Gems from May 2021
SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Ephesians 6:18
Through the ages, devout believers in Christ have recognized the necessity of maintaining an intimate relationship with God through His ordained channel of prayer. It has often been said that prayer is as basic to spiritual life as breathing is to our natural lives. It is not merely an occasional impulse to which we respond when we are in trouble; prayer is a way of life.
Nevertheless, we need to set aside a special time for prayer. We need that daily "Sweet Hour of Prayer." This song is thought to have been written in 1842 by William W. Walford, an obscure and blind preacher who was the owner of a small trinket shop in the little village of Coleshill, England.
Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, that calls me from a world of care And bids me at my Father's throne make all my wants and wishes known!
In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief, And oft escaped the tempter's snare by thy return, sweet hour of prayer.
Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, thy wings shall my petition bear To Him whose truth and faithfulness engage the waiting soul to bless;
And since He bids me seek His face, believe His Word and trust His grace, I'll cast on Him my ev'ry care, and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer.
Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, may I thy consolation share, Till from Mount Pisgah's lofty height I view my home and take my flight;
This robe of flesh I'll drop, and rise to seize the everlasting prize, And shout while passing through the air, Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!
Amazing Grace - K. W. Osbeck
N.J. Hiebert - 8465
April 29
This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3:17
The Father has given us the very object He delights in to be the object of our affection. The Father could not be silent when Christ was here. The perfection of the object is the reason of the imperfectness of our apprehension of it; but that is the way God brings our affections into tune with Himself. He could say at the beginning, because of Christ's intrinsic perfectness, and at the end because of His displayed perfectness, "This is My beloved Son."
Then what do we say? In weakness and poverty, yet surely each can say with unhesitating heart, I know He is perfect. We cannot reach His perfectness, but we do feel our hearts, poor and feeble as they are, responding. The Father has shown us something of Christ's perfectness.
The Father is communicating of His delight. "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased," not in whom you ought to be well pleased (which is true too); but His way is to communicate to them of His own love to Christ. It is a wonderful thing that the Father should tell of His affection for Christ--and that, when He was here among us, the Son of man on earth among sinful men.
With the woman in the Pharisee's house, It was what was revealed in Christ to her that made her love much, not what she got from Him. The blessedness of what was in Christ had so attracted her and absorbed her mind that she found her way into the house, thinking not of the dinner or of others present.
She was taken up with Him; she wept, but had nothing to say. Jesus was there. He commanded all her thoughts, her tears, her silence, her anointing of His feet--all noticed by Him, and all before she knew what He had done for her. Attracted there by what she saw in Him, she got the answer as regards peace of conscience from Himself. W. Reid
N.J. Hiebert - 8466
The Father has given us the very object He delights in to be the object of our affection. The Father could not be silent when Christ was here. The perfection of the object is the reason of the imperfectness of our apprehension of it; but that is the way God brings our affections into tune with Himself. He could say at the beginning, because of Christ's intrinsic perfectness, and at the end because of His displayed perfectness, "This is My beloved Son."
Then what do we say? In weakness and poverty, yet surely each can say with unhesitating heart, I know He is perfect. We cannot reach His perfectness, but we do feel our hearts, poor and feeble as they are, responding. The Father has shown us something of Christ's perfectness.
The Father is communicating of His delight. "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased," not in whom you ought to be well pleased (which is true too); but His way is to communicate to them of His own love to Christ. It is a wonderful thing that the Father should tell of His affection for Christ--and that, when He was here among us, the Son of man on earth among sinful men.
With the woman in the Pharisee's house, It was what was revealed in Christ to her that made her love much, not what she got from Him. The blessedness of what was in Christ had so attracted her and absorbed her mind that she found her way into the house, thinking not of the dinner or of others present.
She was taken up with Him; she wept, but had nothing to say. Jesus was there. He commanded all her thoughts, her tears, her silence, her anointing of His feet--all noticed by Him, and all before she knew what He had done for her. Attracted there by what she saw in Him, she got the answer as regards peace of conscience from Himself. W. Reid
N.J. Hiebert - 8466
April 30
CHRIST FOR US
The voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled . . ." Song of Solomon 5:2
The voice that His sheep hear and know, and that calls out the fervent response, "Master say on." This is not all. It was the literal Voice of the Lord Jesus which uttered that one echoless cry of desolation on the cross for thee, and it will be His own literal voice which will say, "Come ye blessed" to thee. And that same tender and glorious Voice has literally sung and will sing for thee.
I think He consecrated song for us and made it a sweet and sacred thing forever when He Himself sang an hymn the very last thing before He went forth to consecrate suffering for us. (Mark 14:26) That was not His last song. "The Lord thy God . . . will joy over thee with singing." And the time is coming when He will not only sing for thee or over thee but with thee. He says He will. "In the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee." (Hebrews 2:12)
Now what a magnificent glimpse of joy this is. "Jesus Himself leading the praise of His brethren," and we ourselves singing not merely in such a chorus but with such a leader! If singing for Jesus is such delight here, what will this singing with Jesus be? Surely song may well be a holy thing to us henceforth. Frances Ridley Havergal
Join the singing that He leadeth, loud to God our voices raise;
Every step that we have trodden is a triumph of His grace;
Whether joy, or whether trial, all can only work for good,
For He healeth all--Who loves us, and hath bought us with His blood.
Mrs. J. A. Trench
N.J. Hiebert - 8467
The voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled . . ." Song of Solomon 5:2
The voice that His sheep hear and know, and that calls out the fervent response, "Master say on." This is not all. It was the literal Voice of the Lord Jesus which uttered that one echoless cry of desolation on the cross for thee, and it will be His own literal voice which will say, "Come ye blessed" to thee. And that same tender and glorious Voice has literally sung and will sing for thee.
I think He consecrated song for us and made it a sweet and sacred thing forever when He Himself sang an hymn the very last thing before He went forth to consecrate suffering for us. (Mark 14:26) That was not His last song. "The Lord thy God . . . will joy over thee with singing." And the time is coming when He will not only sing for thee or over thee but with thee. He says He will. "In the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee." (Hebrews 2:12)
Now what a magnificent glimpse of joy this is. "Jesus Himself leading the praise of His brethren," and we ourselves singing not merely in such a chorus but with such a leader! If singing for Jesus is such delight here, what will this singing with Jesus be? Surely song may well be a holy thing to us henceforth. Frances Ridley Havergal
Join the singing that He leadeth, loud to God our voices raise;
Every step that we have trodden is a triumph of His grace;
Whether joy, or whether trial, all can only work for good,
For He healeth all--Who loves us, and hath bought us with His blood.
Mrs. J. A. Trench
N.J. Hiebert - 8467
May 1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.
John 1:1,14
These were more noble...in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily whether those things were so.
John 1:1,14
These were more noble...in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily whether those things were so.
Acts 17:11
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable. 2 Timothy 3:16
It is well to remind ourselves of the close connection that exists between the written Word of God and the incarnate Word of God (God became flesh). We shall never enjoy the one apart from the other. It is through God's own revelation in the written Word that we really see and know the Word Who was made flesh, and Who rose from the dead.
It is through the written Word we shall feed on Him, not through our own speculations. It is important that we bear in mind that as the incarnate Word is a Divine Person, so is the written Word a Divine Message; and as we may rest all our soul's interest on Jesus Christ, so we may rest all our souls weight on the Word of God.
To be unsettled on the question of inspiration is to be overcome by temptation, and to be unable to accomplish God's work. The connection between full faith in God's will as revealed in His written Word (Scripture) and in the incarnate Word (Jesus) is so close and intimate, that you can no more separate them than you can separate between body and soul, or soul and spirit.
Begin to separate them, and to study theology instead of the Word of God (rather than as a mere aid in gaining a fuller grasp of it) and if it does not make you weaker rather than stronger you will be fortunate indeed. No! Take God's Word as it stands, and God's Christ as He reveals Himself to us, and enjoy all in Him. Hudson Taylor
N.J. Hiebert - 8468
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable. 2 Timothy 3:16
It is well to remind ourselves of the close connection that exists between the written Word of God and the incarnate Word of God (God became flesh). We shall never enjoy the one apart from the other. It is through God's own revelation in the written Word that we really see and know the Word Who was made flesh, and Who rose from the dead.
It is through the written Word we shall feed on Him, not through our own speculations. It is important that we bear in mind that as the incarnate Word is a Divine Person, so is the written Word a Divine Message; and as we may rest all our soul's interest on Jesus Christ, so we may rest all our souls weight on the Word of God.
To be unsettled on the question of inspiration is to be overcome by temptation, and to be unable to accomplish God's work. The connection between full faith in God's will as revealed in His written Word (Scripture) and in the incarnate Word (Jesus) is so close and intimate, that you can no more separate them than you can separate between body and soul, or soul and spirit.
Begin to separate them, and to study theology instead of the Word of God (rather than as a mere aid in gaining a fuller grasp of it) and if it does not make you weaker rather than stronger you will be fortunate indeed. No! Take God's Word as it stands, and God's Christ as He reveals Himself to us, and enjoy all in Him. Hudson Taylor
N.J. Hiebert - 8468
May 2
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, one thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow Me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions." Mark 10:21,22
As the rich man sweeps away sorrowfully in his costly robes, Peter looks upon him with apparent scorn, and turns to Jesus with some self-complacency to say, "Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee." He also asks a question, "What shall our reward be?" (Matthew 19:27) It is not a noble question; it expresses a commercial, worldly spirit; but Jesus refrains from uttering a rebuke. He gives instead a promise; and some of us need to listen to it, at times.
Occasionally a whisper steals into our hearts. We have sacrificed for Christ's sake; "does it pay?" Jesus replies that every sacrifice, made for His sake, receives a hundred-fold recompense in this life, not in literal kind, but such as to satisfy the soul a hundred times more than the thing surrendered ever could, and then, in the future, that completed, perfected, "eternal life" which the rich man craved, but which he lost that, for a few fleeting years, he might retain his wealth.
Jesus adds, however, that Peter must beware of self-confident pride. Many who had the opportunity of being nearest to Christ in this present life, may not receive the greatest rewards. Men will be judged according to faithfulness. Still more solemn is the warning to such as would cling to their wealth. Their power and riches place them now in the first place of opportunity; they may be the last to accept Christ and the life He offers. The Gospel of Mark - Charles R. Erdman
N.J. Hiebert - 8469
As the rich man sweeps away sorrowfully in his costly robes, Peter looks upon him with apparent scorn, and turns to Jesus with some self-complacency to say, "Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee." He also asks a question, "What shall our reward be?" (Matthew 19:27) It is not a noble question; it expresses a commercial, worldly spirit; but Jesus refrains from uttering a rebuke. He gives instead a promise; and some of us need to listen to it, at times.
Occasionally a whisper steals into our hearts. We have sacrificed for Christ's sake; "does it pay?" Jesus replies that every sacrifice, made for His sake, receives a hundred-fold recompense in this life, not in literal kind, but such as to satisfy the soul a hundred times more than the thing surrendered ever could, and then, in the future, that completed, perfected, "eternal life" which the rich man craved, but which he lost that, for a few fleeting years, he might retain his wealth.
Jesus adds, however, that Peter must beware of self-confident pride. Many who had the opportunity of being nearest to Christ in this present life, may not receive the greatest rewards. Men will be judged according to faithfulness. Still more solemn is the warning to such as would cling to their wealth. Their power and riches place them now in the first place of opportunity; they may be the last to accept Christ and the life He offers. The Gospel of Mark - Charles R. Erdman
N.J. Hiebert - 8469
May 3
THE BEAUTY OF COURTESY
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: whom I have sent again: . . . receive him . . . not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved. . . receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account. Philemon (verses 10,11,12,16,17)
Therefore, my dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord . . . I intreat thee also, true yoke fellow . . . help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also and with other my fellow labourers . . ." (Philippians 4:1,3)
Courtesy is like an air-cushion: there is nothing in it, but it eases the jolts of life. There is, however, another sense in which there is a great deal in it; for the supreme characteristic of courtesy is that thoughtfulness for others which is the very heart of Christianity. Schools of etiquette produce it by training; love does it by instinct.
A man usually reveals himself in his private letters; and in the only personal letter which we have of the apostle Paul--the epistle to Philemon--we see how courteous a gentleman he was. Someone has commented, "The most gentlemanly letter ever written, by the most perfect gentleman, is, in my opinion, Paul's epistle to Philemon. If you study its courtesies, you will see how manifold and how delicate they are."
If you want to see how Paul asks a favour, read Philemon; if you want to see how he returns thanks, read Philippians 4:10-21. If we all resolve that henceforth we will be gentle, courteous, thoughtful, unobtrusively sympathetic, and persistently friendly, how many unpleasant things will be prevented! Winsome Christianity - Henry Durbanville
N.J.Hiebert - 8470
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: whom I have sent again: . . . receive him . . . not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved. . . receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account. Philemon (verses 10,11,12,16,17)
Therefore, my dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord . . . I intreat thee also, true yoke fellow . . . help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also and with other my fellow labourers . . ." (Philippians 4:1,3)
Courtesy is like an air-cushion: there is nothing in it, but it eases the jolts of life. There is, however, another sense in which there is a great deal in it; for the supreme characteristic of courtesy is that thoughtfulness for others which is the very heart of Christianity. Schools of etiquette produce it by training; love does it by instinct.
A man usually reveals himself in his private letters; and in the only personal letter which we have of the apostle Paul--the epistle to Philemon--we see how courteous a gentleman he was. Someone has commented, "The most gentlemanly letter ever written, by the most perfect gentleman, is, in my opinion, Paul's epistle to Philemon. If you study its courtesies, you will see how manifold and how delicate they are."
If you want to see how Paul asks a favour, read Philemon; if you want to see how he returns thanks, read Philippians 4:10-21. If we all resolve that henceforth we will be gentle, courteous, thoughtful, unobtrusively sympathetic, and persistently friendly, how many unpleasant things will be prevented! Winsome Christianity - Henry Durbanville
N.J.Hiebert - 8470
May 4
The just shall live by faith. Romans 1:17
Weak faith. Weak faith will as surely land the Christian in heaven as strong faith; but the weak, doubting Christian is not likely to have so pleasant a voyage as another with strong faith. Though all in the ship come safely to shore, yet he that is seasick all the way, hath not so comfortable a voyage as he that is strong and healthy.
"Why are ye so fearful, O ye of little faith!" Matthew 8:26 You see the leak at which the water came in to sink their spirits: they had "little faith." It is not what God is in Himself, but what our apprehensions at present are of God, that comforts a soul in great straights. If a man fears his house will fall on his head in a storm though as it be as immovable as a rock, yet that will not ease his mind till he thinks so.
Bold faith. "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5)--there is the promise; and the conclusion, which He teaches us to draw by faith from this (verse 6), "So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper." We may boldly assert it in the face of men and devils, because He that is almighty hath said it. William Gurnall 1617-1679
When faith and hope shall cease, and love abide alone,
Then shall we see Him face to face, and know as known:
Still shall we lift our voice, His praise our song shall be;
And we shall in His love rejoice Who set us free.
John Beaumont
N.J. Hiebert - 8471
Weak faith. Weak faith will as surely land the Christian in heaven as strong faith; but the weak, doubting Christian is not likely to have so pleasant a voyage as another with strong faith. Though all in the ship come safely to shore, yet he that is seasick all the way, hath not so comfortable a voyage as he that is strong and healthy.
"Why are ye so fearful, O ye of little faith!" Matthew 8:26 You see the leak at which the water came in to sink their spirits: they had "little faith." It is not what God is in Himself, but what our apprehensions at present are of God, that comforts a soul in great straights. If a man fears his house will fall on his head in a storm though as it be as immovable as a rock, yet that will not ease his mind till he thinks so.
Bold faith. "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5)--there is the promise; and the conclusion, which He teaches us to draw by faith from this (verse 6), "So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper." We may boldly assert it in the face of men and devils, because He that is almighty hath said it. William Gurnall 1617-1679
When faith and hope shall cease, and love abide alone,
Then shall we see Him face to face, and know as known:
Still shall we lift our voice, His praise our song shall be;
And we shall in His love rejoice Who set us free.
John Beaumont
N.J. Hiebert - 8471
May 5
CLEAVE TO THE LORD
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. Acts 11:23
Sin no longer remains on you (the born again believer), but the flesh is in you to the end: the old stock will put forth its buds, which must be nipped off as they appear. No fruit can come of it. It is the new nature that bears fruit unto GOD. But though the flesh is in you, do not be thinking of thIs, think of CHRIST.
As you grow in the knowledge of Christ, a joy comes, deeper than the first joy. Having known Christ for about forty years, I can truly say I have ten thousand times more joy in Him now than I had at first. It is a deeper, calmer joy. The water rushing down a hill is beautiful to look at, and makes most noise; but you will find the water in the plain deeper, calmer, more fit for general use.
Do not let the world come in and distract your thoughts. I speak especially to you younger ones. They who are older have had more experience in it, and know more what it is worth: but it all lies shining before you, endeavouring to attract you. Its smiles are deceitful; still it smiles. It makes promises which it cannot keep; still it makes them.
Your hearts are too big for the world; it cannot fill them. They are too little for Christ: He fills heaven, He will fill you to overflowing. "With purpose of heart . . . cleave unto the Lord." He knew how treacherous the heart is, and how soon it would put anything in His place.
Comforted of God - A. J. Pollock
N.J. Hiebert - 8472
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. Acts 11:23
Sin no longer remains on you (the born again believer), but the flesh is in you to the end: the old stock will put forth its buds, which must be nipped off as they appear. No fruit can come of it. It is the new nature that bears fruit unto GOD. But though the flesh is in you, do not be thinking of thIs, think of CHRIST.
As you grow in the knowledge of Christ, a joy comes, deeper than the first joy. Having known Christ for about forty years, I can truly say I have ten thousand times more joy in Him now than I had at first. It is a deeper, calmer joy. The water rushing down a hill is beautiful to look at, and makes most noise; but you will find the water in the plain deeper, calmer, more fit for general use.
Do not let the world come in and distract your thoughts. I speak especially to you younger ones. They who are older have had more experience in it, and know more what it is worth: but it all lies shining before you, endeavouring to attract you. Its smiles are deceitful; still it smiles. It makes promises which it cannot keep; still it makes them.
Your hearts are too big for the world; it cannot fill them. They are too little for Christ: He fills heaven, He will fill you to overflowing. "With purpose of heart . . . cleave unto the Lord." He knew how treacherous the heart is, and how soon it would put anything in His place.
Comforted of God - A. J. Pollock
N.J. Hiebert - 8472
May 6
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May 7
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Proverbs 4:18
Less, less of self each day, . . . And more, my God of Thee; . . .
Oh keep me in Thy way . . . However rough it be . . .
Less of the flesh each day, . . . Less of the world and sin; . . .
More of Thy love, I pray, . . . More of Thyself within . . .
Riper and riper now . . . Each hour let me become; . . .
Less fond of things below, . . . More fit for such a home . . .
More molded to Thy will, . . . Lord, let Thy servant be; . . .
Higher and higher still-- . . . Nearer and nearer Thee.
Whom have we, Lord, but Thee, soul-thirst to satisfy?
Exhaustless spring! The waters free! All other streams are dry.
Our hearts by Thee are set on brighter things above;
Strange that we should ever forget Thine own most faithful love.
Yet oft we credit not He freely gives as God
Though well we know our happy lot in trusting to His blood.
None like the ransomed host that precious blood have known;
Redemption gives faith's holy boast to draw so near the throne.
Higher and higher yet! Pleading that same life-blood;
We taste the love that knows no let, of Abba as of God.
Mary Bowley
N.J. Hiebert - 8474
Less, less of self each day, . . . And more, my God of Thee; . . .
Oh keep me in Thy way . . . However rough it be . . .
Less of the flesh each day, . . . Less of the world and sin; . . .
More of Thy love, I pray, . . . More of Thyself within . . .
Riper and riper now . . . Each hour let me become; . . .
Less fond of things below, . . . More fit for such a home . . .
More molded to Thy will, . . . Lord, let Thy servant be; . . .
Higher and higher still-- . . . Nearer and nearer Thee.
Whom have we, Lord, but Thee, soul-thirst to satisfy?
Exhaustless spring! The waters free! All other streams are dry.
Our hearts by Thee are set on brighter things above;
Strange that we should ever forget Thine own most faithful love.
Yet oft we credit not He freely gives as God
Though well we know our happy lot in trusting to His blood.
None like the ransomed host that precious blood have known;
Redemption gives faith's holy boast to draw so near the throne.
Higher and higher yet! Pleading that same life-blood;
We taste the love that knows no let, of Abba as of God.
Mary Bowley
N.J. Hiebert - 8474
May 8
When He (Jesus) had heard therefore that he (Lazarus) was sick, He abode two days still in the same place where He was. John 11:6
How well He knew what He would do! He was completely Master of the situation. And how well God knows the meaning, and the possible outcome, of every circumstance of our lives!
Yet appearances were, all against Christ. Why this inexplicable delay, if Lazarus was sick, and Jesus loved him and had power to do him good? Why abide two days still in the same place after receiving such tidings, and from such a quarter? Why should those anxious sisters, watching by the bedside of their dying brother, be kept waiting, their hearts torn with anxiety, as hour after hour passes, and he seems slipping away. Yet Jesus comes not. There is the additional anxiety beside as to why He tarried?
But there it is, Christ moves not one step in the direction of Bethany, nor does He send even a message! Oh these divine pauses! these divine silences! How can we explain them?
Yet there is an explanation, and, in His own time and way, God will always give it. How little any of us understand His ways! The sisters could not understand why Christ delayed coming; and when He did go, the disciples expressed their wonder that He went. "The Jews of late sought to stone Thee," they exclaim, "and goest Thou thither again?" (John 11:8)
Christ was misunderstood from both sides, but until the right time, not even love on His side, or need on theirs, would draw Him from His place. When the time to move had come, no stones would keep Him back!
God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm. W. Cowper - 1779
N.J. Hiebert - 8475
How well He knew what He would do! He was completely Master of the situation. And how well God knows the meaning, and the possible outcome, of every circumstance of our lives!
Yet appearances were, all against Christ. Why this inexplicable delay, if Lazarus was sick, and Jesus loved him and had power to do him good? Why abide two days still in the same place after receiving such tidings, and from such a quarter? Why should those anxious sisters, watching by the bedside of their dying brother, be kept waiting, their hearts torn with anxiety, as hour after hour passes, and he seems slipping away. Yet Jesus comes not. There is the additional anxiety beside as to why He tarried?
But there it is, Christ moves not one step in the direction of Bethany, nor does He send even a message! Oh these divine pauses! these divine silences! How can we explain them?
Yet there is an explanation, and, in His own time and way, God will always give it. How little any of us understand His ways! The sisters could not understand why Christ delayed coming; and when He did go, the disciples expressed their wonder that He went. "The Jews of late sought to stone Thee," they exclaim, "and goest Thou thither again?" (John 11:8)
Christ was misunderstood from both sides, but until the right time, not even love on His side, or need on theirs, would draw Him from His place. When the time to move had come, no stones would keep Him back!
God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm. W. Cowper - 1779
N.J. Hiebert - 8475
May 9
For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21
As if Paul had said, For me to live, is to have Christ as my motive, Christ as my object, Christ as my strength, and Christ as my reward. This would be separation from the world, and yet rendering the best service possible in the world.
When the eye is kept steadfastly fixed on the Person of the Beloved, the heart is kept full of Him--the conscience is clear--the judgment sound, and our service fruitful.
The closer we are to the fountain-head ourselves, the surer we are to become channels of blessing to others. Like the spring in the desert, or the river in the valley, it benefits the region around.
"If any man thirst,", says Jesus, "Let him come unto Me and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive; for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" (John 7:37-39)
From the heart thus filled with Christ, through the indwelling of the Holy Ghost, a blessed testimony will be given to the risen and glorified Lord Jesus. It should flow forth like "rivers of living water." For this testimony the believer is responsible to his absent Lord. "He that saith he abideth in Him, ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked."
Song of Solomon - Andrew Miller
N.J. Hiebert - 8476
As if Paul had said, For me to live, is to have Christ as my motive, Christ as my object, Christ as my strength, and Christ as my reward. This would be separation from the world, and yet rendering the best service possible in the world.
When the eye is kept steadfastly fixed on the Person of the Beloved, the heart is kept full of Him--the conscience is clear--the judgment sound, and our service fruitful.
The closer we are to the fountain-head ourselves, the surer we are to become channels of blessing to others. Like the spring in the desert, or the river in the valley, it benefits the region around.
"If any man thirst,", says Jesus, "Let him come unto Me and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive; for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" (John 7:37-39)
From the heart thus filled with Christ, through the indwelling of the Holy Ghost, a blessed testimony will be given to the risen and glorified Lord Jesus. It should flow forth like "rivers of living water." For this testimony the believer is responsible to his absent Lord. "He that saith he abideth in Him, ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked."
Song of Solomon - Andrew Miller
N.J. Hiebert - 8476
May 10
And thine age shall be clearer than the noonday; thou shalt shine forth, thou shalt be as the morning.
Job 11:17
I suppose nobody ever naturally did like the idea of getting older, after he had at least left school. There is a sense of oppression and depression about it. The irresistible, inevitable onward march of moments and years without the possibility of one instant's pause--a march that even while on the uphill side of life is leading to the downhill side--casts an autumn-like shadow over many a spring-birthday. But surely the Bible gives us the bright side of everything.
In this case it gives three bright sides of a fact which, without it, could not help being gloomy. First, it opens the sure prospect of increasing brightness to those who have begun to walk in the light. Even if the sun of our life has reached the apparent zenith and we have known a very noonday of mental and spiritual being, it is no poetic western shadows that are to lengthen upon our way but "our age is to be clearer than the noonday."
The second bright side is increasing fruitfulness. Do not let us confuse between works and fruit. Even when we come to the days when "the strong men shall bow themselves," (Ecclesiastes 12:3) there may be more pleasant fruits for our Master, riper, fuller, and sweeter than ever before. For "they shall still bring forth fruit in old age." The third bright side is the brightest of all, "even to your old age, I am He" . . . "even to hoar hairs will I carry you." For we shall always be His little children and doubtless He will always be our Father. The rush of years cannot touch this.
Come nearer, Sun of Righteousness! that we, whose swift short hours of day so swiftly run,
So overflowed with love and light may be, so lost in glory of the nearing Sun,
That not our light, but Thine, the world may see, new praise to Thee through our poor lives be won. Edges of His ways - Frances Ridley Havergal.
N.J. Hiebert - 8477
I suppose nobody ever naturally did like the idea of getting older, after he had at least left school. There is a sense of oppression and depression about it. The irresistible, inevitable onward march of moments and years without the possibility of one instant's pause--a march that even while on the uphill side of life is leading to the downhill side--casts an autumn-like shadow over many a spring-birthday. But surely the Bible gives us the bright side of everything.
In this case it gives three bright sides of a fact which, without it, could not help being gloomy. First, it opens the sure prospect of increasing brightness to those who have begun to walk in the light. Even if the sun of our life has reached the apparent zenith and we have known a very noonday of mental and spiritual being, it is no poetic western shadows that are to lengthen upon our way but "our age is to be clearer than the noonday."
The second bright side is increasing fruitfulness. Do not let us confuse between works and fruit. Even when we come to the days when "the strong men shall bow themselves," (Ecclesiastes 12:3) there may be more pleasant fruits for our Master, riper, fuller, and sweeter than ever before. For "they shall still bring forth fruit in old age." The third bright side is the brightest of all, "even to your old age, I am He" . . . "even to hoar hairs will I carry you." For we shall always be His little children and doubtless He will always be our Father. The rush of years cannot touch this.
Come nearer, Sun of Righteousness! that we, whose swift short hours of day so swiftly run,
So overflowed with love and light may be, so lost in glory of the nearing Sun,
That not our light, but Thine, the world may see, new praise to Thee through our poor lives be won. Edges of His ways - Frances Ridley Havergal.
N.J. Hiebert - 8477
May 11
Lord, increase our faith. Luke 17:5
Faith is not clinging - it is letting go.
A traveller upon a lonely road was attacked by bandits who robbed him of all he had. They then led him into the depths of the forest. There in the darkness they tied a rope to the limb of a great tree, and bade him catch hold of the end of it, swinging him out into the darkness of surrounding space, they told him he was hanging over the brink of a giddy precipice. The moment he let go he would be dashed to pieces on the rocks below. And then they left him. His soul was filled with horror at the awful doom impending.
He clutched despairingly the end of the swaying rope. But each dreadful moment only made his fate more sure. His strength steadily failed. At last he could hold on no longer. The end had come. His clenched fingers relaxed their convulsive grip.
He fell - six inches, to the solid earth at his feet! It was only a ruse of the robbers to gain time in escaping. And when he let go it was not to death, but to the safety which had been waiting him through all his time of terror.
Clutching will not save anyone from his hopelessness. It is only Satan's trick to keep you from being afforded security and peace in the solid promises of God. And all the while you are swinging over the supposed precipice of fear and mistrust. Let go! It is God's plan that you fall - not to defeat, but into His arms, the solid rock.
As soon as you recognize your sheer helplessness and your failing strength, you let go; and falling upon Him, your fear goes, your mistrust goes, and the blessed assurance comes forever. For He - not your clinging but - "He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21) Streams in the Desert
N.J. Hiebert - 8478
Faith is not clinging - it is letting go.
A traveller upon a lonely road was attacked by bandits who robbed him of all he had. They then led him into the depths of the forest. There in the darkness they tied a rope to the limb of a great tree, and bade him catch hold of the end of it, swinging him out into the darkness of surrounding space, they told him he was hanging over the brink of a giddy precipice. The moment he let go he would be dashed to pieces on the rocks below. And then they left him. His soul was filled with horror at the awful doom impending.
He clutched despairingly the end of the swaying rope. But each dreadful moment only made his fate more sure. His strength steadily failed. At last he could hold on no longer. The end had come. His clenched fingers relaxed their convulsive grip.
He fell - six inches, to the solid earth at his feet! It was only a ruse of the robbers to gain time in escaping. And when he let go it was not to death, but to the safety which had been waiting him through all his time of terror.
Clutching will not save anyone from his hopelessness. It is only Satan's trick to keep you from being afforded security and peace in the solid promises of God. And all the while you are swinging over the supposed precipice of fear and mistrust. Let go! It is God's plan that you fall - not to defeat, but into His arms, the solid rock.
As soon as you recognize your sheer helplessness and your failing strength, you let go; and falling upon Him, your fear goes, your mistrust goes, and the blessed assurance comes forever. For He - not your clinging but - "He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21) Streams in the Desert
N.J. Hiebert - 8478
May 12
He restoreth my soul. Psalm 23:3
There is a scene in the life of the apostle Peter which beautifully illustrates this. The sifting process of which our Lord had warned him, but to which he paid little attention, had been carried out; and as a result Peter had denied his Master with oaths and curses. One can imagine the remorse which would fill his mind when he realized what he had done: the tendency would be to throw up utterly his new discipleship.
And here we would point out the meaning of a scripture, which is frequently misquoted. Our Lord had said, "I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not," not "that thou mayest fail not." The failure was evidently the only method by which Peter could be robbed of his self-confidence. But the danger was that, having fallen, he would give way to despair, and it was to obviate this that our Lord's intercession was exercised on his behalf.
Well, just at the time of Peter's great denial, "the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, 'before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice' And Peter went out out and wept bitterly" (Luke 22:61,62). "Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him . . . and when he thought thereon, he wept" (Mark 14:72).
That word penetrated Peter's soul, broke up the fountains of his heart, and drew forth floods of penitential tears. When he meant his best he found out what a wicked heart he had; and when he did his worst he found out what a blessed heart Christ had. How often in times of soul declension do we experience equally tender treatment from our gracious God!
Pearl of Psalms - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 8479
There is a scene in the life of the apostle Peter which beautifully illustrates this. The sifting process of which our Lord had warned him, but to which he paid little attention, had been carried out; and as a result Peter had denied his Master with oaths and curses. One can imagine the remorse which would fill his mind when he realized what he had done: the tendency would be to throw up utterly his new discipleship.
And here we would point out the meaning of a scripture, which is frequently misquoted. Our Lord had said, "I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not," not "that thou mayest fail not." The failure was evidently the only method by which Peter could be robbed of his self-confidence. But the danger was that, having fallen, he would give way to despair, and it was to obviate this that our Lord's intercession was exercised on his behalf.
Well, just at the time of Peter's great denial, "the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, 'before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice' And Peter went out out and wept bitterly" (Luke 22:61,62). "Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said unto him . . . and when he thought thereon, he wept" (Mark 14:72).
That word penetrated Peter's soul, broke up the fountains of his heart, and drew forth floods of penitential tears. When he meant his best he found out what a wicked heart he had; and when he did his worst he found out what a blessed heart Christ had. How often in times of soul declension do we experience equally tender treatment from our gracious God!
Pearl of Psalms - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 8479
May 13
My heart is inditing (welling forth with) a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made (composed) touching the king. Psalm 45:1
This is worship. Notice its focus: not so much what He has done, but what He is--His intrinsic worth. Are we able to enter into this kind of appreciation of Him? Listen again to that divine acclamation, "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17)
This was true before the Lord Jesus had done anything that man could see. It was true before His incarnation. Throughout eternity past all God's delights were centered in the Son. To illustrate further, let us consider another portion--Psalm 95:
"O come, let us sing unto the Lord:
Let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving,
And make a joyful noise unto Him with Psalms."
Why?
"For the Lord is a great God,"
"O come, let us worship and bow down:"
Why?
"For He is our God."
Worship is not a product of the mind or will, but the gushings forth of the soul that has been set in awe by the presence and knowledge of Him Who is worshipped. It is the irrepressible response of the heart brought into an awareness of His matchless worth and incomparable. H. B. Duncanson
Worship, honour, praise, and glory, would we render unto Thee;
Heights unsearched and depths unfathomed in Thy wondrous love we see.
All Thy glory shines transcendent in the Person of the Son,
Jesus Christ, Thy Well-Beloved, Who redemption's glory won. E. H. Chater
N.J. Hiebert - 8480
This is worship. Notice its focus: not so much what He has done, but what He is--His intrinsic worth. Are we able to enter into this kind of appreciation of Him? Listen again to that divine acclamation, "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17)
This was true before the Lord Jesus had done anything that man could see. It was true before His incarnation. Throughout eternity past all God's delights were centered in the Son. To illustrate further, let us consider another portion--Psalm 95:
"O come, let us sing unto the Lord:
Let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving,
And make a joyful noise unto Him with Psalms."
Why?
"For the Lord is a great God,"
"O come, let us worship and bow down:"
Why?
"For He is our God."
Worship is not a product of the mind or will, but the gushings forth of the soul that has been set in awe by the presence and knowledge of Him Who is worshipped. It is the irrepressible response of the heart brought into an awareness of His matchless worth and incomparable. H. B. Duncanson
Worship, honour, praise, and glory, would we render unto Thee;
Heights unsearched and depths unfathomed in Thy wondrous love we see.
All Thy glory shines transcendent in the Person of the Son,
Jesus Christ, Thy Well-Beloved, Who redemption's glory won. E. H. Chater
N.J. Hiebert - 8480
May 14
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. Acts 2:2,3
In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit, as a rushing mighty wind, enters into the house; cloven tongues as of fire sit upon its occupants. This is the Lord adopting this house. The house was now a living house, and the Lord personally enters it, bringing with Him His gifts, symbolized by the cloven fiery tongues.
The Spirit speaks as soon as He has entered it through the vessels which He had now filled. He speaks of the wonderful works of God. He speaks not of what man was required to do, but of what God had already done in behalf of man. The ministry, death, resurrection, and glory of the Saviour of men are among "the wonderful works of God," (Acts 2:11) which the Spirit through His vessels was rehearsing in grace to sinners.
This is what the Lord of the temple was now doing. He was speaking of what He, the God of salvation, had already done. Surely it is very fitting that the Blessed One should be worshipped by our sacrifices of praise.
There is a disposition in some of us to keep the Lord before as the One Who is a Heavenly Stranger and has been rejected and cast out here. All this is surely so. It is good and healthful for the soul to have this sense of things upon it. But if this becomes the exclusive or even predominate thought, it will tend to legality and a spirit of bondage and fear.
We must rather cherish a disposition or tendency in our souls to know Christ in the grace which He is ministering to us, in the love that He has declared He has to us, in the eternal security which His blood imparts to our condition, and the sure and bright blessedness He is preparing for us. J. G. Bellett
N.J. Hiebert - 8481
In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit, as a rushing mighty wind, enters into the house; cloven tongues as of fire sit upon its occupants. This is the Lord adopting this house. The house was now a living house, and the Lord personally enters it, bringing with Him His gifts, symbolized by the cloven fiery tongues.
The Spirit speaks as soon as He has entered it through the vessels which He had now filled. He speaks of the wonderful works of God. He speaks not of what man was required to do, but of what God had already done in behalf of man. The ministry, death, resurrection, and glory of the Saviour of men are among "the wonderful works of God," (Acts 2:11) which the Spirit through His vessels was rehearsing in grace to sinners.
This is what the Lord of the temple was now doing. He was speaking of what He, the God of salvation, had already done. Surely it is very fitting that the Blessed One should be worshipped by our sacrifices of praise.
There is a disposition in some of us to keep the Lord before as the One Who is a Heavenly Stranger and has been rejected and cast out here. All this is surely so. It is good and healthful for the soul to have this sense of things upon it. But if this becomes the exclusive or even predominate thought, it will tend to legality and a spirit of bondage and fear.
We must rather cherish a disposition or tendency in our souls to know Christ in the grace which He is ministering to us, in the love that He has declared He has to us, in the eternal security which His blood imparts to our condition, and the sure and bright blessedness He is preparing for us. J. G. Bellett
N.J. Hiebert - 8481
May 15
Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines. Song of Solomon 2:15
Little foxes pose a big threat to vineyards. They'll either chew off the new shoots or eat the fruit itself. What "little foxes" are preventing spiritual fruit in our lives? A "little sleep, a little slumber" -- be on guard against spiritual laziness (Proverbs 6:10). A "little folly"-- one foolish deed could mar an otherwise honourable testimony (Ecclesiastes 10:1); a "little leaven" -- sin that is ignored will spread like a cancer in my life (1 Corinthians 5:6); that "little member" in our mouth can cause fiery destruction (James 3:5); "little faith" -- not taking God at His Word (Matthew 6:30) and little love, the result of lightly esteeming our forgiveness (Luke 7:47). May we deal with those little foxes before they spoil our fruit. Brian Cretney
Christian, walk carefully, danger is near;
On in thy journey with trembling and fear.
Snares from without and temptations within,
Seek to entice thee once more into sin.
Christian, walk cheerfully thro' the fierce storm,
Dark tho' the sky with its threat of alarm;
Soon will the clouds and the tempest be o'er,
Then with thy Saviour thou'lt rest evermore.
Christian, walk prayerfully, oft wilt thou fall
If thou forget on thy Saviour to call;
Safe shalt thou walk thro' each trail and care,
If thou art clad in the armour of prayer.
Christian, walk hopefully, sorrow and pain
Cease when the haven of rest thou shalt gain;
Then from the lips of the Judge, thy reward:
"Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." G. C. Stebbins
N.J. Hiebert - 8482
Little foxes pose a big threat to vineyards. They'll either chew off the new shoots or eat the fruit itself. What "little foxes" are preventing spiritual fruit in our lives? A "little sleep, a little slumber" -- be on guard against spiritual laziness (Proverbs 6:10). A "little folly"-- one foolish deed could mar an otherwise honourable testimony (Ecclesiastes 10:1); a "little leaven" -- sin that is ignored will spread like a cancer in my life (1 Corinthians 5:6); that "little member" in our mouth can cause fiery destruction (James 3:5); "little faith" -- not taking God at His Word (Matthew 6:30) and little love, the result of lightly esteeming our forgiveness (Luke 7:47). May we deal with those little foxes before they spoil our fruit. Brian Cretney
Christian, walk carefully, danger is near;
On in thy journey with trembling and fear.
Snares from without and temptations within,
Seek to entice thee once more into sin.
Christian, walk cheerfully thro' the fierce storm,
Dark tho' the sky with its threat of alarm;
Soon will the clouds and the tempest be o'er,
Then with thy Saviour thou'lt rest evermore.
Christian, walk prayerfully, oft wilt thou fall
If thou forget on thy Saviour to call;
Safe shalt thou walk thro' each trail and care,
If thou art clad in the armour of prayer.
Christian, walk hopefully, sorrow and pain
Cease when the haven of rest thou shalt gain;
Then from the lips of the Judge, thy reward:
"Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." G. C. Stebbins
N.J. Hiebert - 8482
May 16
But he (Stephen), being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened. Acts 7:55,56
Here we find Stephen, a man on earth indwelt by the Holy Spirit and drawing all his resources from a Man in the glory. He "looked up steadfastly into heaven." A man on earth full of the Hoy Spirit looks up! He is not marked by looking within or looking around. To look within is to be depressed, to look around is to be confused but to look up is to see no one but Jesus. Stephen fixed his eyes on another scene and refused to be distracted by the evil of this world or to be detained by its attractions.
Looking up into heaven, Stephen "Saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God." Everything in this world speaks of the glory of man, but Stephen looked into a scene where everything speaks of the glory of God. He sees a Man in the glory. All other men have come short of the glory of God, but this Man, Christ Jesus, who came into the world in circumstances of weakness and poverty, now holds in heaven the place of highest power and glory.
Furthermore, Stephen could say, "I see the heavens opened." Unrolled before his vision, he finds a heavenly scene. But he sees more; he sees that the heavens are opened so that the glory and power of the Man in heaven is at the disposal of a man on earth. The Lord Jesus has gone back to heaven to occupy a place of supreme power, but He has left the heavens open behind Him so that all the love and power and grace of the Man in heaven may stream down upon a man on earth.
In Stephen, we see the practical results that flow from an individual believer being controlled by the Holy Spirit on earth and drawing his resources from Christ in heaven. This is still God's thought for His people today. Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8483
Here we find Stephen, a man on earth indwelt by the Holy Spirit and drawing all his resources from a Man in the glory. He "looked up steadfastly into heaven." A man on earth full of the Hoy Spirit looks up! He is not marked by looking within or looking around. To look within is to be depressed, to look around is to be confused but to look up is to see no one but Jesus. Stephen fixed his eyes on another scene and refused to be distracted by the evil of this world or to be detained by its attractions.
Looking up into heaven, Stephen "Saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God." Everything in this world speaks of the glory of man, but Stephen looked into a scene where everything speaks of the glory of God. He sees a Man in the glory. All other men have come short of the glory of God, but this Man, Christ Jesus, who came into the world in circumstances of weakness and poverty, now holds in heaven the place of highest power and glory.
Furthermore, Stephen could say, "I see the heavens opened." Unrolled before his vision, he finds a heavenly scene. But he sees more; he sees that the heavens are opened so that the glory and power of the Man in heaven is at the disposal of a man on earth. The Lord Jesus has gone back to heaven to occupy a place of supreme power, but He has left the heavens open behind Him so that all the love and power and grace of the Man in heaven may stream down upon a man on earth.
In Stephen, we see the practical results that flow from an individual believer being controlled by the Holy Spirit on earth and drawing his resources from Christ in heaven. This is still God's thought for His people today. Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8483
May 17
Thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Isaiah 58:11.
A garden does not water itself; it is watered. A spring does not fill itself; it is filled from unseen sources.
"Thus said the Lord that made thee, . . . Fear not, . . . for I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground." (Isaiah 44:2,3). The gardens which we have made and loved we do not leave to die of thirst. Once I made a garden. I cared for it as long as I could, and then gave it to someone else. But that one forgot to water it, or did not give it enough water. One day I saw it. I can feel again the little sharp pang that went through me as I saw the drooping leaves and dried-up buds; and I remember thinking, "If only she had made that garden herself, she would have cared more for it."
And this is just a tiny picture of what is meant by such words as, "Fear not, . . .for I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground." Never, never does our great Gardener give His gardens away (as I gave mine). He who made us waters--pours floods of waters on us when we are thirsty. And all this means we shall never be dried up.
Does it seem as though you were not being watered, as though the springs were not bubbling up? Sometimes when we feel so, we do everything but call upon the Lord. We think sadly about our dryness; perhaps we read helpful books, and even speak of it to others, hoping that they will act as watering cans to our dryness. David did something better: "In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: and He did hear my voice, out of His temple, and my cry did enter into His ears." (2 Samuel 22:7).
"If thou knewest Who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water." (John 4:10) Amy Carmichael
N.J. Hiebert - 8484
A garden does not water itself; it is watered. A spring does not fill itself; it is filled from unseen sources.
"Thus said the Lord that made thee, . . . Fear not, . . . for I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground." (Isaiah 44:2,3). The gardens which we have made and loved we do not leave to die of thirst. Once I made a garden. I cared for it as long as I could, and then gave it to someone else. But that one forgot to water it, or did not give it enough water. One day I saw it. I can feel again the little sharp pang that went through me as I saw the drooping leaves and dried-up buds; and I remember thinking, "If only she had made that garden herself, she would have cared more for it."
And this is just a tiny picture of what is meant by such words as, "Fear not, . . .for I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground." Never, never does our great Gardener give His gardens away (as I gave mine). He who made us waters--pours floods of waters on us when we are thirsty. And all this means we shall never be dried up.
Does it seem as though you were not being watered, as though the springs were not bubbling up? Sometimes when we feel so, we do everything but call upon the Lord. We think sadly about our dryness; perhaps we read helpful books, and even speak of it to others, hoping that they will act as watering cans to our dryness. David did something better: "In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: and He did hear my voice, out of His temple, and my cry did enter into His ears." (2 Samuel 22:7).
"If thou knewest Who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water." (John 4:10) Amy Carmichael
N.J. Hiebert - 8484
May 18
Blessed is he that waiteth. Daniel 12:12
It may seem an easy thing to wait, but it is one of the postures which a Christian soldier learns not without years of teaching. Marching and quick-marching are much easier to God's warriors than standing still.
There are hours of perplexity when the most willing spirit, anxiously desirous to serve the Lord, knows not what part to take. Then what shall it do? Vex itself by despair? Fly back in cowardice, turn to the right hand in fear, or rush forward in presumption?
No, but simply wait. Wait in prayer, however. Call upon God and spread the case before Him; tell Him your difficulty, and plead His promise of aid.
Wait in faith. Express your un-staggering confidence in Him. Believe that if He keep you tarrying even till midnight, yet He will come at the right time; the vision shall come, and shall not tarry.
Wait in quiet patience. Never murmur against the second cause, as the children of Israel did against Moses. Accept the case as it is, and put it as it stands, simply and with your whole heart, without any self-will, into the hand of God, saying, "Now, Lord, not my will, but Thine be done. I know not what to do; I am brought to extremities; but I wait until Thou shalt cleave the floods, or drive back my foes. Help me to wait, if Thou keep me many a day, for my heart is fixed upon Thee, O God, and my spirit waits for Thee in conviction that Thou will yet be my joy and my salvation, my refuge and my strong tower."
Wait, patiently wait, God never is late;
Thy budding plans are in thy Father's holding,
And only wait His grand divine unfolding.
Then wait, wait, patiently wait.
Morning by Morning
N.J. Hiebert - 8485
It may seem an easy thing to wait, but it is one of the postures which a Christian soldier learns not without years of teaching. Marching and quick-marching are much easier to God's warriors than standing still.
There are hours of perplexity when the most willing spirit, anxiously desirous to serve the Lord, knows not what part to take. Then what shall it do? Vex itself by despair? Fly back in cowardice, turn to the right hand in fear, or rush forward in presumption?
No, but simply wait. Wait in prayer, however. Call upon God and spread the case before Him; tell Him your difficulty, and plead His promise of aid.
Wait in faith. Express your un-staggering confidence in Him. Believe that if He keep you tarrying even till midnight, yet He will come at the right time; the vision shall come, and shall not tarry.
Wait in quiet patience. Never murmur against the second cause, as the children of Israel did against Moses. Accept the case as it is, and put it as it stands, simply and with your whole heart, without any self-will, into the hand of God, saying, "Now, Lord, not my will, but Thine be done. I know not what to do; I am brought to extremities; but I wait until Thou shalt cleave the floods, or drive back my foes. Help me to wait, if Thou keep me many a day, for my heart is fixed upon Thee, O God, and my spirit waits for Thee in conviction that Thou will yet be my joy and my salvation, my refuge and my strong tower."
Wait, patiently wait, God never is late;
Thy budding plans are in thy Father's holding,
And only wait His grand divine unfolding.
Then wait, wait, patiently wait.
Morning by Morning
N.J. Hiebert - 8485
May 19
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. James 1:2,3
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulations worketh patience. Romans 5:3
Endurance is so precious, and of such inestimable value, that we may count it all joy when we fall into these trials, because we know that they work endurance. "But let patience (endurance) have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire (complete) wanting (lacking) nothing." (James 1:4) And (Romans 5:3). Yes, Endurance works experience.
"His love in times past forbids us to think
He'll leave us at last, in trouble to sink."
This is experience, and it was endurance taught it. Do you think Shammah would have missed the experience he gained by that fight in the lentil field? (2 Samuel 23:11,12) Never! And when we get Home, we will see that some of these hard places on the road were the bits we would not have missed for anything. They worked Endurance.
The first mark of a true servant of God is "Endurance". "In all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God (servants) in much patience (endurance)" (2 Corinthians 6:4). The false servant, the hireling, fled when he saw the wolf coming; but the Good Shepherd remained behind (John 10:12,13). He endured.
Endurance was also the first sign of an Apostle. "The signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all appearance (endurance) . . ." (2 Corinthians 12:12)
Hid Treasures - G. Christopher Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8486
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulations worketh patience. Romans 5:3
Endurance is so precious, and of such inestimable value, that we may count it all joy when we fall into these trials, because we know that they work endurance. "But let patience (endurance) have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire (complete) wanting (lacking) nothing." (James 1:4) And (Romans 5:3). Yes, Endurance works experience.
"His love in times past forbids us to think
He'll leave us at last, in trouble to sink."
This is experience, and it was endurance taught it. Do you think Shammah would have missed the experience he gained by that fight in the lentil field? (2 Samuel 23:11,12) Never! And when we get Home, we will see that some of these hard places on the road were the bits we would not have missed for anything. They worked Endurance.
The first mark of a true servant of God is "Endurance". "In all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God (servants) in much patience (endurance)" (2 Corinthians 6:4). The false servant, the hireling, fled when he saw the wolf coming; but the Good Shepherd remained behind (John 10:12,13). He endured.
Endurance was also the first sign of an Apostle. "The signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all appearance (endurance) . . ." (2 Corinthians 12:12)
Hid Treasures - G. Christopher Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8486
May 20
We hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Isaiah 53:3
Isaiah described how badly the Man of Sorrows was treated by His own people. The prophet used the word despised twice in verse 3, listing seven points of the severe rejection He experienced. Just as people would avoid any contact with a leper, so they were hiding their faces from Jesus the Messiah. "Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and His Holy One, to Him whom man despises, to Him who the nation abhorreth, to a Servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful and the Holy One of Israel, and He shall chose Thee". (Isaiah 49:7) just as in (Isaiah 52;13-15) recounts the bad treatment He received from the Jewish leaders, Isaiah 53:3 forms the conclusion of this great prophecy about Messiah's rejection.
Following are those seven points:
Despised--this implies disrespect and rejecting God's thoughts.
Rejected--Left alone: people refused any contact with Him.
Man of Sorrows--His Name of much pain, suffering and anguish!
"Acquainted with Grief."
Hiding their faces, people were staying away from Him.
Despised--a word mentioned the second time in the same verse; a distain implying hatred.
We esteemed Him not.
This recaps how people evaluated Him. For they had no room for Him. Let's not forget that this text was penned about 800 years before the Messiah suffered and died.
Alfred E. Bouter
N.J. Hiebert - 8487
Isaiah described how badly the Man of Sorrows was treated by His own people. The prophet used the word despised twice in verse 3, listing seven points of the severe rejection He experienced. Just as people would avoid any contact with a leper, so they were hiding their faces from Jesus the Messiah. "Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and His Holy One, to Him whom man despises, to Him who the nation abhorreth, to a Servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful and the Holy One of Israel, and He shall chose Thee". (Isaiah 49:7) just as in (Isaiah 52;13-15) recounts the bad treatment He received from the Jewish leaders, Isaiah 53:3 forms the conclusion of this great prophecy about Messiah's rejection.
Following are those seven points:
Despised--this implies disrespect and rejecting God's thoughts.
Rejected--Left alone: people refused any contact with Him.
Man of Sorrows--His Name of much pain, suffering and anguish!
"Acquainted with Grief."
Hiding their faces, people were staying away from Him.
Despised--a word mentioned the second time in the same verse; a distain implying hatred.
We esteemed Him not.
This recaps how people evaluated Him. For they had no room for Him. Let's not forget that this text was penned about 800 years before the Messiah suffered and died.
Alfred E. Bouter
N.J. Hiebert - 8487
May 21
Whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
Ephesians 5:13
The light shows exactly what the true state of affairs is; and, therefore, until a man is in the light he does not know what he is; and he does not know God. In fact, until a soul is brought into the light it really does not understand its true state before God.
Now, in the verse above you see this brought out. We have elsewhere the wonderful statement, that, "Light is come into the world, and men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." (John 3:19). Light comes first of all, in the Person of Christ, for, "In Him was light; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not" (John 1:4,5).
Now, that is a remarkable statement. You see if you bring in natural light, into the darkness out goes the darkness. If this room were in darkness, and someone turned on the light the darkness would vanish at once. If you were in a coal-pit, and your light went out, you would be in darkness, and you could not estimate the relation of things. What would be the natural way of letting you see where you were, and what your surroundings were? Bring in the light; for, when the light comes in, away goes the darkness.
That is the truth regarding natural things; but in divine things the solemn thing is this, that although light comes, the darkness remains; for the darkness does not comprehend the light. (1 John 1:5) But what is the light? God--"God is Light, and in Him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5). And what is the darkness? Man. Man makes the darkness; the darkness is what his own state as a sinner is. That constitutes the darkness, as we read, "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord" (Ephesians 5:8). It is a wonderful moment when a man gets into the light, and becomes "Light in the Lord." You will never get into the light, until you get to Christ. Seekers for Light -Dr.W. T. P. Wolston,
N.J. Hiebert - 8488
The light shows exactly what the true state of affairs is; and, therefore, until a man is in the light he does not know what he is; and he does not know God. In fact, until a soul is brought into the light it really does not understand its true state before God.
Now, in the verse above you see this brought out. We have elsewhere the wonderful statement, that, "Light is come into the world, and men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." (John 3:19). Light comes first of all, in the Person of Christ, for, "In Him was light; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not" (John 1:4,5).
Now, that is a remarkable statement. You see if you bring in natural light, into the darkness out goes the darkness. If this room were in darkness, and someone turned on the light the darkness would vanish at once. If you were in a coal-pit, and your light went out, you would be in darkness, and you could not estimate the relation of things. What would be the natural way of letting you see where you were, and what your surroundings were? Bring in the light; for, when the light comes in, away goes the darkness.
That is the truth regarding natural things; but in divine things the solemn thing is this, that although light comes, the darkness remains; for the darkness does not comprehend the light. (1 John 1:5) But what is the light? God--"God is Light, and in Him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5). And what is the darkness? Man. Man makes the darkness; the darkness is what his own state as a sinner is. That constitutes the darkness, as we read, "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord" (Ephesians 5:8). It is a wonderful moment when a man gets into the light, and becomes "Light in the Lord." You will never get into the light, until you get to Christ. Seekers for Light -Dr.W. T. P. Wolston,
N.J. Hiebert - 8488
May 22
The word of the Preacher, the son of David . . . Vanity of Vanities . . . all is vanity (emptiness). What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun? Ecclesiastes 1:1-3.
"Therefore I hated life, (Ecclesiastes 2:17,19,21,23), yea, all my labour which I took under the sun," and "therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all my labour which I took under the sun." For what is there in the labour itself? Nothing that satisfies by itself. It is only the anticipation of final satisfaction and enjoyment that can make up for the loss of quiet and ease now; prove that to be a vain hope, and the mere labour and planning night and day are indeed "empty vanity."
Thus much for labour "under the sun," with self for its object, and death for its limit. Now for the contrast again in its refreshing beauty of the "new" as against the "old" "therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58). "All my labour is vanity" is the "groan" of the old, "for death with its terrors cuts me off from my labour and I leave it to a fool." "No labour in vain" is the song of victory of the new, for resurrection with its glories but introduces me to the precious fruit of those labours, to be enjoyed forever.
Let us cherish this precious word, "not in vain," let us be indeed "persuaded" of it, and "embrace" it, not giving up our glorious heritage and going back to the mere human wisdom that Solomon the king possessed, and which only led then, as it must now and ever, to the groan of "vanity!" But "not in vain" is ours. No little one refreshed with even a up of cold water (Matthew 10:42) but that soon the fruit of even that little labour of love shall meet its sweetest recompense in the smile, the approval, the praise of our Lord Jesus; and that shall make our hearts full to overflowing with bliss; as we there echo and re-echo our own word: it was indeed, "not in vain". F. C. Jennings (with thanks - Bill Weiss)
N.J. Hiebert - 8489
"Therefore I hated life, (Ecclesiastes 2:17,19,21,23), yea, all my labour which I took under the sun," and "therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all my labour which I took under the sun." For what is there in the labour itself? Nothing that satisfies by itself. It is only the anticipation of final satisfaction and enjoyment that can make up for the loss of quiet and ease now; prove that to be a vain hope, and the mere labour and planning night and day are indeed "empty vanity."
Thus much for labour "under the sun," with self for its object, and death for its limit. Now for the contrast again in its refreshing beauty of the "new" as against the "old" "therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know your labour is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58). "All my labour is vanity" is the "groan" of the old, "for death with its terrors cuts me off from my labour and I leave it to a fool." "No labour in vain" is the song of victory of the new, for resurrection with its glories but introduces me to the precious fruit of those labours, to be enjoyed forever.
Let us cherish this precious word, "not in vain," let us be indeed "persuaded" of it, and "embrace" it, not giving up our glorious heritage and going back to the mere human wisdom that Solomon the king possessed, and which only led then, as it must now and ever, to the groan of "vanity!" But "not in vain" is ours. No little one refreshed with even a up of cold water (Matthew 10:42) but that soon the fruit of even that little labour of love shall meet its sweetest recompense in the smile, the approval, the praise of our Lord Jesus; and that shall make our hearts full to overflowing with bliss; as we there echo and re-echo our own word: it was indeed, "not in vain". F. C. Jennings (with thanks - Bill Weiss)
N.J. Hiebert - 8489
May 23
Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought Him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this Man. John 7:45,46.
The only writing of our Lord was with His finger, and that in the loose sand of the ground (John 8:6). Other men who spoke words, wrote in books to preserve to themselves a perpetual memorial of literary glory. Not so the Son of God. When He expired, forsaken on the cross, His words only remained sown on the hearts of men. There the Holy Spirit, like the sun and the rain, made them bear fruit after His resurrection.
When the Lord Jesus died, His works were doubted; His disciples seemed hopeless, and His words appeared lost, like the seed of the harvest, in the cold ground during the frozen winter. Peter had said, "Thou hast the words of eternal life," but those words were not written, and now Peter has denied Him in the presence of his enemies. The officers testified, "Never man spake like this Man," but now they have seen Him answering not a word, "like a lamb dumb before her shearers, so He opened not His mouth." All His friends were disappointed, and despaired when He was crucified. Who now would care about His words? The tree is cut down; how can it now bear any fruit?
No other person's words have been so cherished as the words of the Lord Jesus. Yet His words lived! Here then is one of the wonders in the words of Christ. They are imperishable words. Passed away! What has passed away? The kings of earth have passed away. Whatever opposition may arise to God and His Word shall surely pass away: for the Son of Man Who was Son of God, said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." (Matthew 24:35) Let the ages answer. Bibles are more plentiful today than they have ever been. The Words of the Lord Jesus are better known and loved by a greater multitude than ever before in the history of the world. We add our simple testimony to the outspoken excuse of the Sanhedrin officers, "Never man spake like this Man." Leonard Sheldrake - A Plant of Renown
N.J. Hiebert - 8490
The only writing of our Lord was with His finger, and that in the loose sand of the ground (John 8:6). Other men who spoke words, wrote in books to preserve to themselves a perpetual memorial of literary glory. Not so the Son of God. When He expired, forsaken on the cross, His words only remained sown on the hearts of men. There the Holy Spirit, like the sun and the rain, made them bear fruit after His resurrection.
When the Lord Jesus died, His works were doubted; His disciples seemed hopeless, and His words appeared lost, like the seed of the harvest, in the cold ground during the frozen winter. Peter had said, "Thou hast the words of eternal life," but those words were not written, and now Peter has denied Him in the presence of his enemies. The officers testified, "Never man spake like this Man," but now they have seen Him answering not a word, "like a lamb dumb before her shearers, so He opened not His mouth." All His friends were disappointed, and despaired when He was crucified. Who now would care about His words? The tree is cut down; how can it now bear any fruit?
No other person's words have been so cherished as the words of the Lord Jesus. Yet His words lived! Here then is one of the wonders in the words of Christ. They are imperishable words. Passed away! What has passed away? The kings of earth have passed away. Whatever opposition may arise to God and His Word shall surely pass away: for the Son of Man Who was Son of God, said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." (Matthew 24:35) Let the ages answer. Bibles are more plentiful today than they have ever been. The Words of the Lord Jesus are better known and loved by a greater multitude than ever before in the history of the world. We add our simple testimony to the outspoken excuse of the Sanhedrin officers, "Never man spake like this Man." Leonard Sheldrake - A Plant of Renown
N.J. Hiebert - 8490
May 24
". . . He left not Himself without witness, . . ."
Acts 14:17
Frances Ridley Havergal tells of her experience in the girls' school at Dusseldorf. She went there soon after she had become a Christian and had confessed Christ. Her heart was very warm with love for her Saviour, and she was eager to speak for Him. To her amazement, however, she soon learned that among the hundred girls in the school, she was the only Christian. Her first thought was one of dismay--she could not confess Christ in that great company of worldly, non-Christian companions. Her gentle sensitive heart shrank from a duty so difficult!
Her second thought, however, was that she could not refrain from confessing Christ. She was the only one Christ had there, and she must be faithful! "This was very bracing," she writes. "I felt I must walk worthy of my calling for Christ's sake! It brought me to a new and strong desire to bear witness for my Master. It made me more watchful and earnest than ever before, for I knew that any slip in word or deed would bring discredit to my Lord and Master."
She realized that she had in that school a mission to fulfill; that she was called to be Christ's witness there--His only witness--and that she dare not fail. The Christian life cannot be a subterfuge (evasion). It cannot be lived incognito (disguised). There must be confession; a bold and clarion-like avowal that henceforth I am a soldier of the Lord!
Give a positive testimony!
God has put you where you are because He wants a witness just there. Mountain Trailways
"Just where you stand in the conflict, there is your place!
Just where you think you are useless, hide not your face!
God placed you there for a purpose, what e'er it be;
Think you He has chosen you for it: work loyally. (Anon)
N.J. Hiebert - 8491
Frances Ridley Havergal tells of her experience in the girls' school at Dusseldorf. She went there soon after she had become a Christian and had confessed Christ. Her heart was very warm with love for her Saviour, and she was eager to speak for Him. To her amazement, however, she soon learned that among the hundred girls in the school, she was the only Christian. Her first thought was one of dismay--she could not confess Christ in that great company of worldly, non-Christian companions. Her gentle sensitive heart shrank from a duty so difficult!
Her second thought, however, was that she could not refrain from confessing Christ. She was the only one Christ had there, and she must be faithful! "This was very bracing," she writes. "I felt I must walk worthy of my calling for Christ's sake! It brought me to a new and strong desire to bear witness for my Master. It made me more watchful and earnest than ever before, for I knew that any slip in word or deed would bring discredit to my Lord and Master."
She realized that she had in that school a mission to fulfill; that she was called to be Christ's witness there--His only witness--and that she dare not fail. The Christian life cannot be a subterfuge (evasion). It cannot be lived incognito (disguised). There must be confession; a bold and clarion-like avowal that henceforth I am a soldier of the Lord!
Give a positive testimony!
God has put you where you are because He wants a witness just there. Mountain Trailways
"Just where you stand in the conflict, there is your place!
Just where you think you are useless, hide not your face!
God placed you there for a purpose, what e'er it be;
Think you He has chosen you for it: work loyally. (Anon)
N.J. Hiebert - 8491
May 25
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7
In my own life I am acutely aware that I am a roughhewn man. Because of my rather tough, rough upbringing in a frontier environment, there are characteristics in my makeup which may seem harsh and unyielding. But, despite this, my life has been deeply touched by the mercy of those who took the time to try and understand me--who cared enough to forgive so many faults and in mercy made me their friend.
Often these were people to whom I had shown no special kindness. Their bestowal of mercy on me was something totally unexpected and undeserved. Because of this, it has been a double delight. More than that, it has been an enormous inspiration that lifted and challenged me to respond in a measure beyond my wildest dreams.
Mercy does just that to people. It excites and stimulates their hopes. It reassures them that life can be beautiful. It convinces them that there is good reason to carry on and push for better things if others care that much. This all implies that if someone has extended mercy to me, surely I, in turn, can and must extend mercy to others.
But, to really find the true source of inner inspiration for this sort of conduct, the Christian simply must look beyond his fellow man. He must look away to the mercy of God our Father. Nothing else in all the world will so humble us. Nothing else will so move our stony spirits to extend mercy. Nothing else will so powerfully induce us to do the proper thing in extending genuine mercy to our contemporaries.
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ . . . for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:4,5,8) Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller
N.J. Hiebert - 8492
In my own life I am acutely aware that I am a roughhewn man. Because of my rather tough, rough upbringing in a frontier environment, there are characteristics in my makeup which may seem harsh and unyielding. But, despite this, my life has been deeply touched by the mercy of those who took the time to try and understand me--who cared enough to forgive so many faults and in mercy made me their friend.
Often these were people to whom I had shown no special kindness. Their bestowal of mercy on me was something totally unexpected and undeserved. Because of this, it has been a double delight. More than that, it has been an enormous inspiration that lifted and challenged me to respond in a measure beyond my wildest dreams.
Mercy does just that to people. It excites and stimulates their hopes. It reassures them that life can be beautiful. It convinces them that there is good reason to carry on and push for better things if others care that much. This all implies that if someone has extended mercy to me, surely I, in turn, can and must extend mercy to others.
But, to really find the true source of inner inspiration for this sort of conduct, the Christian simply must look beyond his fellow man. He must look away to the mercy of God our Father. Nothing else in all the world will so humble us. Nothing else will so move our stony spirits to extend mercy. Nothing else will so powerfully induce us to do the proper thing in extending genuine mercy to our contemporaries.
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ . . . for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:4,5,8) Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller
N.J. Hiebert - 8492
May 26
For He saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2
The story is told of a time during WW II when two allied battleships, had been at sea on maneuvers in heavy, foul weather for several days. A sailor one particularly bad night was serving his watch when the visibility was so poor, that the captain remained on the bridge keeping an eye on all activities.
The evening fell and shortly after another lookout on the huge ship reported to the captain, "Light, bearing on the starboard bow, Sir"! The captain immediately responded, "Is it steady or moving astern?" The reply came back almost immediately, "Steady, Captain".
This was very bad news for it meant that battlement-ship group were on a danger collision course with that ship whose light had been spotted. The Captain immediately ordered the signalman to "Signal that ship this message: 'We are on a collision course, advise you change your course, advise you change course twenty degrees.'"
After a short pause a signal from the light; "Most advisable for you to change your course twenty degrees." The captain, tense because of the bad weather, snapped out another command; "Send: I'm the Captain of this ship. 'Change your course twenty degrees immediately!'" A moment later a reply was received; "I'm a sea-man second-class, Sir. Urgently advise that you had better change your course twenty degrees now."
By that time the Captain was furious. He spat out another order; "Send: 'This is a US battleship. Change your course twenty degrees now.'" Almost instantly came back the flashing signal light, "I'm a light house. Highly advise you change your course now." Without further comment, signals or delay the battle-ship changed its course by twenty degrees. The Christian Shepherd- Doug Nicolet
N.J. Hiebert - 8493
The story is told of a time during WW II when two allied battleships, had been at sea on maneuvers in heavy, foul weather for several days. A sailor one particularly bad night was serving his watch when the visibility was so poor, that the captain remained on the bridge keeping an eye on all activities.
The evening fell and shortly after another lookout on the huge ship reported to the captain, "Light, bearing on the starboard bow, Sir"! The captain immediately responded, "Is it steady or moving astern?" The reply came back almost immediately, "Steady, Captain".
This was very bad news for it meant that battlement-ship group were on a danger collision course with that ship whose light had been spotted. The Captain immediately ordered the signalman to "Signal that ship this message: 'We are on a collision course, advise you change your course, advise you change course twenty degrees.'"
After a short pause a signal from the light; "Most advisable for you to change your course twenty degrees." The captain, tense because of the bad weather, snapped out another command; "Send: I'm the Captain of this ship. 'Change your course twenty degrees immediately!'" A moment later a reply was received; "I'm a sea-man second-class, Sir. Urgently advise that you had better change your course twenty degrees now."
By that time the Captain was furious. He spat out another order; "Send: 'This is a US battleship. Change your course twenty degrees now.'" Almost instantly came back the flashing signal light, "I'm a light house. Highly advise you change your course now." Without further comment, signals or delay the battle-ship changed its course by twenty degrees. The Christian Shepherd- Doug Nicolet
N.J. Hiebert - 8493
May 27
THE LORD'S REQUEST
This do in remembrance of Me. Luke 22:19
Thy parting word, Lord JESUS--"This do, remember Me,"
To those whom sorrow gathered that night so close to Thee;
By grace our hearts do listen to hear its echo still,
It strikes a chord within us, and praise our hearts doth fill.
Thy parting word, Lord JESUS, has touched the deepest spring,
And wakes anew affections our waiting hearts within;
Thy parting word, when sorrow around Thy footsteps pressed,
When Satan, death, and judgment their fears to Thee addressed.
Thy parting word, Lord JESUS, ere judgment on Thee broke,
Ere on Thy Holy Person came down that righteous stroke;
The wrath of God before Thee, while foes did gather round,
There too Thy "friend' betrayed Thee. And darkness did abound.
Thy parting word, Lord JESUS, before thou did endure
The being of God forsaken, our blessing to secure;
Oh grace beyond expression! Which sought that we should be,
All through Thy time of absence, in death remembering Thee.
Thy parting word, Lord JESUS, we treasure in our heart,
And from the love which spoke it we never more can part:
Soon, Lord, Thou will receive us unto Thyself on high,
Till then we Thee remember, Who for our sins did die.
The Remembrancer - G. W. F.
N.J. Hiebert - 8494
This do in remembrance of Me. Luke 22:19
Thy parting word, Lord JESUS--"This do, remember Me,"
To those whom sorrow gathered that night so close to Thee;
By grace our hearts do listen to hear its echo still,
It strikes a chord within us, and praise our hearts doth fill.
Thy parting word, Lord JESUS, has touched the deepest spring,
And wakes anew affections our waiting hearts within;
Thy parting word, when sorrow around Thy footsteps pressed,
When Satan, death, and judgment their fears to Thee addressed.
Thy parting word, Lord JESUS, ere judgment on Thee broke,
Ere on Thy Holy Person came down that righteous stroke;
The wrath of God before Thee, while foes did gather round,
There too Thy "friend' betrayed Thee. And darkness did abound.
Thy parting word, Lord JESUS, before thou did endure
The being of God forsaken, our blessing to secure;
Oh grace beyond expression! Which sought that we should be,
All through Thy time of absence, in death remembering Thee.
Thy parting word, Lord JESUS, we treasure in our heart,
And from the love which spoke it we never more can part:
Soon, Lord, Thou will receive us unto Thyself on high,
Till then we Thee remember, Who for our sins did die.
The Remembrancer - G. W. F.
N.J. Hiebert - 8494
May 28
For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20
I am a citizen of heaven sojourning on earth, not a citizen of earth journeying to heaven. God help me never to lose my pilgrimage character. It is so easy to drive down our tent- pegs in this world. I would sit loose to its attractions like someone once said "I wear this world like a loose garment."
I am not merely looking for something to happen but for Someone to come. When I studied arithmetic, I remembered that the answers were in the back of the book. No matter how I floundered among my problems, the correct solution was on the last page.
I have failed often in working out life's problems, and I dwell in the midst of a people who are hopelessly trying to to untangle the riddle of this present age. But I am cheered by one unfailing certainty--there is a Book (Bible) that solves the enigma and the answer is in the back of the Book, "Behold I come quickly." "Even so come Lord Jesus." Revelation 22:7,20
Vance Havner - That I May Know Him
'Tis the hope of His coming that gladdens my heart,
That drives away sadness and bids care depart;
No dread of the morrow, no sorrow I see,
For Jesus is coming, He's coming for me.
And though clouds darken o'er me. Though storms may assail,
With Jesus beside me, I'll weather the gale;
The storm is without me, no trouble within,
For Jesus my Saviour has cleansed me from sin.
Mrs. A. R. Rule
N.J. Hiebert - 8495
I am a citizen of heaven sojourning on earth, not a citizen of earth journeying to heaven. God help me never to lose my pilgrimage character. It is so easy to drive down our tent- pegs in this world. I would sit loose to its attractions like someone once said "I wear this world like a loose garment."
I am not merely looking for something to happen but for Someone to come. When I studied arithmetic, I remembered that the answers were in the back of the book. No matter how I floundered among my problems, the correct solution was on the last page.
I have failed often in working out life's problems, and I dwell in the midst of a people who are hopelessly trying to to untangle the riddle of this present age. But I am cheered by one unfailing certainty--there is a Book (Bible) that solves the enigma and the answer is in the back of the Book, "Behold I come quickly." "Even so come Lord Jesus." Revelation 22:7,20
Vance Havner - That I May Know Him
'Tis the hope of His coming that gladdens my heart,
That drives away sadness and bids care depart;
No dread of the morrow, no sorrow I see,
For Jesus is coming, He's coming for me.
And though clouds darken o'er me. Though storms may assail,
With Jesus beside me, I'll weather the gale;
The storm is without me, no trouble within,
For Jesus my Saviour has cleansed me from sin.
Mrs. A. R. Rule
N.J. Hiebert - 8495
May 29
And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. Acts 7:9,10
Joseph, cut off from his own people in a strange land becomes a slave in the house of Potiphar; falsely accused by a wicked woman, and under the stigma of a great sin, he is cast into prison. There treated with base ingratitude, he is left to languish, a forgotten man. Suffering dishonour upon dishonour, his path is ever downward. The clouds gather round him and his way grows darker, until apparently his sun has set in hopeless gloom.
But behind all that is apparent to nature, faith can discern the purpose of God to exalt Joseph to a position of supremacy and glory. If God is set upon the fulfillment of His purpose, Satan will put forth every effort to thwart God's purpose. Satan uses the wickedness of the brethren to banish Joseph from house and home; he uses Potiphar's wicked wife to bring Joseph into prison; and he uses Pharaoh's ungrateful butler to keep him there.
Every step in the downward path is an apparent triumph for Satan, and seems to make the fulfillment of God's purpose more remote. To the natural view Satan's plans appear to prosper, and God's purposes suffer apparent defeat.
Faith, however, can discern the hand of God behind the wiles of Satan. If Satan is using man to hinder God's purposes, God is using Satan to carry them out. Every kind of agent is at God's disposal. Angels, saints and sinners, the devil and his demons all serve to carry out God's plans. The very elements--fire and hail, snow and vapours, and stormy wind--are "fulfilling His word" (Psalm 148:8). Nor is it otherwise with the circumstances of life, as we see in the story of Joseph. The trials he passes through are preparing for the exercise of power in the day of his glory. The service in the trials prepares for the right use of glory. Hamilton Smith - Joseph
N.J. Hiebert - 8496
Joseph, cut off from his own people in a strange land becomes a slave in the house of Potiphar; falsely accused by a wicked woman, and under the stigma of a great sin, he is cast into prison. There treated with base ingratitude, he is left to languish, a forgotten man. Suffering dishonour upon dishonour, his path is ever downward. The clouds gather round him and his way grows darker, until apparently his sun has set in hopeless gloom.
But behind all that is apparent to nature, faith can discern the purpose of God to exalt Joseph to a position of supremacy and glory. If God is set upon the fulfillment of His purpose, Satan will put forth every effort to thwart God's purpose. Satan uses the wickedness of the brethren to banish Joseph from house and home; he uses Potiphar's wicked wife to bring Joseph into prison; and he uses Pharaoh's ungrateful butler to keep him there.
Every step in the downward path is an apparent triumph for Satan, and seems to make the fulfillment of God's purpose more remote. To the natural view Satan's plans appear to prosper, and God's purposes suffer apparent defeat.
Faith, however, can discern the hand of God behind the wiles of Satan. If Satan is using man to hinder God's purposes, God is using Satan to carry them out. Every kind of agent is at God's disposal. Angels, saints and sinners, the devil and his demons all serve to carry out God's plans. The very elements--fire and hail, snow and vapours, and stormy wind--are "fulfilling His word" (Psalm 148:8). Nor is it otherwise with the circumstances of life, as we see in the story of Joseph. The trials he passes through are preparing for the exercise of power in the day of his glory. The service in the trials prepares for the right use of glory. Hamilton Smith - Joseph
N.J. Hiebert - 8496
May 30
Jonah 1:17 "Now the Lord had prepared a great fish."
Jonah 4:6 "And the Lord God prepared a gourd."
Jonah 4:7 "But God prepared a worm."
Jonah 4:8 "God prepared a vehement east wind."
We cannot leave the subject of what God prepared for Jonah, without mention of another place specially prepared by the Lord Himself, which we doubt not Jonah will also share. The Lord Jesus said: "In My Father's house are many mansions (abodes)...I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:2
When at home in the Father's house, we look back over the wilderness pathway, we will then recognize many a thing and many a circumstance that the Lord has specially prepared for us. I suppose that Jonah did not realize at the time that the great fish and the gourd and the worm and the sultry wind had each in turn been specially prepared for him. He thought they had just "happened".
We believe it was Jonah's own hand that wrote the little book that bears his name, for we cannot suppose it was any other: it would not be like Jonah's Master to allow another servant to so openly disclose the faults and failings of a fellow-servant. If this be so, we may see how deeply Jonah learned, before the end of his journey to take all things from the hand of God; and what gratitude must have risen up in his heart at the tender care of his God for him. Who else would take the trouble specially to prepare a worm on purpose for him, to teach him a greatly needed lesson?
So, I suppose, at the end of our journey, when we reach the place our Lord has prepared for us, our hearts will rise up in gratitude, not alone for that prepared place, but for all His tender care along the way, for the worms, or what we now term the "misfortunes", as well as for the gourds, or what we now call the "blessings"--both alike, are specially prepared for us. (Psalm 78:72) Jonah - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8497
Jonah 4:6 "And the Lord God prepared a gourd."
Jonah 4:7 "But God prepared a worm."
Jonah 4:8 "God prepared a vehement east wind."
We cannot leave the subject of what God prepared for Jonah, without mention of another place specially prepared by the Lord Himself, which we doubt not Jonah will also share. The Lord Jesus said: "In My Father's house are many mansions (abodes)...I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:2
When at home in the Father's house, we look back over the wilderness pathway, we will then recognize many a thing and many a circumstance that the Lord has specially prepared for us. I suppose that Jonah did not realize at the time that the great fish and the gourd and the worm and the sultry wind had each in turn been specially prepared for him. He thought they had just "happened".
We believe it was Jonah's own hand that wrote the little book that bears his name, for we cannot suppose it was any other: it would not be like Jonah's Master to allow another servant to so openly disclose the faults and failings of a fellow-servant. If this be so, we may see how deeply Jonah learned, before the end of his journey to take all things from the hand of God; and what gratitude must have risen up in his heart at the tender care of his God for him. Who else would take the trouble specially to prepare a worm on purpose for him, to teach him a greatly needed lesson?
So, I suppose, at the end of our journey, when we reach the place our Lord has prepared for us, our hearts will rise up in gratitude, not alone for that prepared place, but for all His tender care along the way, for the worms, or what we now term the "misfortunes", as well as for the gourds, or what we now call the "blessings"--both alike, are specially prepared for us. (Psalm 78:72) Jonah - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8497
May 31
AND CAN IT BE THAT I SHOULD GAIN?
Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood. Revelation 1:5
Can any believer contemplate the "amazing love" of Calvary without sharing the awe and wonder of the questions in this hymn by Charles Wesley? Written a short time after his heart-warming Aldersgate experience on May 20,1738, this song of grateful adoration for God's great plan of redemption has been one of the most deeply moving and treasured hymns for more than two hundred years.
Even though he had a strict religious training in his youth, education at Oxford University and missionary service in the new colony of Georgia, Charles Wesley had no peace or joy in his heart and life. Returning to London after a discouraging time in America, he met with a group of Moravians in the Aldersgate Hall and came to realize that "Salvation is by faith alone". In his journal entry for May 20, he wrote, "At midnight I gave myself to Christ, assured that I was safe, whether sleeping or waking. I had the continual experience of His power to overcome all temptation, and I confessed with joy and surprise that He was able to do exceeding abundantly above what I can ask or think."
In this spirit of joyous enthusiasm, Charles began to write new hymns with increased fervour. He traveled throughout Great Britain with his older brother John a quarter of a million miles, mostly on horseback, leading great crowds in singing his hymns in massive outdoor services of forty thousand people. With every new spiritual experience or thought that crossed Charles's mind a new hymn was born. Even on his death bed it is said that he dictated to his wife a final hymn of praise to the Lord he had loved so intimately and served so effectively. Kenneth W. Osbeck
And can it be that I should gain an interest the Saviour's blood? Died He for me who caused His pain? for me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! how can it be that Thou, my Lord should die for me.
He left His Father's throne above, so free, so infinite His grace! Emptied Himself of all but love, and bled for Adam's helpless race. 'Tis mercy all, immense and free; for O my God, it found out me.
Long my imprisoned spirit lay fast bound in sin and nature's night; Thine eye defused a quickening ray, I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free; I rose, went forth and followed Thee.
No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him is mine! Alive in Him, my living head, and clothed in righteousness divine, Bold I approach the eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own,
N.J. Hiebert - 8498
Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood. Revelation 1:5
Can any believer contemplate the "amazing love" of Calvary without sharing the awe and wonder of the questions in this hymn by Charles Wesley? Written a short time after his heart-warming Aldersgate experience on May 20,1738, this song of grateful adoration for God's great plan of redemption has been one of the most deeply moving and treasured hymns for more than two hundred years.
Even though he had a strict religious training in his youth, education at Oxford University and missionary service in the new colony of Georgia, Charles Wesley had no peace or joy in his heart and life. Returning to London after a discouraging time in America, he met with a group of Moravians in the Aldersgate Hall and came to realize that "Salvation is by faith alone". In his journal entry for May 20, he wrote, "At midnight I gave myself to Christ, assured that I was safe, whether sleeping or waking. I had the continual experience of His power to overcome all temptation, and I confessed with joy and surprise that He was able to do exceeding abundantly above what I can ask or think."
In this spirit of joyous enthusiasm, Charles began to write new hymns with increased fervour. He traveled throughout Great Britain with his older brother John a quarter of a million miles, mostly on horseback, leading great crowds in singing his hymns in massive outdoor services of forty thousand people. With every new spiritual experience or thought that crossed Charles's mind a new hymn was born. Even on his death bed it is said that he dictated to his wife a final hymn of praise to the Lord he had loved so intimately and served so effectively. Kenneth W. Osbeck
And can it be that I should gain an interest the Saviour's blood? Died He for me who caused His pain? for me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! how can it be that Thou, my Lord should die for me.
He left His Father's throne above, so free, so infinite His grace! Emptied Himself of all but love, and bled for Adam's helpless race. 'Tis mercy all, immense and free; for O my God, it found out me.
Long my imprisoned spirit lay fast bound in sin and nature's night; Thine eye defused a quickening ray, I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free; I rose, went forth and followed Thee.
No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him is mine! Alive in Him, my living head, and clothed in righteousness divine, Bold I approach the eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own,
N.J. Hiebert - 8498
June 1
BACK TO THE FOLD
What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he loose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? Luke 15:3
What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he loose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? Luke 15:3
'Twas a sheep, not a lamb, that went astray
In the parable Jesus told,
A grown up sheep that wandered away
From the ninety and nine in the fold.
Out on the hillside, out in the cold,
'Twas a sheep the Good Shepherd sought,
Borne on His shoulders and back to the fold,
The sheep the Good Shepherd brought.
Why for the sheep should we earnestly long
And as earnestly hope and pray?
Because there is danger, if they go wrong
They may lead the lambs astray.
Lambs will follow the sheep, you know
Wherever the sheep may stray,
If the sheep go wrong, it won't be long
'Till the lambs are as wrong as they.
So for the sheep let us earnestly pray,
For the sake of the lambs today,
If the lambs are lost, what a terrible cost
Some sheep will have to pay.
Mrs. Furstenfeld
N.J. Hiebert - 8499
June 2
Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Rise, let us be going. Matthew 26:46
RESTING AND ROUSING
He rests us and He rouses us. This nervous age keeps going with pills to put it to sleep and pills to keep it awake. From sedative to stimulant our generation lives by "shots in the arm". We both rest and rouse our jaded selves artificially.
But all we need for both purposes is found in Jesus. He give us peace. "Rest in the Lord." (Psalm 37:7) is God's prescription. We can rest in Him when we cease from our own feverish works and rest in HIs finished work.
And He rouses us. "Be not drunk with wine wherein is excess, but be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18) There you have the world's false stimulant and Divine stirring of the Spirit. "Stir up the gift of God" (2 Timothy 1:6-7) means kindling the Fire within us, although the coals may be covered with ashes. Alas, "there is none that stirreth up himself to take hold of Thee." (Isaiah 64:7)
Whether you need resting or rousing, He does both. But we cooperate as we rest in Him or rouse ourselves to do His bidding.
Day by Day with Vance Havner (1901-1986)
Come unto Me, it is the Saviour's voice - the Lord of life, who bids thy heart rejoice;
O weary heart, with heavy cares oppressed, come unto Me, and I will give you rest.
Nate Norton
N.J. Hiebert - 8500
Rise, let us be going. Matthew 26:46
RESTING AND ROUSING
He rests us and He rouses us. This nervous age keeps going with pills to put it to sleep and pills to keep it awake. From sedative to stimulant our generation lives by "shots in the arm". We both rest and rouse our jaded selves artificially.
But all we need for both purposes is found in Jesus. He give us peace. "Rest in the Lord." (Psalm 37:7) is God's prescription. We can rest in Him when we cease from our own feverish works and rest in HIs finished work.
And He rouses us. "Be not drunk with wine wherein is excess, but be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18) There you have the world's false stimulant and Divine stirring of the Spirit. "Stir up the gift of God" (2 Timothy 1:6-7) means kindling the Fire within us, although the coals may be covered with ashes. Alas, "there is none that stirreth up himself to take hold of Thee." (Isaiah 64:7)
Whether you need resting or rousing, He does both. But we cooperate as we rest in Him or rouse ourselves to do His bidding.
Day by Day with Vance Havner (1901-1986)
Come unto Me, it is the Saviour's voice - the Lord of life, who bids thy heart rejoice;
O weary heart, with heavy cares oppressed, come unto Me, and I will give you rest.
Nate Norton
N.J. Hiebert - 8500
June 3
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold . . . but with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world. 1 Peter 1:18-20
The death and resurrection of Christ form the new basis on which God establishes every relationship with fallen man. Little wonder then that the Holy Scriptures are replete with types, prophecies, and shadows, all pointing to the coming One. Already before the foundation of the world was laid God had His Lamb in reserve.
And when the first man, Adam, sinned and thus failed in his responsibility towards God, it but served as an occasion for God to introduce the Second Man, the Man of His counsels, the Lord from heaven, into this world.
When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he declared, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). God Himself must provide a Lamb, for we had none to bring. And what the holiness of God required, the love of God provided in the sending of His Son.
Wonderful provision for ruined sinners who now been brought to God, "accepted in the beloved" (Ephesians 1:6). The same One who was on the cross bearing our sins is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God: blessed proof of God's satisfaction with the work of putting sin away.
Moreover God's righteousness requires that all who have been redeemed will also be glorified with Christ where He is. We will be like Him and with Him,
(1 John 3:2) the fruit of His grace and the objects of God's eternal pleasure.
J. Redekop
N.J. Hiebert - 8501
The death and resurrection of Christ form the new basis on which God establishes every relationship with fallen man. Little wonder then that the Holy Scriptures are replete with types, prophecies, and shadows, all pointing to the coming One. Already before the foundation of the world was laid God had His Lamb in reserve.
And when the first man, Adam, sinned and thus failed in his responsibility towards God, it but served as an occasion for God to introduce the Second Man, the Man of His counsels, the Lord from heaven, into this world.
When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he declared, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). God Himself must provide a Lamb, for we had none to bring. And what the holiness of God required, the love of God provided in the sending of His Son.
Wonderful provision for ruined sinners who now been brought to God, "accepted in the beloved" (Ephesians 1:6). The same One who was on the cross bearing our sins is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God: blessed proof of God's satisfaction with the work of putting sin away.
Moreover God's righteousness requires that all who have been redeemed will also be glorified with Christ where He is. We will be like Him and with Him,
(1 John 3:2) the fruit of His grace and the objects of God's eternal pleasure.
J. Redekop
N.J. Hiebert - 8501
June 4
THERE IS LIFE IN A LOOK AT THE CRUCIFIED ONE
And as Moses lifted up the serpent up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:14-15
Amelia Matilda Hull was born in England, on September 30, 1812, the youngest of a family of eleven children. Her father was a retired army captain. Of Amelia's personal life, very has been left on record apart from the story of her conversion. However, the circumstances of that great event are so full of interest and are so inextricably linked with the birth of her lovely hymn, that they are worth relating.
Amelia was about twenty years of age when she heard the gospel of Christ for the first time. A visiting evangelist had pitched his tent near to their family home and invited the neighbouring people to come and hear the gospel. One night Amelia ventured to go. She slipped in at the back of the tent and listened with intense interest to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Her heart was troubled. When she returned home and told her father where she had been, he was furious. He told her that association with such "ranters" and their meetings was not becoming to anyone in her position in life and he forbade to go back.
However, Amelia's heart had already received the first dropping of the living water and she thirsted for more. She felt she must go back and in spite of her father's forbidding, she returned the following evening. The message was taken from John 3:14-15, (quoted above).
On her arrival home, she met with her father's fury. He was beside himself with rage. Taking her to the library he scolded her severely for what she had done and ordered that she appear there the next morning at nine o'clock, to be punished. Before retiring for the night she thought upon the greatness of the message which had brought her peace and, as she did so, she jotted down her heart's musings on a piece of paper. At 9 o'clock she made her way to the library with the piece of paper in her hand. She entered, and handed the piece of paper to her father and waited. Captain Hull stood there that morning and read the word of Amelia's composition.
There is life in a look at the Crucified One, there is life at this moment for thee;
Then look, sinner look, unto Him and be saved, unto Him who was nailed to the tree.
It is not thy tears of repentance or prayers but the blood that atones for the soul;
On Him than believe, and a pardon receive, for His blood now can make thee quite whole.
Then take with rejoicing from Jesus at once, the life everlasting He gives;
And know with assurance though never canst die, since Jesus, thy righteousness, lives.
As he read, a change came over him. He sat down and buried his face in his hands. God had spoken to his heart and he was now a broken man. Gone was any thought of punishing his daughter. Instead in the library that morning Captain Hull sought and found his daughter Amelia's Saviour. C.B.R.
N.J. Hiebert - 8502
And as Moses lifted up the serpent up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:14-15
Amelia Matilda Hull was born in England, on September 30, 1812, the youngest of a family of eleven children. Her father was a retired army captain. Of Amelia's personal life, very has been left on record apart from the story of her conversion. However, the circumstances of that great event are so full of interest and are so inextricably linked with the birth of her lovely hymn, that they are worth relating.
Amelia was about twenty years of age when she heard the gospel of Christ for the first time. A visiting evangelist had pitched his tent near to their family home and invited the neighbouring people to come and hear the gospel. One night Amelia ventured to go. She slipped in at the back of the tent and listened with intense interest to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Her heart was troubled. When she returned home and told her father where she had been, he was furious. He told her that association with such "ranters" and their meetings was not becoming to anyone in her position in life and he forbade to go back.
However, Amelia's heart had already received the first dropping of the living water and she thirsted for more. She felt she must go back and in spite of her father's forbidding, she returned the following evening. The message was taken from John 3:14-15, (quoted above).
On her arrival home, she met with her father's fury. He was beside himself with rage. Taking her to the library he scolded her severely for what she had done and ordered that she appear there the next morning at nine o'clock, to be punished. Before retiring for the night she thought upon the greatness of the message which had brought her peace and, as she did so, she jotted down her heart's musings on a piece of paper. At 9 o'clock she made her way to the library with the piece of paper in her hand. She entered, and handed the piece of paper to her father and waited. Captain Hull stood there that morning and read the word of Amelia's composition.
There is life in a look at the Crucified One, there is life at this moment for thee;
Then look, sinner look, unto Him and be saved, unto Him who was nailed to the tree.
It is not thy tears of repentance or prayers but the blood that atones for the soul;
On Him than believe, and a pardon receive, for His blood now can make thee quite whole.
Then take with rejoicing from Jesus at once, the life everlasting He gives;
And know with assurance though never canst die, since Jesus, thy righteousness, lives.
As he read, a change came over him. He sat down and buried his face in his hands. God had spoken to his heart and he was now a broken man. Gone was any thought of punishing his daughter. Instead in the library that morning Captain Hull sought and found his daughter Amelia's Saviour. C.B.R.
N.J. Hiebert - 8502
June 5
posted by soundwords at
May 01, 2021
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