Gems from October 2021
But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
What a comfort and encouragement this verse has been to God's people through the years. And while most people think of it in connection with material things (and Paul was thinking of such in the context), the verse applies to "all your need" of every kind. We may need material supply, and "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1)
We may need comfort or encouragement, and we find Him to be "the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort." (2 Corinthians 1:3). We may need help to endure continuing trial or weakness, and we learn that "He giveth more grace," (James 4:6) and that "God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8) We may need guidance, and His promise is that "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye." (Psalm 32:8)
There are times when we need chastening, "for whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth." (Hebrews 12:6) Whatever the need in our lives, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches by glory in Christ Jesus," and "They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing." (Psalm 34:10) The Lord is Near
Be not dismayed whate'er betide, God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.
Through days of toil when heart doth fail, God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail, God will take care of you.
All you may need He will provide, God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will be denied, God will take care of you. C. D. Martin
N.J. Hiebert - 8620
October 1
The coming of the Lord draweth nigh. James 5:8
It is a good thing to understand prophecy; it is better to have the intended purpose for which it was given. Today more Christians have some idea of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ than two centuries ago. But that does not mean that the hearts of Christians long for Him more than they did then.
Whenever the coming and the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ are mentioned, there is a practical importance attached to it. In John 14 it is so that the disciples' hearts may not be troubled in view of his imminent departure. In Romans 13:12 so that we may cast away the works of darkness and walk becomingly. In 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, so that we may be firm, immovable, and abounding always in the work of the Lord. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Corinthians 5:8 so as to know that the death of the believer is to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. and thus we may not sorrow as others who have no hope. In 2 Timothy 4:6-9, so that we may fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith. In Titus 2:12, so that we may live soberly, justly, and piously. In 1 John 3:2-3 we have this most precious promise that We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is!--a statement that should never cease to fill our hearts with joy and lead us always to worship Him. And, He adds, every one that has this hope in Him purifies himself, even as He is pure.
Finally, Revelation 22:20, we are told this so that our hearts may respond to His saying, Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus. A. M. Behnam
We go to meet the Saviour, His glorious face to see;
What manner of behaviour doth with this hope agree?
May God's illumination guide heart and walk aright,
That so our preparation be pleasing in His sight.
P. Gerhardt
N.J. Hiebert - 8621
It is a good thing to understand prophecy; it is better to have the intended purpose for which it was given. Today more Christians have some idea of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ than two centuries ago. But that does not mean that the hearts of Christians long for Him more than they did then.
Whenever the coming and the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ are mentioned, there is a practical importance attached to it. In John 14 it is so that the disciples' hearts may not be troubled in view of his imminent departure. In Romans 13:12 so that we may cast away the works of darkness and walk becomingly. In 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, so that we may be firm, immovable, and abounding always in the work of the Lord. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Corinthians 5:8 so as to know that the death of the believer is to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. and thus we may not sorrow as others who have no hope. In 2 Timothy 4:6-9, so that we may fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith. In Titus 2:12, so that we may live soberly, justly, and piously. In 1 John 3:2-3 we have this most precious promise that We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is!--a statement that should never cease to fill our hearts with joy and lead us always to worship Him. And, He adds, every one that has this hope in Him purifies himself, even as He is pure.
Finally, Revelation 22:20, we are told this so that our hearts may respond to His saying, Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus. A. M. Behnam
We go to meet the Saviour, His glorious face to see;
What manner of behaviour doth with this hope agree?
May God's illumination guide heart and walk aright,
That so our preparation be pleasing in His sight.
P. Gerhardt
N.J. Hiebert - 8621
October 2
Jesus . . . loved them unto the end. John 13:1
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34
If our hearts are full of the love of God, the roughest knocks cannot make us unloving or unpeaceful. But how often, in a moment of impatience, we blame the rough knock! "So-and-so did this; so-and-so said that; my circumstances are difficult. I could be good somewhere else, in some other place or work."
All such excuses are folly. It is not what happens to us but what is in us that settles the matter. How often we have to go to our Saviour for cleansing and pardon, after some hard knock has caused us to "spill" something unloving which was inside us.
But have we not been comforted by the generous wealth of His pardon? Is it not just like Him to assure us again and again that nothing is changed on His side? He loves us as He did before. He wants us as He did before. His tender mercy embrace us on every side.
Such love draws us back to Calvary. As we think of our own newly discovered sin, we see Him, the sinless One, with new eyes. How did we react towards some trivial, trying touch of people or circumstances? How did He react to the torture of the hammer and the nails? Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.
Nothing could surprise anything unloving in Him, for there was nothing in Him but love. Is it not wonderful that such a Lord can care for such as us? Is it not a wonder of wonders that He can want our love?
Amy Carmichael - Whispers of His Love
N.J. Hiebert - 8622
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34
If our hearts are full of the love of God, the roughest knocks cannot make us unloving or unpeaceful. But how often, in a moment of impatience, we blame the rough knock! "So-and-so did this; so-and-so said that; my circumstances are difficult. I could be good somewhere else, in some other place or work."
All such excuses are folly. It is not what happens to us but what is in us that settles the matter. How often we have to go to our Saviour for cleansing and pardon, after some hard knock has caused us to "spill" something unloving which was inside us.
But have we not been comforted by the generous wealth of His pardon? Is it not just like Him to assure us again and again that nothing is changed on His side? He loves us as He did before. He wants us as He did before. His tender mercy embrace us on every side.
Such love draws us back to Calvary. As we think of our own newly discovered sin, we see Him, the sinless One, with new eyes. How did we react towards some trivial, trying touch of people or circumstances? How did He react to the torture of the hammer and the nails? Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.
Nothing could surprise anything unloving in Him, for there was nothing in Him but love. Is it not wonderful that such a Lord can care for such as us? Is it not a wonder of wonders that He can want our love?
Amy Carmichael - Whispers of His Love
N.J. Hiebert - 8622
October 3
Now Jacob's well was there (Samaria)...Jesus wearied with HIs journey sat thus on the well. There cometh a woman to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, give me to drink... Then saith the woman...how is it that Thou, being a Jew, asketh drink of me....Jesus answered...if thou knewest the gift of God...thou would have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto Him...the well is deep.
John 4:4-15.
Love and need are face to face, in this touching scene, and therein is always the point of contact between the soul and God--need on my side, love on His.
What a revelation! There are volumes contained in these four words, "The well is deep." They speak of a weary existence. She was tired of life. Her will and her sin had left her heart empty. Despised of all, isolated, and abandoned, she came at a time when the well was very empty. And is not that exactly what every man, passing through this world finds, "the well is deep," and gets deeper every year he lives, and he has to lengthen the rope by which he seeks to draw the water with which he would try to satisfy his heart.
That becomes more difficult as time goes on, and the Lord tells us the reason, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again." (John 4:13) The water from the world's well can never satisfy the soul that drinks thereof, but observe the deeper meaning in the next words, "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well (a fountain) of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14) a divine and ever-springing up fountain of joy.
Life is dependant on external supplies for its sustenance, but here we find a fountain spoken of--a constant, continual source of supply. "The well is deep," if you have not found the Lord. He that had said, "give me to drink," was the One who made the well, and the water therein. He was the Creator Himself. No one can be satisfied without Christ. W. T. P. Wolston - Another Comforter
N.J. Hiebert - 8623
Love and need are face to face, in this touching scene, and therein is always the point of contact between the soul and God--need on my side, love on His.
What a revelation! There are volumes contained in these four words, "The well is deep." They speak of a weary existence. She was tired of life. Her will and her sin had left her heart empty. Despised of all, isolated, and abandoned, she came at a time when the well was very empty. And is not that exactly what every man, passing through this world finds, "the well is deep," and gets deeper every year he lives, and he has to lengthen the rope by which he seeks to draw the water with which he would try to satisfy his heart.
That becomes more difficult as time goes on, and the Lord tells us the reason, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again." (John 4:13) The water from the world's well can never satisfy the soul that drinks thereof, but observe the deeper meaning in the next words, "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well (a fountain) of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14) a divine and ever-springing up fountain of joy.
Life is dependant on external supplies for its sustenance, but here we find a fountain spoken of--a constant, continual source of supply. "The well is deep," if you have not found the Lord. He that had said, "give me to drink," was the One who made the well, and the water therein. He was the Creator Himself. No one can be satisfied without Christ. W. T. P. Wolston - Another Comforter
N.J. Hiebert - 8623
October 4
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
There was a hero once who, when an overwhelming force was in full pursuit, and all his followers were urging him to a more rapid flight, cooly dismounted to repair a flaw in his horse's harness. While busied with the broken buckle, the distant cloud swept down in nearer thunder; but just as the prancing hoofs and eager spears were ready to dash upon him, the flaw was mended, and like a swooping falcon he had vanished from their view. The broken buckle would have left him on the field a dismounted and inglorious prisoner; the timely delay sent him in safety back to his bustling companions.
There is in daily life the same unfortunate precipitance and the same profitable delay. The youth who from his prayerless awakening bounces into the hours of the day, however good his talents and great his diligence, is only galloping upon a steed harnessed with a broken buckle, and must not marvel if, in his hottest haste or most hazardous leap, he be left inglorious in the dust; and though it may occasion some little delay beforehand, his neighbour is wiser who sets all in order before the march begins.
We cannot rush through a chapter of the Bible and come out of it laden with the Word. That is the reward of patient and leisurely movement. Dr. Joseph Parker advised a young minister never to "gallop" through the Scriptures. "Go slowly, and look around."
What do motorists see of the wayside flowers when they are racing along at fifty or sixty miles an hour? And what do they hear of the song of birds, and what do they see of the movements of the sky, graceful things which only venture out when everything is quiet and still? The beauty of the Word is the reward which is given to the soul which moves with reverent and unhasty steps. If we rush along we shall miss it! Mountain Trailways for Youth
N.J. Hiebert - 8624
There was a hero once who, when an overwhelming force was in full pursuit, and all his followers were urging him to a more rapid flight, cooly dismounted to repair a flaw in his horse's harness. While busied with the broken buckle, the distant cloud swept down in nearer thunder; but just as the prancing hoofs and eager spears were ready to dash upon him, the flaw was mended, and like a swooping falcon he had vanished from their view. The broken buckle would have left him on the field a dismounted and inglorious prisoner; the timely delay sent him in safety back to his bustling companions.
There is in daily life the same unfortunate precipitance and the same profitable delay. The youth who from his prayerless awakening bounces into the hours of the day, however good his talents and great his diligence, is only galloping upon a steed harnessed with a broken buckle, and must not marvel if, in his hottest haste or most hazardous leap, he be left inglorious in the dust; and though it may occasion some little delay beforehand, his neighbour is wiser who sets all in order before the march begins.
We cannot rush through a chapter of the Bible and come out of it laden with the Word. That is the reward of patient and leisurely movement. Dr. Joseph Parker advised a young minister never to "gallop" through the Scriptures. "Go slowly, and look around."
What do motorists see of the wayside flowers when they are racing along at fifty or sixty miles an hour? And what do they hear of the song of birds, and what do they see of the movements of the sky, graceful things which only venture out when everything is quiet and still? The beauty of the Word is the reward which is given to the soul which moves with reverent and unhasty steps. If we rush along we shall miss it! Mountain Trailways for Youth
N.J. Hiebert - 8624
October 5
RETURN TRIP
And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem. . . .
Luke 24:33
The Emmaus disciples had already walked seven miles home from Jerusalem, sad and discouraged, although it was the very day our Lord had said He would rise from the dead.
When He made Himself known, they rose up the same hour and retraced their steps, no longer sad or weary. It must have been the most exciting seven miles they ever traveled. Seven miles of sighing became seven miles of singing!
What a host of weary pilgrims need today is a contact with the living Christ, true to the Scriptures, warming their hearts, showing up at home, and making happy witnesses of them all. All the Days - Vance Havner
How many times discouraged, we sink beside the way ;
About us all is darkness, we hardly dare to pray;
Then from the mists and shadows, the sweetest voice e'er known,
Says, "Child, am I not with thee, never to leave thee alone?"
O soul, hast thou forgotten, the tender word and sweet,
Of Him who left behind Him the print of bleeding feet?
"I never will forsake thee, O child so weary grown;
Remember, I have promised never to leave thee alone."
Take courage, weary pilgrim, tho' mists and shadows hide
The face of Him thou lovest, He's ever at thy side;
Reach out thy hand and find Him, and lo, the clouds have flown;
He smiles on thee Who promised, never to leave thee alone. (Anon)
N.J. Hiebert - 8625
And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem. . . .
Luke 24:33
The Emmaus disciples had already walked seven miles home from Jerusalem, sad and discouraged, although it was the very day our Lord had said He would rise from the dead.
When He made Himself known, they rose up the same hour and retraced their steps, no longer sad or weary. It must have been the most exciting seven miles they ever traveled. Seven miles of sighing became seven miles of singing!
What a host of weary pilgrims need today is a contact with the living Christ, true to the Scriptures, warming their hearts, showing up at home, and making happy witnesses of them all. All the Days - Vance Havner
How many times discouraged, we sink beside the way ;
About us all is darkness, we hardly dare to pray;
Then from the mists and shadows, the sweetest voice e'er known,
Says, "Child, am I not with thee, never to leave thee alone?"
O soul, hast thou forgotten, the tender word and sweet,
Of Him who left behind Him the print of bleeding feet?
"I never will forsake thee, O child so weary grown;
Remember, I have promised never to leave thee alone."
Take courage, weary pilgrim, tho' mists and shadows hide
The face of Him thou lovest, He's ever at thy side;
Reach out thy hand and find Him, and lo, the clouds have flown;
He smiles on thee Who promised, never to leave thee alone. (Anon)
N.J. Hiebert - 8625
October 6
Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2
Pray much and speak little. Oh, let me particularly recommend to you that sacred, gentle, and peaceful silence which God and all his saints love so much! The spirit of loquacity (talkativeness) is the bane of all religious society, the extinction of devotions, occasions confusion of mind, is an abuse of time, and a denial of the divine presence.
Love, obedience, courtesy, or necessity must influence the tongue to speak; else it should continue silent.
Edify one another more by a holy walk than by a multitude of words. God dwells only in the peaceful souls, and the tongue must be at peace also.
Behold the fruit of sacred silence! It gives time, strength, collectedness, prayer, liberty, wisdom, the society of God, and a blessed state of mind.
Learn to grapple with souls,
Aim at the conscience, exalt Christ,
Use a sharp knife with yourself.
Say little, serve all, pass on.
This is true greatness--to serve
Unnoticed, and work unseen.
Oh, the joy of having nothing and being nothing,
Seeing nothing but a living Christ in glory,
And being careful for nothing but His interests down here. J. N. Darby
N.J. Hiebert - 8626
Pray much and speak little. Oh, let me particularly recommend to you that sacred, gentle, and peaceful silence which God and all his saints love so much! The spirit of loquacity (talkativeness) is the bane of all religious society, the extinction of devotions, occasions confusion of mind, is an abuse of time, and a denial of the divine presence.
Love, obedience, courtesy, or necessity must influence the tongue to speak; else it should continue silent.
Edify one another more by a holy walk than by a multitude of words. God dwells only in the peaceful souls, and the tongue must be at peace also.
Behold the fruit of sacred silence! It gives time, strength, collectedness, prayer, liberty, wisdom, the society of God, and a blessed state of mind.
Learn to grapple with souls,
Aim at the conscience, exalt Christ,
Use a sharp knife with yourself.
Say little, serve all, pass on.
This is true greatness--to serve
Unnoticed, and work unseen.
Oh, the joy of having nothing and being nothing,
Seeing nothing but a living Christ in glory,
And being careful for nothing but His interests down here. J. N. Darby
N.J. Hiebert - 8626
October 7
Lord . . . Thou hast the words of eternal life. John 6:68
One is immediately reminded of the ugly reality that existed at the time of Jesus' death and of how His few words changed His seemingly senseless death into something rich and strange. His words are indeed words of eternal life; they are cherished by the millions whose lives have been remade by the work His final words express.
He said (Mark 15:34; John 19:28-30; Luke 23:46, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?...I thirst...It is finished...Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit." "And having said thus, He gave up the Ghost"
What brought forth that awful cry, "Why hast Thou forsaken Me?" Banishment from the presence of God--the penalty for sin, our sin. We see Him saying, "I thirst" fulfilling Scripture--doing God's will, though forsaken by Him! How consoling are those words, "It is finished." All of the sin-bering work is done, leaving no penalty for us. A. H. Crosby
The cross! the cross, oh that's our gain,
Because on that the Lamb was slain:
'Twas there the Lord was crucified,
'Twas there for us the Saviour died.
What wondrous cause could move Thy heart,
To take on Thee our curse and smart,
Well knowing we should ever be
So cold, so negligent of Thee?
The cause was love--we sink with shame
Before our blessèd Jesu's name,
That He should bleed and suffer thus,
Because He loved and pitied us. (Miss C. Taylor - 1742)
N.J. Hiebert - 8627
One is immediately reminded of the ugly reality that existed at the time of Jesus' death and of how His few words changed His seemingly senseless death into something rich and strange. His words are indeed words of eternal life; they are cherished by the millions whose lives have been remade by the work His final words express.
He said (Mark 15:34; John 19:28-30; Luke 23:46, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?...I thirst...It is finished...Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit." "And having said thus, He gave up the Ghost"
What brought forth that awful cry, "Why hast Thou forsaken Me?" Banishment from the presence of God--the penalty for sin, our sin. We see Him saying, "I thirst" fulfilling Scripture--doing God's will, though forsaken by Him! How consoling are those words, "It is finished." All of the sin-bering work is done, leaving no penalty for us. A. H. Crosby
The cross! the cross, oh that's our gain,
Because on that the Lamb was slain:
'Twas there the Lord was crucified,
'Twas there for us the Saviour died.
What wondrous cause could move Thy heart,
To take on Thee our curse and smart,
Well knowing we should ever be
So cold, so negligent of Thee?
The cause was love--we sink with shame
Before our blessèd Jesu's name,
That He should bleed and suffer thus,
Because He loved and pitied us. (Miss C. Taylor - 1742)
N.J. Hiebert - 8627
October 8
"For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant". Isaiah 53:2
That plant was not tender in that it was likely to perish in the cold of this foreign world, but tender like an exotic that feels the change of the climate from which it came.
This is how He grew up before the Lord. Not a day, not a moment in Nazareth that God did not look down from heaven with delight upon Him. No husbandman ever watched a rare and lovely plant as God did His delightful Son. There was death and corruption all around; but there was life and holiness in Him. The world was full of striving, lusting men and women, crushing and climbing to excel; here was One who took the lowest place and grew unknown but to God alone.
That Babe in the manger was God manifest in the flesh. The One His virgin mother held at her breast was the Mighty One who upholds all things. The shining glory was hidden, but the glory of grace and truth was beautifully revealed.
How wonderful that a lad in a peasant home in Nazareth, eating common food, sleeping on a hard bed, working with His hands as soon as He was able, that that One should be the very Son of God! "The only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). This was the way of God. These were the ways of Christ. Pure and fragrant like a lily among the thorns; rare beauty for only God to appreciate; growing up before the Lord as a tender plant. To Israel "He was a root out of a dry ground. He hath no form nor comeliness" to them. (Isaiah 53:2)
A PLANT OF RENOWN - Leonard Sheldrake
N.J. Hiebert - 8628
That plant was not tender in that it was likely to perish in the cold of this foreign world, but tender like an exotic that feels the change of the climate from which it came.
This is how He grew up before the Lord. Not a day, not a moment in Nazareth that God did not look down from heaven with delight upon Him. No husbandman ever watched a rare and lovely plant as God did His delightful Son. There was death and corruption all around; but there was life and holiness in Him. The world was full of striving, lusting men and women, crushing and climbing to excel; here was One who took the lowest place and grew unknown but to God alone.
That Babe in the manger was God manifest in the flesh. The One His virgin mother held at her breast was the Mighty One who upholds all things. The shining glory was hidden, but the glory of grace and truth was beautifully revealed.
How wonderful that a lad in a peasant home in Nazareth, eating common food, sleeping on a hard bed, working with His hands as soon as He was able, that that One should be the very Son of God! "The only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). This was the way of God. These were the ways of Christ. Pure and fragrant like a lily among the thorns; rare beauty for only God to appreciate; growing up before the Lord as a tender plant. To Israel "He was a root out of a dry ground. He hath no form nor comeliness" to them. (Isaiah 53:2)
A PLANT OF RENOWN - Leonard Sheldrake
N.J. Hiebert - 8628
October 9
And God saw their (Nineveh's) works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that He had said that He would do unto them; and He did it not. But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and He was very angry.
Jonah 3:10;4:1.
What a condition for a prophet of Jehovah, one who had just been the instrument in the hand of Jehovah for such a mighty work! With whom was he so exceedingly displeased? With whom was he very angry? Sad, sad to say, it was with Jehovah himself. Why was he so displeased and so angry? It was because Jehovah had not destroyed the city of Nineveh, because Jehovah had shown grace and mercy to these repenting sinners.
If ever a man had needed the grace and mercy of Jehovah it was Jonah himself, down in the belly of the great fish. He had been shown that grace and mercy, but now he was unwilling that others should receive what he himself had so mightily needed, and had so freely been given.
It reminds us of the elder son in Luke 15:28 "He was angry and would not go in." Angry with whom? Angry with his father. Why was he so angry with his father? Because he had received back his repentant brother, and not said a word about his sins--he had shown grace and mercy, instead of judgment. So the elder brother was angry and would not go in. He may have meant to insult his brother, but in reality it was his father whom he insulted. The whole scene is so sad and so strange, and yet when we look at our own hearts, we know very well that this sad fourth chapter of Jonah is absolutely true to life.
Jonah felt that his reputation as a prophet was gone. He had foretold that in forty days Nineveh would be overthrown, and now God had repented of the evil that He said He would do, and He did it not, and Jonah's word had not come true. How often have we been displeased and angry and sulky (just like Jonah), over something that God Himself has allowed in our lives, which we feel has affected our reputation? With my eyes on myself, away from God, how very large "I" becomes in my own sight. G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8629
What a condition for a prophet of Jehovah, one who had just been the instrument in the hand of Jehovah for such a mighty work! With whom was he so exceedingly displeased? With whom was he very angry? Sad, sad to say, it was with Jehovah himself. Why was he so displeased and so angry? It was because Jehovah had not destroyed the city of Nineveh, because Jehovah had shown grace and mercy to these repenting sinners.
If ever a man had needed the grace and mercy of Jehovah it was Jonah himself, down in the belly of the great fish. He had been shown that grace and mercy, but now he was unwilling that others should receive what he himself had so mightily needed, and had so freely been given.
It reminds us of the elder son in Luke 15:28 "He was angry and would not go in." Angry with whom? Angry with his father. Why was he so angry with his father? Because he had received back his repentant brother, and not said a word about his sins--he had shown grace and mercy, instead of judgment. So the elder brother was angry and would not go in. He may have meant to insult his brother, but in reality it was his father whom he insulted. The whole scene is so sad and so strange, and yet when we look at our own hearts, we know very well that this sad fourth chapter of Jonah is absolutely true to life.
Jonah felt that his reputation as a prophet was gone. He had foretold that in forty days Nineveh would be overthrown, and now God had repented of the evil that He said He would do, and He did it not, and Jonah's word had not come true. How often have we been displeased and angry and sulky (just like Jonah), over something that God Himself has allowed in our lives, which we feel has affected our reputation? With my eyes on myself, away from God, how very large "I" becomes in my own sight. G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8629
October 10
A JOYOUS INHERITANCE
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5
The meek individual has found the place of peace. He no longer struggles and fights and pushes to become top man on the totem pole of society. The threat of being pushed off his little pinnacle of prestige no longer haunts him.
He is not caught up in the pettiness of the so-called "pecking order." Content to quietly serve others, he has no fear of falling. There is no need to try so desperately to impress others. His main concern is to do whatever he does to the very best of his ability to satisfy the Master and thus bring Him honour.
"Let your moderation (yieldingness) be know unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 5:5-7)
Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller.
Living for Jesus through earth's little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile,
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.
Thomas O. Chisholm
N.J. Hiebert - 8630
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5
The meek individual has found the place of peace. He no longer struggles and fights and pushes to become top man on the totem pole of society. The threat of being pushed off his little pinnacle of prestige no longer haunts him.
He is not caught up in the pettiness of the so-called "pecking order." Content to quietly serve others, he has no fear of falling. There is no need to try so desperately to impress others. His main concern is to do whatever he does to the very best of his ability to satisfy the Master and thus bring Him honour.
"Let your moderation (yieldingness) be know unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 5:5-7)
Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller.
Living for Jesus through earth's little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile,
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.
Thomas O. Chisholm
N.J. Hiebert - 8630
October 11
A Walking Anatomy Lesson
Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorify Me"
Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorify Me"
Psalm 50:15
The story is told of a missionary to Mongolia many, many years ago, who, during a conflict in that area was asked to treat some wounded soldiers. The missionary was not a doctor but had some knowledge of first aid. Feeling that he should not refuse the request for medical help he worked on the wounds of two of the men and successfully treated their injuries.
The third injured soldier had a thigh bone that was obviously badly broken. The missionary had no idea what to do or how to go about treating such a bad injury--but he did know where he could get help. Kneeling beside the injured man, the missionary prayed, asking the Lord for help. Rising from prayer, he had no idea how God would answer his prayers, but he was confident that his desperate need would surely be met by the Lord.
He went to the library of the primitive hospital where he was tending the wounded, but could find no books that described the appropriate way to treat such an injury. During that time, no doctor arrived at the hospital to care for the sick and wounded. A further complication appeared in the form of a crowd of beggars who came to the missionary asking him for money. Though deeply concerned for his badly injured patient, his heart went out to that group of ragged, hungry paupers. Quickly he gave them each a small gift of money--enough for each to buy a little food--and with a few words of encouragement and hope from God's Word, sent them away.
That is, all but one. The missionary was greatly surprised just a few moments later to find that one very old, weary beggar had, for some reason, remained behind. The poor half-starved beggar was hardly more than a living skeleton! It was then the missionary realized that the Lord had brought to him a living, walking lesson in anatomy!
He asked the elderly man if he might examine him. He carefully traced the femur [leg] bone with his fingers, learning the proper position to set the soldier's broken leg. With the Lord's help, though he had never set such a fracture before, the missionary returned to the patient and successfully set his broken leg. Later, looking for the old beggar in order to thank him, the missionary found he was gone. The Christian Shepherd - Nov. - 2012
N.J. Hiebert - 8631
The third injured soldier had a thigh bone that was obviously badly broken. The missionary had no idea what to do or how to go about treating such a bad injury--but he did know where he could get help. Kneeling beside the injured man, the missionary prayed, asking the Lord for help. Rising from prayer, he had no idea how God would answer his prayers, but he was confident that his desperate need would surely be met by the Lord.
He went to the library of the primitive hospital where he was tending the wounded, but could find no books that described the appropriate way to treat such an injury. During that time, no doctor arrived at the hospital to care for the sick and wounded. A further complication appeared in the form of a crowd of beggars who came to the missionary asking him for money. Though deeply concerned for his badly injured patient, his heart went out to that group of ragged, hungry paupers. Quickly he gave them each a small gift of money--enough for each to buy a little food--and with a few words of encouragement and hope from God's Word, sent them away.
That is, all but one. The missionary was greatly surprised just a few moments later to find that one very old, weary beggar had, for some reason, remained behind. The poor half-starved beggar was hardly more than a living skeleton! It was then the missionary realized that the Lord had brought to him a living, walking lesson in anatomy!
He asked the elderly man if he might examine him. He carefully traced the femur [leg] bone with his fingers, learning the proper position to set the soldier's broken leg. With the Lord's help, though he had never set such a fracture before, the missionary returned to the patient and successfully set his broken leg. Later, looking for the old beggar in order to thank him, the missionary found he was gone. The Christian Shepherd - Nov. - 2012
N.J. Hiebert - 8631
October 12
He hath made every thing beautiful in His time: also He hath set the world (eternity) in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11
Does this verse meet the eyes of some tried and discouraged saint? Have you been overwhelmed at times by a nameless dread as though God had utterly forgotten you, and you were cast off forever? Have you wearied yourself devising one human expedient after another, in the vain hope of averting threatened disaster by the arm of flesh? Learn, then, from God's dealings with His servant (Mordecai) of old (Esther 2:11) that His heart and hand are for you still.
And "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:21) He has heard every sigh; noted, and stored in His bottle, every tear; (Psalm 56:8) taken account of every cry of anguish; heard every confiding prayer. His arm is in no wise shortened; His ear is in no sense deaf to your cry. At the appointed time He will awake in your behalf, and you shall know that it is "the God of all grace" with whom you have to do.
Only look up: be not cast down, for you are ever on His heart; and if you just leave all with Him, He will make your affairs His care. "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you." (1 Peter 5:11). How sweet the words! He careth. He, the most high God: yea, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ careth. He is no indifferent spectator--no callous, unconcerned looker-on; but, as no one else can, He careth for you. Assured of this, may not we well cry, "I will trust, and not be afraid"? (Isaiah 12:2)
H. A. Ironside - Notes on the Esther
N.J. Hiebert - 8632
Does this verse meet the eyes of some tried and discouraged saint? Have you been overwhelmed at times by a nameless dread as though God had utterly forgotten you, and you were cast off forever? Have you wearied yourself devising one human expedient after another, in the vain hope of averting threatened disaster by the arm of flesh? Learn, then, from God's dealings with His servant (Mordecai) of old (Esther 2:11) that His heart and hand are for you still.
And "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:21) He has heard every sigh; noted, and stored in His bottle, every tear; (Psalm 56:8) taken account of every cry of anguish; heard every confiding prayer. His arm is in no wise shortened; His ear is in no sense deaf to your cry. At the appointed time He will awake in your behalf, and you shall know that it is "the God of all grace" with whom you have to do.
Only look up: be not cast down, for you are ever on His heart; and if you just leave all with Him, He will make your affairs His care. "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you." (1 Peter 5:11). How sweet the words! He careth. He, the most high God: yea, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ careth. He is no indifferent spectator--no callous, unconcerned looker-on; but, as no one else can, He careth for you. Assured of this, may not we well cry, "I will trust, and not be afraid"? (Isaiah 12:2)
H. A. Ironside - Notes on the Esther
N.J. Hiebert - 8632
October 13
A THIEF'S CONFESSION
Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34
The Lord's enemies have done their work,--and now see the perfection of Jesus, in grace. At the moment when His enemies have done their worst,--spit in His face, smitten Him with a rod, preferred a robber to Him, crowned Him with thorns, and nailed Him to a tree,--then was fulfilled the scripture, "He was numbered with the transgressors." (Isaiah 53:12) Then, I suppose, there was a little hush in the crowd, and His voice was heard. "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." It was the prayer of perfect love.
Here is the perfection of the love of the Saviour as He prays for His murderers, and this prayer goes up, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." I believe, as these words fell upon the ears of that dying thief, they came, as a flash of light to his soul, and he became conscious that the One beside him, on the cross, was closely linked with God. Manifestly at this moment he got the light that Jesus was the Son of God.
Amazing scene! The man who is dying in his sins, hears this sinless, spotless Man positively praying for His murderers! This man, divinely taught, says, "We indeed justly;" (Luke 23:41) and then, conscious of the glory of the One who hung by his side, sinless but suffering, adds, "but this Man hath done nothing amiss." (Luke 23:41)
The next moment he says, "Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom." (Luke 23:42). But mark the Lord's answer, "Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with Me in paradise."(Luke 23:43). He is the first trophy of the Redeemer's sacrifice. The sins of the thief are laid upon the Saviour, and He atones for them, and forever puts them away. He would not save Himself; but He saved the dying thief.
Seekers for Light - W.T.P. Wolston, M.D.
N.J. Hiebert - 8633
Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34
The Lord's enemies have done their work,--and now see the perfection of Jesus, in grace. At the moment when His enemies have done their worst,--spit in His face, smitten Him with a rod, preferred a robber to Him, crowned Him with thorns, and nailed Him to a tree,--then was fulfilled the scripture, "He was numbered with the transgressors." (Isaiah 53:12) Then, I suppose, there was a little hush in the crowd, and His voice was heard. "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." It was the prayer of perfect love.
Here is the perfection of the love of the Saviour as He prays for His murderers, and this prayer goes up, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." I believe, as these words fell upon the ears of that dying thief, they came, as a flash of light to his soul, and he became conscious that the One beside him, on the cross, was closely linked with God. Manifestly at this moment he got the light that Jesus was the Son of God.
Amazing scene! The man who is dying in his sins, hears this sinless, spotless Man positively praying for His murderers! This man, divinely taught, says, "We indeed justly;" (Luke 23:41) and then, conscious of the glory of the One who hung by his side, sinless but suffering, adds, "but this Man hath done nothing amiss." (Luke 23:41)
The next moment he says, "Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom." (Luke 23:42). But mark the Lord's answer, "Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with Me in paradise."(Luke 23:43). He is the first trophy of the Redeemer's sacrifice. The sins of the thief are laid upon the Saviour, and He atones for them, and forever puts them away. He would not save Himself; but He saved the dying thief.
Seekers for Light - W.T.P. Wolston, M.D.
N.J. Hiebert - 8633
October 14
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. 1 Peter 3:18
Every sin is an affront or insult to God, and His holy nature requires a righteous judgment to be made. Christ has done that when He suffered once for sins. That little word "once" is most significant. His sacrifice requires no repeating; it stands forever in perfection. He said, "I have glorified Thee on the earth: I finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do." (John 17:4)
God meted out His judgment upon the Lamb that He Himself provided, His beloved Son, and He will not refuse to accept His own provision with perfect delight and satisfaction. By His one-time suffering for sins, Christ satisfied the holy claims of God's throne with respect to every sin ever committed. This is propitiation.
Christ also suffered, "The just for the unjust." On the cross, He, the Just One, took the place of guilty, unjust sinners and bore for us the just judgment of God that we deserved. Because of His death for us, He is now the "justifier of Him which believeth in Jesus." (Romans 3:26). This is substitution.
Here is the grand climax of this verse: "That He might bring us to God." We are brought to the God we had spurned and against whom we had sinned. There was a great gulf that we could not bridge, but we are brought near by the precious blood of Christ, and now we call God our Father because a new, intimate relationship has been established.
The distance and darkness of our sinful condition is described most emphatically: "There is none righteous, no, not one...there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way...there is none that doeth good, no, not one." (Romans 3:10-12) From this deplorable condition, we are brought near to the heart of God. This is reconciliation. His work is perfect and complete--nothing to be added, nothing to be taken away. Jacob Redekop
N.J. Hiebert - 8634
Every sin is an affront or insult to God, and His holy nature requires a righteous judgment to be made. Christ has done that when He suffered once for sins. That little word "once" is most significant. His sacrifice requires no repeating; it stands forever in perfection. He said, "I have glorified Thee on the earth: I finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do." (John 17:4)
God meted out His judgment upon the Lamb that He Himself provided, His beloved Son, and He will not refuse to accept His own provision with perfect delight and satisfaction. By His one-time suffering for sins, Christ satisfied the holy claims of God's throne with respect to every sin ever committed. This is propitiation.
Christ also suffered, "The just for the unjust." On the cross, He, the Just One, took the place of guilty, unjust sinners and bore for us the just judgment of God that we deserved. Because of His death for us, He is now the "justifier of Him which believeth in Jesus." (Romans 3:26). This is substitution.
Here is the grand climax of this verse: "That He might bring us to God." We are brought to the God we had spurned and against whom we had sinned. There was a great gulf that we could not bridge, but we are brought near by the precious blood of Christ, and now we call God our Father because a new, intimate relationship has been established.
The distance and darkness of our sinful condition is described most emphatically: "There is none righteous, no, not one...there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way...there is none that doeth good, no, not one." (Romans 3:10-12) From this deplorable condition, we are brought near to the heart of God. This is reconciliation. His work is perfect and complete--nothing to be added, nothing to be taken away. Jacob Redekop
N.J. Hiebert - 8634
October 15
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. Ephesians 1:3
It is good for each of us to rediscover the simple but profound truths expressed by Johnson J. Oatman in this hymn. In the first two stanzas he develops the thought that counting our blessings serves as an antidote for life's discouragements and in turn makes for victorious Christian living. The third stanza teaches us that counting our blessings can be a means of placing material possessions in proper perspective when compared to the eternal inheritance awaiting believers.
Then as we review our individual blessings, we certainly would have to agree with Mr. Oatman's fourth stanza: The provision of God's help and comfort to the end of our earthly pilgrimage is one of our choicest blessings. Each of us could spare ourselves much despair and inner tension if we would only learn to apply the practical teaching of this hymn to our daily living.
When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost, count your many blessings-name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings-ev'ry doubt will fly, and you will be singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold, think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; count your many blessings-money cannot buy, your reward in heaven nor your home on high.
So amid the conflict, whether, great or small, do not be discouraged-God is over all; count your many blessings-angels will attend, help and comfort give you to your journey's end. Johnson J. Oatman
N.J. Hiebert - 8635
It is good for each of us to rediscover the simple but profound truths expressed by Johnson J. Oatman in this hymn. In the first two stanzas he develops the thought that counting our blessings serves as an antidote for life's discouragements and in turn makes for victorious Christian living. The third stanza teaches us that counting our blessings can be a means of placing material possessions in proper perspective when compared to the eternal inheritance awaiting believers.
Then as we review our individual blessings, we certainly would have to agree with Mr. Oatman's fourth stanza: The provision of God's help and comfort to the end of our earthly pilgrimage is one of our choicest blessings. Each of us could spare ourselves much despair and inner tension if we would only learn to apply the practical teaching of this hymn to our daily living.
When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost, count your many blessings-name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings-ev'ry doubt will fly, and you will be singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold, think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; count your many blessings-money cannot buy, your reward in heaven nor your home on high.
So amid the conflict, whether, great or small, do not be discouraged-God is over all; count your many blessings-angels will attend, help and comfort give you to your journey's end. Johnson J. Oatman
N.J. Hiebert - 8635
October 16
TIMES OF CRISIS ARE TIMES OF OPPORTUNITY
"Mens hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."
"Mens hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."
Luke 21:26
Daniel chapter 2 is the story of a crisis in Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, but upon waking, he could not remember what the dream had been. He then made completely unreasonable demands on his wise men. He wanted them to tell him what he had dreamed, and also its meaning. He told them that failure would incur death, but, that success would bring gifts, rewards and great honour. Not unexpectedly, his wise men said, "There is none other that can show it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh" (Daniel 2:11).
Subsequent to this confession of failure, the king gave the order to execute all of the wise men, and of course this included Daniel and his friends. On the surface of things, this was a crisis of unprecedented proportions. Daniel and his friends were at risk, but what followed shows how we can use times of crisis to advantage, and find opportunities to glorify God. Daniel and his friends took up the challenge of the king since they knew "the [God] whose dwelling [was] not with flesh." They were confident that God could reveal the thing to them, thus saving their lives, and the lives of the wise men of Babylon.
How do we view the crises that arise in our lives? Too often crises propel us into uncontrolled panic. The words of Isaiah come to us afresh, "He that believeth shall not make haste (panic)" (Isaiah 28:16). Daniel believed that God could over-rule the insanity of an unreasonable yet powerful king, bringing deliverance to them, and glory to God. Similarly, our world today seems to be spinning out of control, and the prediction of Scripture of "men's hearts failing them for fear" (Luke 21:26), is evident all around.
How do we as believers face this? Do we panic like the rest of the world, or do we rest in the confidence that our God is sovereign, and that these crises could introduce a period of unprecedented opportunity to present the gospel as the only answer to man's fundamental need? As men see their whole material world collapsing, may we be like Daniel, bringing words of confidence and assurance that God can be trusted to deliver the one who trusts in Him.
Daniel - William Burnett
N.J. Hiebert - 8636
Daniel chapter 2 is the story of a crisis in Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, but upon waking, he could not remember what the dream had been. He then made completely unreasonable demands on his wise men. He wanted them to tell him what he had dreamed, and also its meaning. He told them that failure would incur death, but, that success would bring gifts, rewards and great honour. Not unexpectedly, his wise men said, "There is none other that can show it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh" (Daniel 2:11).
Subsequent to this confession of failure, the king gave the order to execute all of the wise men, and of course this included Daniel and his friends. On the surface of things, this was a crisis of unprecedented proportions. Daniel and his friends were at risk, but what followed shows how we can use times of crisis to advantage, and find opportunities to glorify God. Daniel and his friends took up the challenge of the king since they knew "the [God] whose dwelling [was] not with flesh." They were confident that God could reveal the thing to them, thus saving their lives, and the lives of the wise men of Babylon.
How do we view the crises that arise in our lives? Too often crises propel us into uncontrolled panic. The words of Isaiah come to us afresh, "He that believeth shall not make haste (panic)" (Isaiah 28:16). Daniel believed that God could over-rule the insanity of an unreasonable yet powerful king, bringing deliverance to them, and glory to God. Similarly, our world today seems to be spinning out of control, and the prediction of Scripture of "men's hearts failing them for fear" (Luke 21:26), is evident all around.
How do we as believers face this? Do we panic like the rest of the world, or do we rest in the confidence that our God is sovereign, and that these crises could introduce a period of unprecedented opportunity to present the gospel as the only answer to man's fundamental need? As men see their whole material world collapsing, may we be like Daniel, bringing words of confidence and assurance that God can be trusted to deliver the one who trusts in Him.
Daniel - William Burnett
N.J. Hiebert - 8636
October 17
Then (King) Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. (Acts 26:28)
P. P. Bliss was inspired to write this hymn after hearing a message on Acts 26:28, where Agrippa tells Paul he is almost persuaded. The preacher said, "He who is almost persuaded is almost saved, but to be almost saved, is to be entirely lost."
"Almost persuaded" now to believe; "Almost persuaded" Christ to receive;
Seems now some soul to say, "Go, Spirit, go thy way,
Some more convenient day on Thee I'll call."
"Almost persuaded," come, come today; "Almost persuaded," turn not away;
Jesus invites you here, angels are lingering near,
Prayers rise from hearts so dear; O wanderer, come!
Oh, be persuaded! Christ never fails--Oh, be persuaded! His blood avails--
Can save from every sin, cleanse you without, within--
Will you not let Him in? Open the door!
"Almost persuaded," harvest is past! "Almost persuaded," doom comes at last;
"Almost" cannot avail; "Almost" is but to fail!
Sad, sad that bitter wail-- "Almost--but lost!"
Be now persuaded, oh, sinner, hear! be now persuaded, Jesus is near;
His voice is pleading still, turn now with heart and will,
Peace will your spirit fill--Oh, turn today!
Phillip Paul Bliss
N.J. Hiebert - 8637
P. P. Bliss was inspired to write this hymn after hearing a message on Acts 26:28, where Agrippa tells Paul he is almost persuaded. The preacher said, "He who is almost persuaded is almost saved, but to be almost saved, is to be entirely lost."
"Almost persuaded" now to believe; "Almost persuaded" Christ to receive;
Seems now some soul to say, "Go, Spirit, go thy way,
Some more convenient day on Thee I'll call."
"Almost persuaded," come, come today; "Almost persuaded," turn not away;
Jesus invites you here, angels are lingering near,
Prayers rise from hearts so dear; O wanderer, come!
Oh, be persuaded! Christ never fails--Oh, be persuaded! His blood avails--
Can save from every sin, cleanse you without, within--
Will you not let Him in? Open the door!
"Almost persuaded," harvest is past! "Almost persuaded," doom comes at last;
"Almost" cannot avail; "Almost" is but to fail!
Sad, sad that bitter wail-- "Almost--but lost!"
Be now persuaded, oh, sinner, hear! be now persuaded, Jesus is near;
His voice is pleading still, turn now with heart and will,
Peace will your spirit fill--Oh, turn today!
Phillip Paul Bliss
N.J. Hiebert - 8637
October 18
But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
If you listen to God's Word, it will have an effect upon you--a mark which reason will not produce, because reason may turn a man away from God, and often does; but faith, the fruit of the reception of the Word of God, always leads a man to God.
Scripture is full of instances of faith, and of what faith can do. Remember, it "cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." (Romans 10:17) Man's heart naturally sets itself against God, but faith accepts His testimony. "He that hath received His testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. There I believe you get the real definition of what faith is. God hath spoken by His Son the Lord Jesus, and the man that receives His testimony, "sets to his seal that God is true." (John 3:33) That is faith.
Ask any person who is a believer, question any of your friends who have been born of God through grace, and have had their eyes opened, to know the blessedness of the love of God, the value of the cleansing of the blood of Christ, and the joy of knowing that they are saved--ask them how they first really got to know that they were saved, and they will tell you, by giving God credit for speaking the truth, by taking Him at His word, which is faith.
Human reasoning and wisdom of words cannot manufacture faith; it comes by hearing the Word of God. It comes from God, and no human mind can explain it; and no human mind will receive it. Faith is the result of hearing God's Word, and the Spirit of God working upon the heart. The Word of God goes through a man, it convicts him, converts him, and gives him a new life. He does not know how, but his eyes are opened, and he believes. "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." (Romans 10:17)
Seekers of Light - W.T.P Wolston
N.J. Hiebert - 8638
If you listen to God's Word, it will have an effect upon you--a mark which reason will not produce, because reason may turn a man away from God, and often does; but faith, the fruit of the reception of the Word of God, always leads a man to God.
Scripture is full of instances of faith, and of what faith can do. Remember, it "cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." (Romans 10:17) Man's heart naturally sets itself against God, but faith accepts His testimony. "He that hath received His testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. There I believe you get the real definition of what faith is. God hath spoken by His Son the Lord Jesus, and the man that receives His testimony, "sets to his seal that God is true." (John 3:33) That is faith.
Ask any person who is a believer, question any of your friends who have been born of God through grace, and have had their eyes opened, to know the blessedness of the love of God, the value of the cleansing of the blood of Christ, and the joy of knowing that they are saved--ask them how they first really got to know that they were saved, and they will tell you, by giving God credit for speaking the truth, by taking Him at His word, which is faith.
Human reasoning and wisdom of words cannot manufacture faith; it comes by hearing the Word of God. It comes from God, and no human mind can explain it; and no human mind will receive it. Faith is the result of hearing God's Word, and the Spirit of God working upon the heart. The Word of God goes through a man, it convicts him, converts him, and gives him a new life. He does not know how, but his eyes are opened, and he believes. "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." (Romans 10:17)
Seekers of Light - W.T.P Wolston
N.J. Hiebert - 8638
October 19
"IF ANY MAN SIN"
If any man sin . . .1 John 2:1.
If we confess our sins . . . 1 John 1:9.
If we walk in the light . . . 1 John 1:7.
We should not sin, but if we do sin we have an advocate (1 John 2:1) with the Father. We have a prosecutor, and an accuser, (Revelation 12:10) the devil; but we also have a lawyer to plead our case, Jesus Christ the righteous.
If we confess our sins the Father will forgive and cleanse. There must be genuine repentance and confession, but we need not wallow in remorse. God is our Father, if we believe and we are His children. "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. (Psalm 103:13).
"If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another; and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1:7). Provision has been made for victory over sin. God's plan is to keep us from sin, not to keep us in sin.
There is no ground for complacent living in iniquity just because we are "under the blood." (Romans 4:6-7) "It is not that we are not able to sin but that we are able not to sin." (Romans 6) But He also has made provision if we do sin, forgiveness and cleansing if we confess. Day by Day with Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 8639
If any man sin . . .1 John 2:1.
If we confess our sins . . . 1 John 1:9.
If we walk in the light . . . 1 John 1:7.
We should not sin, but if we do sin we have an advocate (1 John 2:1) with the Father. We have a prosecutor, and an accuser, (Revelation 12:10) the devil; but we also have a lawyer to plead our case, Jesus Christ the righteous.
If we confess our sins the Father will forgive and cleanse. There must be genuine repentance and confession, but we need not wallow in remorse. God is our Father, if we believe and we are His children. "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. (Psalm 103:13).
"If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another; and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1:7). Provision has been made for victory over sin. God's plan is to keep us from sin, not to keep us in sin.
There is no ground for complacent living in iniquity just because we are "under the blood." (Romans 4:6-7) "It is not that we are not able to sin but that we are able not to sin." (Romans 6) But He also has made provision if we do sin, forgiveness and cleansing if we confess. Day by Day with Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 8639
October 20
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word. (Psalm 119:9) For we have not followed cunningly devised fables.
(2 Peter 1:16)
Some tell me that the Bible is not God's sacred Word,
And brand as cunning fables the records of the Lord;
That Moses is a fiction, that prophets never spake,
And e'en the blessed Gospels as myths I must forsake.
There was a time I listened to those old serpent lies,
My foolish heart sore tempted the Bible to despise;
Its holiness rebuked me, its precepts, crossed my will,
I wished to silence conscience, and thus my lusts fulfil.
I cared not for the Saviour, this present world I loved,
Its lusts, and wealth, and glory, alone my passions moved;
I cared not for a heaven, I hoped there were no hell,
I wished for no hereafter, I loved my sins too well.
His mercy still pursued me, while wandering far away,
His hand with sickness smote me, to wound, but not to slay;
His Spirit then convinced me, and brought my guilt to light;
I saw my lost condition, how awful was the sight!
The serpent's crafty teachings, the heart's deceitful lies,
The skeptic's subtle reasonings, all vanish from my eyes.
Naked, and lost, and guilty, beneath God's searching eye,
Eternity before me, Oh! whither could I fly?
Oh, then what beauteous sunshine burst on my raptured sight!
It chased away the darkness, and all was life, and light.
I saw how grace and glory in God's free gospel shone,
Before the cross, my terrors and unbelief were gone.
I love the blessed Bible, I know it all is true;
It is a faithful mirror in which myself I view;
It shows me all my weakness, my folly and my shame,
But makes thereby more precious my Saviour's grace and Name. The Remembrancer 1897
N.J. Hiebert - 8640
Some tell me that the Bible is not God's sacred Word,
And brand as cunning fables the records of the Lord;
That Moses is a fiction, that prophets never spake,
And e'en the blessed Gospels as myths I must forsake.
There was a time I listened to those old serpent lies,
My foolish heart sore tempted the Bible to despise;
Its holiness rebuked me, its precepts, crossed my will,
I wished to silence conscience, and thus my lusts fulfil.
I cared not for the Saviour, this present world I loved,
Its lusts, and wealth, and glory, alone my passions moved;
I cared not for a heaven, I hoped there were no hell,
I wished for no hereafter, I loved my sins too well.
His mercy still pursued me, while wandering far away,
His hand with sickness smote me, to wound, but not to slay;
His Spirit then convinced me, and brought my guilt to light;
I saw my lost condition, how awful was the sight!
The serpent's crafty teachings, the heart's deceitful lies,
The skeptic's subtle reasonings, all vanish from my eyes.
Naked, and lost, and guilty, beneath God's searching eye,
Eternity before me, Oh! whither could I fly?
Oh, then what beauteous sunshine burst on my raptured sight!
It chased away the darkness, and all was life, and light.
I saw how grace and glory in God's free gospel shone,
Before the cross, my terrors and unbelief were gone.
I love the blessed Bible, I know it all is true;
It is a faithful mirror in which myself I view;
It shows me all my weakness, my folly and my shame,
But makes thereby more precious my Saviour's grace and Name. The Remembrancer 1897
N.J. Hiebert - 8640
October 21
For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. Colossians 1:19-20
At the birth of the Lord the earth was saluted with words of peace. "Peace on earth," the angels proclaimed in the fields of Bethlehem. (Luke 2:14)
This, however, was but a salutation. It was not the authoritative pronunciation of peace. It was like the word which the Lord afterwards put into the lips of the seventy, in Luke 10:5 when sending them out. He then told them, into whatsoever house they entered first to say, "Peace be to this house." This was a salutation, a wishing them well, the proclamation of good will towards the house, not an authoritative pronunciation of peace: that would rather follow on its being found that the Son of peace was there.
Upon the resurrection of the Lord, however, we have the other thing. "Peace be unto you," the risen Saviour said to His disciples, being thus returned to them--and when He said that, He showed them His hands and His side. (John 20:19-20) He gave them to read their title to peace. Peace was not now merely wished, but authoritatively pronounced, conveyed to them on the warrant of the cross. Jesus now gave peace to them, because He had already made it for them.
And this is the peace that we, who have it, may testify to our fellow-sinners. We do not, like the commissioned seventy, merely say, "Peace be to this house," as saluting it, or wishing it well, but we proclaim to it the sure, settled, purchased peace which sinners have title to in the blood of the cross.
J.G. Bellett
N.J. Hiebert - 8641
At the birth of the Lord the earth was saluted with words of peace. "Peace on earth," the angels proclaimed in the fields of Bethlehem. (Luke 2:14)
This, however, was but a salutation. It was not the authoritative pronunciation of peace. It was like the word which the Lord afterwards put into the lips of the seventy, in Luke 10:5 when sending them out. He then told them, into whatsoever house they entered first to say, "Peace be to this house." This was a salutation, a wishing them well, the proclamation of good will towards the house, not an authoritative pronunciation of peace: that would rather follow on its being found that the Son of peace was there.
Upon the resurrection of the Lord, however, we have the other thing. "Peace be unto you," the risen Saviour said to His disciples, being thus returned to them--and when He said that, He showed them His hands and His side. (John 20:19-20) He gave them to read their title to peace. Peace was not now merely wished, but authoritatively pronounced, conveyed to them on the warrant of the cross. Jesus now gave peace to them, because He had already made it for them.
And this is the peace that we, who have it, may testify to our fellow-sinners. We do not, like the commissioned seventy, merely say, "Peace be to this house," as saluting it, or wishing it well, but we proclaim to it the sure, settled, purchased peace which sinners have title to in the blood of the cross.
J.G. Bellett
N.J. Hiebert - 8641
October 22
And the people shall go out and gather a certain rate [portion] every day. Exodus16:4
The day's portion in its day: Such was the rule for God's giving and man's working in the ingathering of the manna. It is still the law in all the dealings of God's grace with His children. A clear insight into the beauty and application of this arrangement is a wonderful help in understanding. Now one, who feels himself utterly weak, can have the confidence and the perseverance to hold on brightly through all the years of his earthly course.
A doctor was once asked by a patient who had met with a serious accident: "Doctor, how long shall I have to lie here?" The answer, "Only a day at a time," taught the patient a precious lesson. It was the same lesson God had recorded for His people of all ages long before: The day's portion in its day.
It was, without doubt, with a view to this, and to meet man's weakness, that God graciously appointed the change of day and and night. If time had been given to man in the form of one long unbroken day, it would have exhausted and overwhelmed him; the change of day and night continually recruits and recreates his powers. As a child, who easily makes himself master of a book, when each day only the lesson for the day is given him, would be utterly hopeless if the whole book were given him at once; so it would be with man, if there were no divisions in time.
Broken small and divided into fragments, he can bear them; only the care and the work of each day have to be undertaken,--the day's portion in its day. The rest of the night fits him for making a fresh start with each new morning; the mistakes of the past can be avoided, its lessons improved. And he has only each day to be faithful for the one short day, and long years and a long life take care of themselves, without the sense of their length or their weight ever being a burden. Andrew Murray
N.J. Hiebert - 8642
The day's portion in its day: Such was the rule for God's giving and man's working in the ingathering of the manna. It is still the law in all the dealings of God's grace with His children. A clear insight into the beauty and application of this arrangement is a wonderful help in understanding. Now one, who feels himself utterly weak, can have the confidence and the perseverance to hold on brightly through all the years of his earthly course.
A doctor was once asked by a patient who had met with a serious accident: "Doctor, how long shall I have to lie here?" The answer, "Only a day at a time," taught the patient a precious lesson. It was the same lesson God had recorded for His people of all ages long before: The day's portion in its day.
It was, without doubt, with a view to this, and to meet man's weakness, that God graciously appointed the change of day and and night. If time had been given to man in the form of one long unbroken day, it would have exhausted and overwhelmed him; the change of day and night continually recruits and recreates his powers. As a child, who easily makes himself master of a book, when each day only the lesson for the day is given him, would be utterly hopeless if the whole book were given him at once; so it would be with man, if there were no divisions in time.
Broken small and divided into fragments, he can bear them; only the care and the work of each day have to be undertaken,--the day's portion in its day. The rest of the night fits him for making a fresh start with each new morning; the mistakes of the past can be avoided, its lessons improved. And he has only each day to be faithful for the one short day, and long years and a long life take care of themselves, without the sense of their length or their weight ever being a burden. Andrew Murray
N.J. Hiebert - 8642
October 23
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. . . . Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over Him.
(Romans 6:6,9)
There are those who tell us that the flesh in them is dead, or is "burned out," and will never act again. No, the flesh is very much alive, as we will soon see, if we do not heed the Holy Spirit within us.
There was a man who insisted that his flesh was dead, and he had no more passionate desires. Someone threw a cup of water in his face, and immediately he lost his temper, and became very angry. His flesh was not dead, but was only waiting for an opportunity to manifest itself. Though the flesh is not dead, and will be with us as long as we are down on this earth, yet we may thank God that He has provided a way in which it may be kept in the place of death. (Romans 6:6-13)
But the only way I can put this into practical effect in my life, is by walking by the Spirit, letting the Spirit lead me, yielding myself and my members to God, to lead me, and use me as He pleases. So I live to God, not to the flesh.
This life is produced in us by the work of the Holy Spirit, through the Word of God. The Christians's walk should show forth this new life, which indeed manifests Christ, for Christ is our life. If we follow this path we shall not at all give effect to the passionate cravings of the flesh. It is thus we avoid sin, not by taking the law to compel us to do what we do not wish to do. The law has no power to compel the flesh to obey, for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (Romans 8:7) Galatians or Beautiful Grace - G.C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8643
There are those who tell us that the flesh in them is dead, or is "burned out," and will never act again. No, the flesh is very much alive, as we will soon see, if we do not heed the Holy Spirit within us.
There was a man who insisted that his flesh was dead, and he had no more passionate desires. Someone threw a cup of water in his face, and immediately he lost his temper, and became very angry. His flesh was not dead, but was only waiting for an opportunity to manifest itself. Though the flesh is not dead, and will be with us as long as we are down on this earth, yet we may thank God that He has provided a way in which it may be kept in the place of death. (Romans 6:6-13)
But the only way I can put this into practical effect in my life, is by walking by the Spirit, letting the Spirit lead me, yielding myself and my members to God, to lead me, and use me as He pleases. So I live to God, not to the flesh.
This life is produced in us by the work of the Holy Spirit, through the Word of God. The Christians's walk should show forth this new life, which indeed manifests Christ, for Christ is our life. If we follow this path we shall not at all give effect to the passionate cravings of the flesh. It is thus we avoid sin, not by taking the law to compel us to do what we do not wish to do. The law has no power to compel the flesh to obey, for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (Romans 8:7) Galatians or Beautiful Grace - G.C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8643
October 24
PROFIT AND LOSS
What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36
What are all the schemes and undertakings which begin, continue, and end in time, when compared with eternity and the salvation of your never-dying soul? They are as the small dust of the balance. "What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his owns soul?"
If you had the wealth of a Rothchild--the money-king; if you stood on the loftiest pinnacles of literary fame or political ambition; if your name were adorned with all the honour which the universities of this world could bestow; if your brow were wreathed with the laurels and your breast covered wth the medals of a hundred victories, what would it profit you?
You must leave all - you must pass through the narrow arch of time into the boundless ocean of eternity. Men of princely wealth, men of literary fame, men who have ruled by their intellectual power in the highest political offices; men who have held thousands hanging entranced upon their lips; men who have reached the very highest point of naval, military, and forensic distinction, have passed into eternity; and the solemn question as to each such is, "Where is their soul?" C. H. Mackintosh
N.J. Hiebert - 8644
What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36
What are all the schemes and undertakings which begin, continue, and end in time, when compared with eternity and the salvation of your never-dying soul? They are as the small dust of the balance. "What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his owns soul?"
If you had the wealth of a Rothchild--the money-king; if you stood on the loftiest pinnacles of literary fame or political ambition; if your name were adorned with all the honour which the universities of this world could bestow; if your brow were wreathed with the laurels and your breast covered wth the medals of a hundred victories, what would it profit you?
You must leave all - you must pass through the narrow arch of time into the boundless ocean of eternity. Men of princely wealth, men of literary fame, men who have ruled by their intellectual power in the highest political offices; men who have held thousands hanging entranced upon their lips; men who have reached the very highest point of naval, military, and forensic distinction, have passed into eternity; and the solemn question as to each such is, "Where is their soul?" C. H. Mackintosh
N.J. Hiebert - 8644
October 25
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:12
The vanity of the flesh likes to be popular and self-important and make itself prominent before the world and the saints, but in view of that day, it is better to take a lowly place in self-effacement rather than a public place in self-advertisement, for then it will be found that many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
We may indeed suffer for our own failure, and this should humble us. Nevertheless, with the example of the Apostle before us, we do well to remember that had we walked in absolute faithfulness we should have suffered still more, for it ever remains true that "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12).
If we are faithful to the light that God has given us, and seek to walk in separation from all that is a denial of the truth, we shall find, in our little measure, that we shall have to face persecution and opposition, and, in its most painful forms, from our fellow-Christians. And well for us, when the trial comes, if we can, like Paul, commit all to the Lord, and wait for His vindication in that day.
Too often we are fretful and impatient in the presence of wrongs, and seek to have have them righted in this day instead of waiting for "that day." If, in the faith of our souls, the glory of that day shines before us, instead of being tempted to rebel at the insults and wrongs that may be allowed, we shall "rejoice and be exceeding glad" for, says the Lord, "great is your reward in heaven " (Matthew 5:12) Hamilton Smith - The second Epistle of Timothy
N.J. Hiebert - 8645
The vanity of the flesh likes to be popular and self-important and make itself prominent before the world and the saints, but in view of that day, it is better to take a lowly place in self-effacement rather than a public place in self-advertisement, for then it will be found that many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
We may indeed suffer for our own failure, and this should humble us. Nevertheless, with the example of the Apostle before us, we do well to remember that had we walked in absolute faithfulness we should have suffered still more, for it ever remains true that "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12).
If we are faithful to the light that God has given us, and seek to walk in separation from all that is a denial of the truth, we shall find, in our little measure, that we shall have to face persecution and opposition, and, in its most painful forms, from our fellow-Christians. And well for us, when the trial comes, if we can, like Paul, commit all to the Lord, and wait for His vindication in that day.
Too often we are fretful and impatient in the presence of wrongs, and seek to have have them righted in this day instead of waiting for "that day." If, in the faith of our souls, the glory of that day shines before us, instead of being tempted to rebel at the insults and wrongs that may be allowed, we shall "rejoice and be exceeding glad" for, says the Lord, "great is your reward in heaven " (Matthew 5:12) Hamilton Smith - The second Epistle of Timothy
N.J. Hiebert - 8645
October 26
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together . . . but exhorting one another. Hebrews 10:25.
When you get into the house, what are you doing together? Are you to be down in the depths of conscious ruin? No; but exhorting one another to love and to good works. These are the activities of the house. We dwell together in one happy house, exhorting one another, and so much the more as we point to the sky and say, "Look! the dawning of morning is near; the sky is breaking."
We want a great deal more to exhort one another to know our dignity in Christ than to know our degradation in ourselves. It is very right to know ourselves poor worthless creatures. Confession is very right; but to gird up the mind to the apprehension of our dignity is much more acceptable and priestly work than to be ever in the depths. "Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O LORD. (Psalm 130:1).
Here we see ourselves accepted; holding our hope without wavering; exhorting one another; and saying, as we point to the eastern sky. "The dawn is coming."
Musings on the Epistle to the Hebrews - J. G. Bellett (1795)
The holiest we enter in perfect peace with God,
Through whom we found our centre, in Jesus and His blood:
Though great may be our dullness in thought, and word, and deed,
We glory in the fulness of Him that meets our need.
Mary Bowley
N.J. Hiebert - 8646
When you get into the house, what are you doing together? Are you to be down in the depths of conscious ruin? No; but exhorting one another to love and to good works. These are the activities of the house. We dwell together in one happy house, exhorting one another, and so much the more as we point to the sky and say, "Look! the dawning of morning is near; the sky is breaking."
We want a great deal more to exhort one another to know our dignity in Christ than to know our degradation in ourselves. It is very right to know ourselves poor worthless creatures. Confession is very right; but to gird up the mind to the apprehension of our dignity is much more acceptable and priestly work than to be ever in the depths. "Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O LORD. (Psalm 130:1).
Here we see ourselves accepted; holding our hope without wavering; exhorting one another; and saying, as we point to the eastern sky. "The dawn is coming."
Musings on the Epistle to the Hebrews - J. G. Bellett (1795)
The holiest we enter in perfect peace with God,
Through whom we found our centre, in Jesus and His blood:
Though great may be our dullness in thought, and word, and deed,
We glory in the fulness of Him that meets our need.
Mary Bowley
N.J. Hiebert - 8646
October 27
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
Several years ago there was found in an African mine the most magnificent diamond in the world's history. It was presented to the king of England to blaze in his crown of state. The king sent it to Amsterdam to be cut. It was put in the hands of an expert lapidary. And what do you suppose he did with it? He took this gem of priceless value. He cut a notch in it. Then he struck it a hard blow with his instrument and lo! the superb jewel lay in his hand, cleft in twain.
What recklessness! what wastefulness! what criminal carelessness! Not so. For days and weeks that blow had been studied and planned. Drawings and models had been made of the gem. Its quality, its defects, its lines of cleavage had all been studied with minutest care. The man to whom it was committed was one of the most skillful lapidaries in the world. Do you say that blow was a mistake! No. It was the climax of the lapidary's skill.
When he struck that blow, he did the one thing which would bring that gem to its most perfect shapeliness, radiance, and jewelled splendor. That blow which seemed to ruin the superb precious stone was in fact its perfect redemption. For, from these two halves were wrought the two magnificent gems which the skilled eye of the lapidary saw hidden in the rough, uncut stone as it came from the mines.
So, sometimes, God lets a stinging blow fall upon your life. The soul cries out in an agony of wondering protest. The blow seems to you an appalling mistake. But it is not, for you are the most priceless jewel in the world to God. And He is the most skilled lapidary in the universe. Some day you are to blaze in the diadem of the King of kings. As you lie in His hand now He knows just how to deal with you. Not a blow will be permitted to fall upon your shrinking soul but that the love of God permits it, and works out from it depths of blessing and spiritual enrichment unseen, and unthought of by you. J. H. McConkey
N.J. Hiebert - 8647
Several years ago there was found in an African mine the most magnificent diamond in the world's history. It was presented to the king of England to blaze in his crown of state. The king sent it to Amsterdam to be cut. It was put in the hands of an expert lapidary. And what do you suppose he did with it? He took this gem of priceless value. He cut a notch in it. Then he struck it a hard blow with his instrument and lo! the superb jewel lay in his hand, cleft in twain.
What recklessness! what wastefulness! what criminal carelessness! Not so. For days and weeks that blow had been studied and planned. Drawings and models had been made of the gem. Its quality, its defects, its lines of cleavage had all been studied with minutest care. The man to whom it was committed was one of the most skillful lapidaries in the world. Do you say that blow was a mistake! No. It was the climax of the lapidary's skill.
When he struck that blow, he did the one thing which would bring that gem to its most perfect shapeliness, radiance, and jewelled splendor. That blow which seemed to ruin the superb precious stone was in fact its perfect redemption. For, from these two halves were wrought the two magnificent gems which the skilled eye of the lapidary saw hidden in the rough, uncut stone as it came from the mines.
So, sometimes, God lets a stinging blow fall upon your life. The soul cries out in an agony of wondering protest. The blow seems to you an appalling mistake. But it is not, for you are the most priceless jewel in the world to God. And He is the most skilled lapidary in the universe. Some day you are to blaze in the diadem of the King of kings. As you lie in His hand now He knows just how to deal with you. Not a blow will be permitted to fall upon your shrinking soul but that the love of God permits it, and works out from it depths of blessing and spiritual enrichment unseen, and unthought of by you. J. H. McConkey
N.J. Hiebert - 8647
October 28
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, it is finished: and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost. John 19:30
"It is finished." These last words spoken by Jesus on the cross are far-reaching and rich in meaning. All the types and shadows and all the sacrifices pointing to the cross were now fulfilled. Nothing more could be added to make it more complete. "For by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified." Then He adds, "And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (Hebrews 10:14,17).
The way into the most holy place has been opened for us, and with boldness, or holy liberty, we can enter by faith into the very presence of God. This holy privilege is for us to enjoy now. We can speak to Him as a child to a loving Father. "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water...Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:22,24-25).
There that is much more to come in the Day that is fast approaching. Time and again, the Spirit of God points us to the Lamb of God, who, by shedding His precious blood, has paved the way for future blessings to be revealed when He shall come to establish His kingdom.
When John the baptist saw Jesus coming toward him at the Jordan River, He said, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29) This verse encompasses the purposes of God for the ages to come, culminating in the day of God when "we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." (2 Peter 3:13). We are blessed both now and through all eternity. He is worthy of our praise! The Lord is Near - 2018
N.J. Hiebert - 8648
"It is finished." These last words spoken by Jesus on the cross are far-reaching and rich in meaning. All the types and shadows and all the sacrifices pointing to the cross were now fulfilled. Nothing more could be added to make it more complete. "For by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified." Then He adds, "And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (Hebrews 10:14,17).
The way into the most holy place has been opened for us, and with boldness, or holy liberty, we can enter by faith into the very presence of God. This holy privilege is for us to enjoy now. We can speak to Him as a child to a loving Father. "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water...Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:22,24-25).
There that is much more to come in the Day that is fast approaching. Time and again, the Spirit of God points us to the Lamb of God, who, by shedding His precious blood, has paved the way for future blessings to be revealed when He shall come to establish His kingdom.
When John the baptist saw Jesus coming toward him at the Jordan River, He said, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29) This verse encompasses the purposes of God for the ages to come, culminating in the day of God when "we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." (2 Peter 3:13). We are blessed both now and through all eternity. He is worthy of our praise! The Lord is Near - 2018
N.J. Hiebert - 8648
October 29
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Romans 4:3
"To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." (Romans 4:5) God now justifies an ungodly sinner who believes that He has "raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." (Romans 4:24-25). But this is just what we are, ungodly sinners.
We are helpless and ungodly. One cannot boast over another, for there are no godly sinners; but it was "when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6).
God has taken into account all that we really are as helpless and hopeless sinners, and Christ has died for us as such. "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. (Romans 5:7-9).
It has all to do with the death of Christ, and ourselves as sinners, and nothing else. And the moment we bow to what GOD says in His WORD, we have PEACE WITH GOD, being justified by faith.
It was in this way that blessing reached Abraham. God spoke to him, and he believed what God said. W. M. Sibthorpe - The Ways of God With Man
N.J. Hiebert - 8649
"To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." (Romans 4:5) God now justifies an ungodly sinner who believes that He has "raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." (Romans 4:24-25). But this is just what we are, ungodly sinners.
We are helpless and ungodly. One cannot boast over another, for there are no godly sinners; but it was "when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6).
God has taken into account all that we really are as helpless and hopeless sinners, and Christ has died for us as such. "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. (Romans 5:7-9).
It has all to do with the death of Christ, and ourselves as sinners, and nothing else. And the moment we bow to what GOD says in His WORD, we have PEACE WITH GOD, being justified by faith.
It was in this way that blessing reached Abraham. God spoke to him, and he believed what God said. W. M. Sibthorpe - The Ways of God With Man
N.J. Hiebert - 8649
October 30
"BUT IF NOT . . ."
Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Daniel 3:17,18 .
THE HEBREW CHILDREN did not doubt that God could save them from the furnace, but if He did not they would be faithful, anyway. It is well to be prepared for the "if nots." God is always able, but sometimes it is not His will to deliver us from the fiery furnace. But He will save us in the furnace. He does not always spare us trouble, but He does succour us in trouble.
If you are facing a furnace, make provision for the "if not." If you are not healed, if the dear one is taken, if that friend fails you, be faithful, anyway. "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him." (Job 13:15)
If things do not turn out the way you had hoped and prayed they would, do not bow to Nebuchadnezzar's image of doubt or fear or discouragement. That is what the devil wants, as when he put Job in his furnace.
"God can do it, but if He doesn't, He is still my God. I will bow to no idol." . . . Blessed are the saints of the If Nots! Day by Day - Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 8650
Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Daniel 3:17,18 .
THE HEBREW CHILDREN did not doubt that God could save them from the furnace, but if He did not they would be faithful, anyway. It is well to be prepared for the "if nots." God is always able, but sometimes it is not His will to deliver us from the fiery furnace. But He will save us in the furnace. He does not always spare us trouble, but He does succour us in trouble.
If you are facing a furnace, make provision for the "if not." If you are not healed, if the dear one is taken, if that friend fails you, be faithful, anyway. "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him." (Job 13:15)
If things do not turn out the way you had hoped and prayed they would, do not bow to Nebuchadnezzar's image of doubt or fear or discouragement. That is what the devil wants, as when he put Job in his furnace.
"God can do it, but if He doesn't, He is still my God. I will bow to no idol." . . . Blessed are the saints of the If Nots! Day by Day - Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 8650
October 31
THINGS THAT MAKE PEOPLE ANXIOUS
Casting all your care (anxiety) upon Him; for He careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7
The Lord Jesus once spoke of the "cares of this life" (Luke 8:14.) He knew all about them, and how very real they are. One great object of His coming into the world was to teach men how to get free from those cares. He taught them by precept and example to trust God.
What are some of the "cares of this life?" There is, first of all, the care connected with its maintenance. How to make both ends meet, we may depend upon it, presses very heavily upon not a few. The husband does not know, perhaps, how long he may keep his situation. His health is failing, his income barely sufficient, and with a growing family expenses necessarily increase. Or, worse still, he is actually out of work.
Take another case. There is a widow with a number of young children dependent upon her. Work is uncertain, at the best hard, and the entire responsibility depends upon her. Is it possible under such circumstances to be free from care? We answer with unhesitating certainty, Yes. God has given us an object-lesson as to this which is before our eyes every day. Christ drew our attention to it. The birds have neither storehouse nor barn, yet they sing as blithely as if all the world were theirs. How are thy fed? "God feedeth them" (Luke 12:24) is the divine explanation.
The prayer the Lord taught His disciples is in harmony with this: "Give us this day our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11) If the kind of life indicated here is accepted it is possible to be free from care even in the poorest circumstances.
Angels in White - Russell Elliott
N.J. Hiebert - 8651
Casting all your care (anxiety) upon Him; for He careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7
The Lord Jesus once spoke of the "cares of this life" (Luke 8:14.) He knew all about them, and how very real they are. One great object of His coming into the world was to teach men how to get free from those cares. He taught them by precept and example to trust God.
What are some of the "cares of this life?" There is, first of all, the care connected with its maintenance. How to make both ends meet, we may depend upon it, presses very heavily upon not a few. The husband does not know, perhaps, how long he may keep his situation. His health is failing, his income barely sufficient, and with a growing family expenses necessarily increase. Or, worse still, he is actually out of work.
Take another case. There is a widow with a number of young children dependent upon her. Work is uncertain, at the best hard, and the entire responsibility depends upon her. Is it possible under such circumstances to be free from care? We answer with unhesitating certainty, Yes. God has given us an object-lesson as to this which is before our eyes every day. Christ drew our attention to it. The birds have neither storehouse nor barn, yet they sing as blithely as if all the world were theirs. How are thy fed? "God feedeth them" (Luke 12:24) is the divine explanation.
The prayer the Lord taught His disciples is in harmony with this: "Give us this day our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11) If the kind of life indicated here is accepted it is possible to be free from care even in the poorest circumstances.
Angels in White - Russell Elliott
N.J. Hiebert - 8651
November 1
ACCEPTED IN THE BELOVED
"He hath made us accepted in the Beloved". Ephesians 1:6
Years ago I was preaching in the small town of Roosevelt, Washington, on the north bank of the Columbia River. I was the guest of friends who were sheep-raisers. It was lambing time and every morning we went out to see the lambs--hundreds of them--playing about on the green.
One morning I was startled to see an old ewe go loping across the road, followed by the strangest looking lamb I had ever seen. It apparently had six legs, and the last two were hanging helplessly as though paralyzed, and the skin seemed to be partially torn from its body in a way that made me feel the poor little creature must be suffering terribly. But when one of the herders caught the lamb and brought it over to me, the mystery was explained.
That lamb did not really belong originally to that ewe. She had a lamb which was bitten by a rattlesnake and died. This lamb that I saw was an orphan and needed a mother's care. But at first the bereft ewe refused to have anything to do with it. She sniffed at it when it was brought to her, then pushed it away, saying as plainly as a sheep could say it, "That is not our family odour!" So the herders skinned the lamb that had died and very carefully drew the fleece over the living lamb. This left the hind-leg coverings dragging loose. Thus covered, the lamb was brought again to the ewe. She smelled it once more and this time seemed thoroughly satisfied and adopted it as her own.
It seemed to me to be a beautiful picture of the grace of God to sinners. We are all outcasts and have no claim upon His love. But God's own Son, the "Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the World," has died for us and now we who believe are dressed up in the fleece of the Lamb who died. Thus, God has accepted us in Him, and "there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." We are as dear to the heart of the Father as His own holy, spotless Son. H. A. Ironside
So nigh, so very nigh to God, I cannot nearer be;
For in the person of His Son, I am as near as He.
So dear, so very dear to God, more dear I cannot be;
The love wherewith He loves the Son, such is His love to me. C. Paget
N.J. Hiebert - 8652
"He hath made us accepted in the Beloved". Ephesians 1:6
Years ago I was preaching in the small town of Roosevelt, Washington, on the north bank of the Columbia River. I was the guest of friends who were sheep-raisers. It was lambing time and every morning we went out to see the lambs--hundreds of them--playing about on the green.
One morning I was startled to see an old ewe go loping across the road, followed by the strangest looking lamb I had ever seen. It apparently had six legs, and the last two were hanging helplessly as though paralyzed, and the skin seemed to be partially torn from its body in a way that made me feel the poor little creature must be suffering terribly. But when one of the herders caught the lamb and brought it over to me, the mystery was explained.
That lamb did not really belong originally to that ewe. She had a lamb which was bitten by a rattlesnake and died. This lamb that I saw was an orphan and needed a mother's care. But at first the bereft ewe refused to have anything to do with it. She sniffed at it when it was brought to her, then pushed it away, saying as plainly as a sheep could say it, "That is not our family odour!" So the herders skinned the lamb that had died and very carefully drew the fleece over the living lamb. This left the hind-leg coverings dragging loose. Thus covered, the lamb was brought again to the ewe. She smelled it once more and this time seemed thoroughly satisfied and adopted it as her own.
It seemed to me to be a beautiful picture of the grace of God to sinners. We are all outcasts and have no claim upon His love. But God's own Son, the "Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the World," has died for us and now we who believe are dressed up in the fleece of the Lamb who died. Thus, God has accepted us in Him, and "there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." We are as dear to the heart of the Father as His own holy, spotless Son. H. A. Ironside
So nigh, so very nigh to God, I cannot nearer be;
For in the person of His Son, I am as near as He.
So dear, so very dear to God, more dear I cannot be;
The love wherewith He loves the Son, such is His love to me. C. Paget
N.J. Hiebert - 8652
November 2
". . . whither the head looked they followed"
Ezekiel 10:11
This simple phrase gives us a principle that should be our guide as believers in the Lord Jesus, our Head. Our natural tendency is to follow our own reasoning power, which we know from experience often gets us into trouble.
Ezekiel at the time was describing what He saw in a vision from God. In this case the followers were cherubim (powerful angelic beings), but the principle needs to be our pattern too. The wisdom, strength and courage to do so will be readily provided by God, to the extent we are willing to take advantage of it.
In Psalm 23:2, we are given the promise that the Shepherd "leadeth me beside the still waters." Why would the sheep ever want anything else? We understand that sheep will only lap from calm water, such as a pond or quiet stream. Sheep are usually not smart enough to find still water in a dry country, and nor are we.
We certainly know how spiritually dry the world around us has become, and need to quietly and submissively follow the Leader, who always knows what we need (not necessarily all we want!). The disciples learned that lesson when they were instructed by the Lord: "there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in" (Luke 22:10). It was very unusual for a man to be fetching water, so he stood out from all the people passing in the busy street. The man is a picture of the Holy Spirit who will always lead us to Jesus.
". . .they turned not as they went" (Ezekiel 10:11) This important phrase makes a point about the straightforward, unswerving submission to the Lord's leadership. We don't need to search very far to understand what Satan sets before us in order to turn us to the right hand or the left. He is always opposed to the Lord Jesus and wants to spoil or diminish our enjoyment of all we possess in Christ. If there is going to be personal communion with others of "like precious faith", it must be on the basis of our own intimate relationship with our Lord and Saviour. "O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together." (Psalm 34:3) Lorne Perry
N.J. Hiebert - 8653
This simple phrase gives us a principle that should be our guide as believers in the Lord Jesus, our Head. Our natural tendency is to follow our own reasoning power, which we know from experience often gets us into trouble.
Ezekiel at the time was describing what He saw in a vision from God. In this case the followers were cherubim (powerful angelic beings), but the principle needs to be our pattern too. The wisdom, strength and courage to do so will be readily provided by God, to the extent we are willing to take advantage of it.
In Psalm 23:2, we are given the promise that the Shepherd "leadeth me beside the still waters." Why would the sheep ever want anything else? We understand that sheep will only lap from calm water, such as a pond or quiet stream. Sheep are usually not smart enough to find still water in a dry country, and nor are we.
We certainly know how spiritually dry the world around us has become, and need to quietly and submissively follow the Leader, who always knows what we need (not necessarily all we want!). The disciples learned that lesson when they were instructed by the Lord: "there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in" (Luke 22:10). It was very unusual for a man to be fetching water, so he stood out from all the people passing in the busy street. The man is a picture of the Holy Spirit who will always lead us to Jesus.
". . .they turned not as they went" (Ezekiel 10:11) This important phrase makes a point about the straightforward, unswerving submission to the Lord's leadership. We don't need to search very far to understand what Satan sets before us in order to turn us to the right hand or the left. He is always opposed to the Lord Jesus and wants to spoil or diminish our enjoyment of all we possess in Christ. If there is going to be personal communion with others of "like precious faith", it must be on the basis of our own intimate relationship with our Lord and Saviour. "O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together." (Psalm 34:3) Lorne Perry
N.J. Hiebert - 8653
posted by soundwords at
October 06, 2021
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