depend upon it that his profession will be put to the test sooner or later. Alas, that we so frequently lose courage and become despondent in the hour of temptation, instead of realizing that it is the very time when we should look up into the Father's face with confidence, knowing that He is working out some purpose in us which could not be wrought out in any other way. We are called upon to count it all joy when we fall into many trials.
The word "temptation," as used here, does not refer to our being tempted to sin, but rather as when God did tempt Abraham, to the testing of our faith. Paul tells us that tribulation worketh patience, and James affirms the same: "The trying of your faith worketh patience."
By nature we are inclined to be fretful and impatient. Even Christians sometimes rebel against the ways of God when these go contrary to their own desires. But he who learns to be submissive to whatever God permits glorifies Him who orders all things according to the counsel of His own will. David said his soul had quieted itself as a weaned child (Psalm 131:2). This is patience exemplified.
When natural nourishment is taken from a babe, and it is fed on other food more suitable for its age, it becomes peevish and fretful. But when actually weaned all this is ended, and it accepts gratefully the proffered refreshment.
Notes on James - H. A. Ironside
N.J. Hiebert - 8408
It is no evidence of God's displeasure when His people are called upon to pass through great trials. If one professes to have faith in the Lord he can depend upon it that his profession will be put to the test sooner or later. Alas, that we so frequently lose courage and become despondent in the hour of temptation, instead of realizing that it is the very time when we should look up into the Father's face with confidence, knowing that He is working out some purpose in us which could not be wrought out in any other way. We are called upon to count it all joy when we fall into many trials.
The word "temptation," as used here, does not refer to our being tempted to sin, but rather as when God did tempt Abraham, to the testing of our faith. Paul tells us that tribulation worketh patience, and James affirms the same: "The trying of your faith worketh patience."
By nature we are inclined to be fretful and impatient. Even Christians sometimes rebel against the ways of God when these go contrary to their own desires. But he who learns to be submissive to whatever God permits glorifies Him who orders all things according to the counsel of His own will. David said his soul had quieted itself as a weaned child (Psalm 131:2). This is patience exemplified.
When natural nourishment is taken from a babe, and it is fed on other food more suitable for its age, it becomes peevish and fretful. But when actually weaned all this is ended, and it accepts gratefully the proffered refreshment.
Notes on James - H. A. Ironside
N.J. Hiebert - 8408
March 3
Verily, verily, I (Jesus) say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old . . . another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. . . And when He had spoken this, He said unto him, Follow Me. (John 21:18,19)
But Peter is Peter right on to the end, and even here again he appears as we read, "Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved, following. . . . Peter, seeing him, saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?" (vs. 20,21). John, without doubt, is meant here, and having heard the call to Peter, himself follows Jesus. What Peter was bidden to do; John does. The Lord's answer is enigmatical (puzzling), but highly instructive-- "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou Me." It is enough to know our own path, we are not called on to inquire as to our brother's.
"What shall this man do?" is too often on our lips. The Lord's reply is rather of the nature of a rebuke. "You keep your eye on Me, not on your brother." How good, how salutary, such a word! One can hardly conceive that under such circumstances, with his fault just only forgiven, and his death foretold, that Peter could have put such a question about another.
But as we read the record we can only say, "That is Peter to life." No matter where you find him, he is always the same impulsive man. Discretion had little part in his composition, while warmth ever marked him, and I doubt not it was his affection for John that led to his last indiscreet question. All his others we have see elicited valuable truth from the Lord, and this is no exception.
Whether the explanation of this be clear to our minds or not, the last word of the Lord to Peter, "Follow thou Me," is abundantly plain. May our hearts, each one, heed it to the full, and so please and serve Him, fully and untiringly, till He come! Simon Peter - W. T. P. Wolston
N.J. Hiebert - 8409
March 4
THROUGH THE WATERS
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1
Into death's dark waters faring,
Christ passed for me;
Shame, reproach and sorrow bearing, all, all for me.
Now I spurn the sins that slew Him,
Turn from scenes that never knew Him;
Take my cross and hasten to Him; He died for me!
See, the grave has closed around Him,
Silent and lone;
They who wove the thorns that crowned Him, sealing the stone.
To His tomb have I descended,
Seen my earthly pathway ended;
Here by faith have comprehended His grave my own.
O the joy, the blest awaking,
When Christ arose!
Every band forever breaking, my Lord arose.
Free with Him, what tie can bind me?
Safe in Him, what foe can find me?
Death and darkness all behind me, with Him I rose.
Sharing in His triumph glorious
O'er every foe,
Now to walk in life victorious, forward I go.
Where in Heaven, His work completed,
Christ at God's right hand is seated,
There my portion, too, is meted, there, there I go. James M. S. Tait
N.J. Hiebert - 8410
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1
Into death's dark waters faring,
Christ passed for me;
Shame, reproach and sorrow bearing, all, all for me.
Now I spurn the sins that slew Him,
Turn from scenes that never knew Him;
Take my cross and hasten to Him; He died for me!
See, the grave has closed around Him,
Silent and lone;
They who wove the thorns that crowned Him, sealing the stone.
To His tomb have I descended,
Seen my earthly pathway ended;
Here by faith have comprehended His grave my own.
O the joy, the blest awaking,
When Christ arose!
Every band forever breaking, my Lord arose.
Free with Him, what tie can bind me?
Safe in Him, what foe can find me?
Death and darkness all behind me, with Him I rose.
Sharing in His triumph glorious
O'er every foe,
Now to walk in life victorious, forward I go.
Where in Heaven, His work completed,
Christ at God's right hand is seated,
There my portion, too, is meted, there, there I go. James M. S. Tait
N.J. Hiebert - 8410
March 5
posted by soundwords at
February 01, 2021
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