Gems from January 2022
December 31
. . . Jesus said, let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on Me...She hath done what she could. Mark 14:6,8
A striking storey of W W II was recounted by an airman who was part of a crew that flew a B-17 bomber over Germany during that awful conflict. The particular bombing run which he recounted was targeted over the German city of Kassel.
As usual, the flak from German antiaircraft weapons was heavy and terrible. The shells most often used were 20mm, armour piercing shells with explosive charges in their tips. If they hit an aircraft in the right place the exploding charge would set off a far greater explosion, destroying the aircraft. During the raids, many allied bombers were lost after being hit by these shells. Yet, on this particular mission, though the shells actually pierced the fuel tanks of the bomber the airman was in, strangely, the aircraft did not explode. It was able to complete its mission and get back to its base before it ran out of fuel.
The pilot later told his aircrew the amazing story of that particular bombing run. The morning following the bombing run, he had requested that the air crew ground chief who was in charge of repairing the bomber's fuel tanks would give him one of the enemy shells as a souvenir of the what seemed a miracle. It was them the pilot learned that eleven shells had been found in the fuel tanks! All eleven shells were un-exploded even though just one should have caused the bomber to explode in flames.
The shells had been sent to the armorers to have their explosive tips defused, but then, Allied intelligence men had taken them away. Eventually the pilot received word that when the armorers opened each of the shells to defuse them, they found no explosive charges in any of shell tips. All eleven shell tips were empty.
Yet, not all of the shells were really empty! They found one shell which contained in its hollow tip a carefully rolled piece of paper with a note scrawled on it in the Czech language. The Allied intelligence people located a man who could read Czech and was able to decipher the note. It caused the whole bomber crew to marvel! The translated note read: This is all we can do for you for now. TCS - July 2013
N.J. Hiebert - 8712
As usual, the flak from German antiaircraft weapons was heavy and terrible. The shells most often used were 20mm, armour piercing shells with explosive charges in their tips. If they hit an aircraft in the right place the exploding charge would set off a far greater explosion, destroying the aircraft. During the raids, many allied bombers were lost after being hit by these shells. Yet, on this particular mission, though the shells actually pierced the fuel tanks of the bomber the airman was in, strangely, the aircraft did not explode. It was able to complete its mission and get back to its base before it ran out of fuel.
The pilot later told his aircrew the amazing story of that particular bombing run. The morning following the bombing run, he had requested that the air crew ground chief who was in charge of repairing the bomber's fuel tanks would give him one of the enemy shells as a souvenir of the what seemed a miracle. It was them the pilot learned that eleven shells had been found in the fuel tanks! All eleven shells were un-exploded even though just one should have caused the bomber to explode in flames.
The shells had been sent to the armorers to have their explosive tips defused, but then, Allied intelligence men had taken them away. Eventually the pilot received word that when the armorers opened each of the shells to defuse them, they found no explosive charges in any of shell tips. All eleven shell tips were empty.
Yet, not all of the shells were really empty! They found one shell which contained in its hollow tip a carefully rolled piece of paper with a note scrawled on it in the Czech language. The Allied intelligence people located a man who could read Czech and was able to decipher the note. It caused the whole bomber crew to marvel! The translated note read: This is all we can do for you for now. TCS - July 2013
N.J. Hiebert - 8712
January 1
The night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer,
Paul. Acts 23:11
Some think Paul should not have gone up to Jerusalem on this visit. Some think he should not have taken a vow as he was advised to do. Still others think that his behaviour on trial compares poorly with that of our Lord. Be all that as it may, the Lord knew Paul's heart and so stood by him to cheer him up and to assure him that he would witness also in Rome.
God does not measure us by by isolated incidents. "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). A good man may blunder and fall far below the standard, but God looks at the real motive, the general purpose of the heart. Some may do exceedingly well at times whose true heart is undependable. Others may fail at times, but their inmost self is right with God. God knew that Paul meant business with those who mean business. God knew that Paul meant business, and that is what counts with Him. Day by Day with Vance Havner
When we walk with the Lord in the Light of His word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His sweet will, how our hearts He can fill With His love as we trust and obey.
But we never can prove the delights of His love
When in paths of self pleasing we stray;
For the favour He shows, and the joy He bestows
Are for those who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet let us sit at His feet,
Or walk by His side in the way;
What He says may we do, where He sends may we go-- Never fear, only trust and obey.
Paul. Acts 23:11
Some think Paul should not have gone up to Jerusalem on this visit. Some think he should not have taken a vow as he was advised to do. Still others think that his behaviour on trial compares poorly with that of our Lord. Be all that as it may, the Lord knew Paul's heart and so stood by him to cheer him up and to assure him that he would witness also in Rome.
God does not measure us by by isolated incidents. "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). A good man may blunder and fall far below the standard, but God looks at the real motive, the general purpose of the heart. Some may do exceedingly well at times whose true heart is undependable. Others may fail at times, but their inmost self is right with God. God knew that Paul meant business with those who mean business. God knew that Paul meant business, and that is what counts with Him. Day by Day with Vance Havner
When we walk with the Lord in the Light of His word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His sweet will, how our hearts He can fill With His love as we trust and obey.
But we never can prove the delights of His love
When in paths of self pleasing we stray;
For the favour He shows, and the joy He bestows
Are for those who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet let us sit at His feet,
Or walk by His side in the way;
What He says may we do, where He sends may we go-- Never fear, only trust and obey.
(J. H. Sammis)
N.J. Hiebert - 8713
N.J. Hiebert - 8713
January 2
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
The Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
On a beautiful summer day each one of us can stand in the sunshine, feel its warmth and enjoy it to the full. While all have a share of the sun, we realize also that all have a sun to themselves. It is for all! It is for me! So is the love of God: vast, immense, wonderful! Alex Ross
Was it for me for me, alone, The Saviour left His glorious throne; The dazzling splendours of the sky, was it for me He came to die?
Was it for me sweet angel strains came floating o'er Judea's plans? That starlight night so long ago, was it for me God planned it so?
Was it for me the Saviour said, pillow thy weary aching head, Trustingly on thy Saviour's breast? was it for me can I thus rest?
Was it for me He wept and prayed my load of sin before Him laid; That night within Gethsemane, was it for me, that agony?
Was it for me He bowed His head, upon the cross, and freely shed His precious blood-that crimson tide, was it for me the Saviour died?
Chorus It was for me, yes, all for me, O love of God, so great so free, O wondrous love, I'll shout and sing. He died for me, my Lord and King!
J. M. Whyte
N.J. Hiebert - 8714
John 3:16
The Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
On a beautiful summer day each one of us can stand in the sunshine, feel its warmth and enjoy it to the full. While all have a share of the sun, we realize also that all have a sun to themselves. It is for all! It is for me! So is the love of God: vast, immense, wonderful! Alex Ross
Was it for me for me, alone, The Saviour left His glorious throne; The dazzling splendours of the sky, was it for me He came to die?
Was it for me sweet angel strains came floating o'er Judea's plans? That starlight night so long ago, was it for me God planned it so?
Was it for me the Saviour said, pillow thy weary aching head, Trustingly on thy Saviour's breast? was it for me can I thus rest?
Was it for me He wept and prayed my load of sin before Him laid; That night within Gethsemane, was it for me, that agony?
Was it for me He bowed His head, upon the cross, and freely shed His precious blood-that crimson tide, was it for me the Saviour died?
Chorus It was for me, yes, all for me, O love of God, so great so free, O wondrous love, I'll shout and sing. He died for me, my Lord and King!
J. M. Whyte
N.J. Hiebert - 8714
January 3
Lo, I am with you alway. Matthew 28:20
Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear. Rather look at them with full hope that, as they arise, God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. He has kept you hitherto; do you but hold fast to His dear hand, and He will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand, He will bear you in His arms.
Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of your tomorrow, and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations. Frances de Sales
The Lord is my Shepherd. Psalm 23:1 Not was, not may be, nor will be. "The Lord is my Shepherd," is on Sunday, is on Monday, and is through every day of the week; is in January, is in December, and every month of the year; is at home, and is in China; is in peace, and, is in war; in abundance, and in penury. J. Hudson Taylor
HE will silently plan for thee, object thou of omniscient care;
God Himself undertakes to be thy Pilot through each subtle snare.
He WILL silently plan for thee, so certainly, He cannot fail!
Rest on the faithfulness of God, In Him thou surely shalt prevail.
He will SILENTLY plan for thee some wonderful surprise of love. Eye hath not seen, nor ear hath heard, but it is kept for thee above.
He will silently PLAN for thee, His purposes shall all unfold;
The tangled skein shall shine at last, a masterpiece of skill untold.
He will silently plan FOR THEE, happy child of a Father's care,
As though no other claimed His love, but thou alone to Him wert dear. E. M.Grimes
N.J. Hiebert - 8715
Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear. Rather look at them with full hope that, as they arise, God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. He has kept you hitherto; do you but hold fast to His dear hand, and He will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand, He will bear you in His arms.
Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of your tomorrow, and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations. Frances de Sales
The Lord is my Shepherd. Psalm 23:1 Not was, not may be, nor will be. "The Lord is my Shepherd," is on Sunday, is on Monday, and is through every day of the week; is in January, is in December, and every month of the year; is at home, and is in China; is in peace, and, is in war; in abundance, and in penury. J. Hudson Taylor
HE will silently plan for thee, object thou of omniscient care;
God Himself undertakes to be thy Pilot through each subtle snare.
He WILL silently plan for thee, so certainly, He cannot fail!
Rest on the faithfulness of God, In Him thou surely shalt prevail.
He will SILENTLY plan for thee some wonderful surprise of love. Eye hath not seen, nor ear hath heard, but it is kept for thee above.
He will silently PLAN for thee, His purposes shall all unfold;
The tangled skein shall shine at last, a masterpiece of skill untold.
He will silently plan FOR THEE, happy child of a Father's care,
As though no other claimed His love, but thou alone to Him wert dear. E. M.Grimes
N.J. Hiebert - 8715
January 4
Forgetting the things which are behind.
Philippians 3:13
Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee. Deuteronomy 8:2
Forgetting ills behind me, the sorrows past and gone,
Forgetting all my wanderings, too sad to dwell upon,
Remembering God's great goodness, in times of stress and strain, Remembering His restorings, I praise my God again.
Forgetting all my doubtings, which dimmed faith's vision bright, Forgetting all the earth-clouds, the darkness, gloom and night, Remembering God's bright sunshine, and radiance of His face, Remembering His long patience, I praise my God for grace.
Forgetting all unkindness which friends and foes have shown, Forgetting and forgiving the wrongs that I have known, Remembering God provided, unsought, each faithful friend, Remembering love's devotion, I'll praise Him to the end.
Forgetting my repinings when disappointments came, Forgetting all the murmurings, which filled my soul with shame, Remembering God was ever true to His Holy Word, Remembering He was faithful, I praise my sovereign Lord. A. G.
N.J. Hiebert - 8716
Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee. Deuteronomy 8:2
Forgetting ills behind me, the sorrows past and gone,
Forgetting all my wanderings, too sad to dwell upon,
Remembering God's great goodness, in times of stress and strain, Remembering His restorings, I praise my God again.
Forgetting all my doubtings, which dimmed faith's vision bright, Forgetting all the earth-clouds, the darkness, gloom and night, Remembering God's bright sunshine, and radiance of His face, Remembering His long patience, I praise my God for grace.
Forgetting all unkindness which friends and foes have shown, Forgetting and forgiving the wrongs that I have known, Remembering God provided, unsought, each faithful friend, Remembering love's devotion, I'll praise Him to the end.
Forgetting my repinings when disappointments came, Forgetting all the murmurings, which filled my soul with shame, Remembering God was ever true to His Holy Word, Remembering He was faithful, I praise my sovereign Lord. A. G.
N.J. Hiebert - 8716
January 5
Let us lay aside every weight . . . Looking unto Jesus . . . (Hebrews 12:1,2) I press toward the mark . . . (Philippians 3:14)
We stand together at the gateway of another year. It may be a year of many blessed experiences. Follow Him who goes before--the One who went before His people of old--a guiding light, a constant protection, an unfailing Friend and Counselor, an almighty Saviour.
When shadows deepen, and fear rides on the moaning wind; when sorrow comes, and we wander in the misty vale of grief; when joy beckons, and our way is sunlit--"remember" His past leading and know that all is well.
When spectres rise hauntingly from the past, when old heartaches and sorrows seem to weigh us down and blot out the sunshine forget "Those things which are behind," and reach forward to the joys before us. Paul says, "I press toward the mark"-- here there is urgency, and nothing must be allowed to hamper the runner's progress.
We make our own hindrances many times--our Master has done all He can to free us from every weight, giving us forgiveness for the past, help in the present, and assurance for the future. So, dear pilgrim, as we face the coming days of a new year, knowing that each one brings our Master's return nearer, let us "lay aside every weight . . . and press toward the mark," with singleness of heart "looking unto Jesus." A. G.
N.J. Hiebert - 8717
We stand together at the gateway of another year. It may be a year of many blessed experiences. Follow Him who goes before--the One who went before His people of old--a guiding light, a constant protection, an unfailing Friend and Counselor, an almighty Saviour.
When shadows deepen, and fear rides on the moaning wind; when sorrow comes, and we wander in the misty vale of grief; when joy beckons, and our way is sunlit--"remember" His past leading and know that all is well.
When spectres rise hauntingly from the past, when old heartaches and sorrows seem to weigh us down and blot out the sunshine forget "Those things which are behind," and reach forward to the joys before us. Paul says, "I press toward the mark"-- here there is urgency, and nothing must be allowed to hamper the runner's progress.
We make our own hindrances many times--our Master has done all He can to free us from every weight, giving us forgiveness for the past, help in the present, and assurance for the future. So, dear pilgrim, as we face the coming days of a new year, knowing that each one brings our Master's return nearer, let us "lay aside every weight . . . and press toward the mark," with singleness of heart "looking unto Jesus." A. G.
N.J. Hiebert - 8717
January 6
Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar: and put it upon hyssop, and put it to His mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said IT IS FINISHED: and He bowed His head and gave up the ghost". Then "one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side and forthwith came there out blood and water." (John 19:28-34) "And behold, the veil of the temple was rent from the top to the bottom." (Matthew 27:51)
The Lord Jesus, having done the will of God in laying done His life, (He had power to lay it down and power to take it again), "Made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death." (Isaiah 53:9) In fulfillment of this Scripture, a rich man named Joseph went to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre and departed.
But alas! man, not satisfied with what he has done, comes and seals the stone, and sets a watch, to keep the Lord there. But how could death and the grave hold Him? He came from heaven to abolish death and to bring life and incorruptibility to light. But He came as a servant, to do it all for God, being "Obedient even unto death" for the glory of God. Therefore God Himself steps in. "And behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it." (Matthew 28:2)
This was not for the Lord to come out; no great stone sealed could keep HIM there! He was risen, but God had sent an angel from heaven to roll away the stone, so that His own loved ones might see that the tomb was empty. "Come, see (said he) the place where the Lord lay." (Matthew 28:6) The Ways of God With Man - W. M. Sibthorpe
N.J. Hiebert - 8718
The Lord Jesus, having done the will of God in laying done His life, (He had power to lay it down and power to take it again), "Made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death." (Isaiah 53:9) In fulfillment of this Scripture, a rich man named Joseph went to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre and departed.
But alas! man, not satisfied with what he has done, comes and seals the stone, and sets a watch, to keep the Lord there. But how could death and the grave hold Him? He came from heaven to abolish death and to bring life and incorruptibility to light. But He came as a servant, to do it all for God, being "Obedient even unto death" for the glory of God. Therefore God Himself steps in. "And behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it." (Matthew 28:2)
This was not for the Lord to come out; no great stone sealed could keep HIM there! He was risen, but God had sent an angel from heaven to roll away the stone, so that His own loved ones might see that the tomb was empty. "Come, see (said he) the place where the Lord lay." (Matthew 28:6) The Ways of God With Man - W. M. Sibthorpe
N.J. Hiebert - 8718
January 7
"Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price."
1 Corinthians 6:20
We were hopeless to redeem ourselves. We had brought the curse on ourselves, but we had no way to escape from it. Then "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us." Galatians 3;13
Perhaps it seems a contradiction to say that we are slaves of Jesus Christ, and yet He has bought us out of the slave market to make us free men. There is an old story about a slave market in the south of the United States, many years ago. An Englishman was walking past the slave market when he noticed that there was a sale of slaves taking place. He went over to watch, as they did not have slaves in England, and he had never seen such a thing before.
As he watched, a very fine young man was brought out for sale. He was young and strong, and had a fine head and face. The bid went high for him, and as the Englishman watched, his heart was stirred with great pity for this man. At last he also began to bid; the price went higher and higher, but the Englishman determined that he should buy that slave. At last his bid was the highest, and the slave was handed over to him.
The slave came to him with chains on his hands and his feet, and a look of fury in his face. He cursed the Englishman with all the power he possessed. He said, "You call yourself an Englishman. You say you do not believe in slavery, and yet you buy me. Curses be be upon you!" The Englishman did not say one word, until at last the man, having no more breath to curse, stopped. Then the Englishman stepped forward, unlocked the chains on his hands and his feet, and threw them away, saying to him, "I bought you to set you free. You are a free man!" The slave fell down at his feet and cried out with tears, "I am your slave forever!" He became the faithful slave of that Englishman, but he was also a free man. G. C. Willis - Meditations on Galatians.
N.J. Hiebert - 8719
We were hopeless to redeem ourselves. We had brought the curse on ourselves, but we had no way to escape from it. Then "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us." Galatians 3;13
Perhaps it seems a contradiction to say that we are slaves of Jesus Christ, and yet He has bought us out of the slave market to make us free men. There is an old story about a slave market in the south of the United States, many years ago. An Englishman was walking past the slave market when he noticed that there was a sale of slaves taking place. He went over to watch, as they did not have slaves in England, and he had never seen such a thing before.
As he watched, a very fine young man was brought out for sale. He was young and strong, and had a fine head and face. The bid went high for him, and as the Englishman watched, his heart was stirred with great pity for this man. At last he also began to bid; the price went higher and higher, but the Englishman determined that he should buy that slave. At last his bid was the highest, and the slave was handed over to him.
The slave came to him with chains on his hands and his feet, and a look of fury in his face. He cursed the Englishman with all the power he possessed. He said, "You call yourself an Englishman. You say you do not believe in slavery, and yet you buy me. Curses be be upon you!" The Englishman did not say one word, until at last the man, having no more breath to curse, stopped. Then the Englishman stepped forward, unlocked the chains on his hands and his feet, and threw them away, saying to him, "I bought you to set you free. You are a free man!" The slave fell down at his feet and cried out with tears, "I am your slave forever!" He became the faithful slave of that Englishman, but he was also a free man. G. C. Willis - Meditations on Galatians.
N.J. Hiebert - 8719
January 8
And when He had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, He looked up to heaven, and blessed and break the loaves, and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided He among them all. Mark 6:41
And when they were filled, He said unto His disciples, gather up the fragments (broken pieces) that remain, that nothing be lost. John 6:12
In England we cut a loaf, and if there is anything over, it is a cut end of a loaf, or there may be a few slices. There are never "fragments" (literally broken pieces). But in India people break bits off a loaf or cake, and I suppose it was so in Palestine, as broken pieces, not slices, were left over of what the Lord had first blessed and broken and given.
Some of us may be much more like poor broken pieces than nice tidy cut slices. At any rate we feel so. Is it not a comfort then, to read that not only did our Lord bless and break and give, but every morsel of what He had blessed was, in His sight, worth gathering up for use?
We may be only the odds and ends of things, not worth calling anything, but what He has blessed He uses, that nothing, even such nothings as we are, be lost. Edges of His Ways - Amy Carmichael (1867-1951)
N.J. Hiebert - 8720
And when they were filled, He said unto His disciples, gather up the fragments (broken pieces) that remain, that nothing be lost. John 6:12
In England we cut a loaf, and if there is anything over, it is a cut end of a loaf, or there may be a few slices. There are never "fragments" (literally broken pieces). But in India people break bits off a loaf or cake, and I suppose it was so in Palestine, as broken pieces, not slices, were left over of what the Lord had first blessed and broken and given.
Some of us may be much more like poor broken pieces than nice tidy cut slices. At any rate we feel so. Is it not a comfort then, to read that not only did our Lord bless and break and give, but every morsel of what He had blessed was, in His sight, worth gathering up for use?
We may be only the odds and ends of things, not worth calling anything, but what He has blessed He uses, that nothing, even such nothings as we are, be lost. Edges of His Ways - Amy Carmichael (1867-1951)
N.J. Hiebert - 8720
January 9
Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever. For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the later day upon the earth. Job 19:23-25
Monuments of stone will wear away and their inscriptions perish. The words of Christ spoken and written in the Scriptures, are not only remembered on earth, they are forever settled in heaven. There the beauty of those precious words will never wear away.
They had a way of preserving fruit a hundred years ago that I understand is now lost. I have seen a dish of oranges and apples that look as lovely as though freshly plucked from the trees. That fruit was seventy-five years old. It looked nice but it was as hard as rock. It was only good to look at; it could not be eaten.
This is like the preserved words of ancient men; the volumes look nice on library shelves, but not one in a hundred would take the trouble to read them, or to listen to them being read. Their power and life are gone.
The ancient writings are mostly heavy, dead, and uninteresting; but the souls of men still feed on the words of Christ today as they did a thousand years ago. "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (John 6:63) In this His words are different; they are fresh and satisfying, like fruit from our orchards in the summertime. Truly, "Never man spake like this Man." (John 7:46)
A Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake.
N.J. Hiebert - 8721
Monuments of stone will wear away and their inscriptions perish. The words of Christ spoken and written in the Scriptures, are not only remembered on earth, they are forever settled in heaven. There the beauty of those precious words will never wear away.
They had a way of preserving fruit a hundred years ago that I understand is now lost. I have seen a dish of oranges and apples that look as lovely as though freshly plucked from the trees. That fruit was seventy-five years old. It looked nice but it was as hard as rock. It was only good to look at; it could not be eaten.
This is like the preserved words of ancient men; the volumes look nice on library shelves, but not one in a hundred would take the trouble to read them, or to listen to them being read. Their power and life are gone.
The ancient writings are mostly heavy, dead, and uninteresting; but the souls of men still feed on the words of Christ today as they did a thousand years ago. "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (John 6:63) In this His words are different; they are fresh and satisfying, like fruit from our orchards in the summertime. Truly, "Never man spake like this Man." (John 7:46)
A Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake.
N.J. Hiebert - 8721
January 10
VARIANT OR PERMANENT
Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy Name give glory, for Thy mercy, and Thy truths sake.
Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy Name give glory, for Thy mercy, and Thy truths sake.
Psalm 115:1
January 2022, the Omicron variant is getting scary! The pressure is on to be vaccinated because the only alternative is to catch it; so say our medical officials. Hospital staff by the hundreds are testing positive and that greatly strains the hospital and long-term care systems. These people have been valiant and dedicated fighters in this battle for over two years now; we need their continued help.
We believe that God is speaking in an ever-louder voice to all; and the vast majority are either ignoring or refusing God's message. He doesn't promise to protect any one from catching Covid, but does offer a new life that extends beyond the one we were born with; and while we are yet living on this troubled planet, assures us of peace in our souls whatever happens.
And that is the meaning of Permanent. Everything in this world and our lives is variant, subject to change without notice. We know how quickly we can tumble from joy to sorrow, from affluence to poverty, from daily work to soup kitchen line-up. By contrast God offers something Permanent, stable, unchangeable, that is, once received, can never be taken away or altered, either in this life or beyond. And who wouldn't want that? "This is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent (John 17:3).
The beauty of it is that you don't have to "DO" anything to earn it. God has taken care of all the "doing" that was necessary, and now, our part is to simply accept the gift and say "Thank you" to the Giver. "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." (2 Corinthians 9:15)
The major stumbling block is our innate pride. We have been brought up to be self-sufficient, to be masters of our own destiny, and to count on our good health and science to protect us from Covid. But with each new development, God is trying to teach us that He is ultimately in charge of everything, right down to the small details of our lives. He doesn't bring on wars, illness, famine or hurricanes to punish us, but does allow them to show how feeble we are at world management, and how powerful are the forces at His command. "Our God is in the heavens: He has done whatsoever He hath pleased. (Psalm 115:3)
Jesus Christ, God's Son, is the door of entry into permanent blessing. At the cross of Calvary, 2000 years ago, He bore the judgment of God, while bearing there all our sins upon Himself. The price of salvation was fully paid then and there. Millions have believed that the blood that flowed there was to wash away all their personal sins; why not you? "Now once in the end of the world hath He (Jesus) appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself (Hebrews 9:26).
Don't wait any longer. No one can name the exact date when this "limited time offer" will end, but we believe it will be very soon. "Behold, now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). "Repent ye, and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15)" Lorne for Vision 2020 (in 2022)
N.J. Hiebert - 8722
We believe that God is speaking in an ever-louder voice to all; and the vast majority are either ignoring or refusing God's message. He doesn't promise to protect any one from catching Covid, but does offer a new life that extends beyond the one we were born with; and while we are yet living on this troubled planet, assures us of peace in our souls whatever happens.
And that is the meaning of Permanent. Everything in this world and our lives is variant, subject to change without notice. We know how quickly we can tumble from joy to sorrow, from affluence to poverty, from daily work to soup kitchen line-up. By contrast God offers something Permanent, stable, unchangeable, that is, once received, can never be taken away or altered, either in this life or beyond. And who wouldn't want that? "This is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent (John 17:3).
The beauty of it is that you don't have to "DO" anything to earn it. God has taken care of all the "doing" that was necessary, and now, our part is to simply accept the gift and say "Thank you" to the Giver. "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." (2 Corinthians 9:15)
The major stumbling block is our innate pride. We have been brought up to be self-sufficient, to be masters of our own destiny, and to count on our good health and science to protect us from Covid. But with each new development, God is trying to teach us that He is ultimately in charge of everything, right down to the small details of our lives. He doesn't bring on wars, illness, famine or hurricanes to punish us, but does allow them to show how feeble we are at world management, and how powerful are the forces at His command. "Our God is in the heavens: He has done whatsoever He hath pleased. (Psalm 115:3)
Jesus Christ, God's Son, is the door of entry into permanent blessing. At the cross of Calvary, 2000 years ago, He bore the judgment of God, while bearing there all our sins upon Himself. The price of salvation was fully paid then and there. Millions have believed that the blood that flowed there was to wash away all their personal sins; why not you? "Now once in the end of the world hath He (Jesus) appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself (Hebrews 9:26).
Don't wait any longer. No one can name the exact date when this "limited time offer" will end, but we believe it will be very soon. "Behold, now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). "Repent ye, and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15)" Lorne for Vision 2020 (in 2022)
N.J. Hiebert - 8722
January 11
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
I've seen the face of Jesus...it was a wondrous sight! Oh, glorious face of beauty, Oh gentle touch of care; If here it is so blessed, what will it be up there? W. Spencer Walton
In our fast-paced daily life, how easy it is to get caught up in the "things of earth" so that eternal values become blurred and almost forgotten. As we conclude the first month's journey through this new year, we need today's hymn to remind us that we must continue to make Christ the central core of our lives--to pursue the kingdom of God and His righteousness--if we are to be victorious believers.
In 1918, Helen Howarth Lemmel (1864-1961) the author and composer of this hymn, was given a tract by a missionary friend. As she read it, Helen's attention was focused on this line: "So then, turn your eyes upon Him, look full into His face, and you will find that the things of earth will acquire a strange new dimness." She wrote the following hymn the same week. Kenneth W. Osbeck
O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There's light for a look at the Saviour, and life more abundant and free!
Thru death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there; over us sin no more hath dominion--for more than conq'rors we are!
His word shall not fail you--He promised; believe Him, and all will be well: then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!
Chorus: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
N.J. Hiebert - 8723
I've seen the face of Jesus...it was a wondrous sight! Oh, glorious face of beauty, Oh gentle touch of care; If here it is so blessed, what will it be up there? W. Spencer Walton
In our fast-paced daily life, how easy it is to get caught up in the "things of earth" so that eternal values become blurred and almost forgotten. As we conclude the first month's journey through this new year, we need today's hymn to remind us that we must continue to make Christ the central core of our lives--to pursue the kingdom of God and His righteousness--if we are to be victorious believers.
In 1918, Helen Howarth Lemmel (1864-1961) the author and composer of this hymn, was given a tract by a missionary friend. As she read it, Helen's attention was focused on this line: "So then, turn your eyes upon Him, look full into His face, and you will find that the things of earth will acquire a strange new dimness." She wrote the following hymn the same week. Kenneth W. Osbeck
O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There's light for a look at the Saviour, and life more abundant and free!
Thru death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there; over us sin no more hath dominion--for more than conq'rors we are!
His word shall not fail you--He promised; believe Him, and all will be well: then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!
Chorus: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
N.J. Hiebert - 8723
January 12
CURE FOR SELF-PITY
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust. Psalms 103:13,14.
Self-pity can become a ruinous habit. We weaken our powers feeling sorry for ourselves and defeat ourselves in advance before the battle begins. We do not know all the facts anyway and may be lamenting something that may be God's providence working things out for our good, as they always do to them that love God and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
He knows our frame and He expects from us only what His grace will enable us to do. Do not count on yourself and then you will not be disappointed. Count on God and again you will not be disappointed!
Our Father pities His children. Let Him do it--don't pity yourself.
All the days - Vance Havner
Our times are in Thy hand, Father, we wish them there;
Our life, our soul, our all, we leave entirely to Thy care.
Our times are in Thy hand, whatever they may be,
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright, as best may seem to Thee.
Our times are in Thy hand, why should we doubt or fear? A Father's hand will never cause His child a needless tear.
(W. F. Lloyd - 1835)
N.J. Hiebert - 8724
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust. Psalms 103:13,14.
Self-pity can become a ruinous habit. We weaken our powers feeling sorry for ourselves and defeat ourselves in advance before the battle begins. We do not know all the facts anyway and may be lamenting something that may be God's providence working things out for our good, as they always do to them that love God and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
He knows our frame and He expects from us only what His grace will enable us to do. Do not count on yourself and then you will not be disappointed. Count on God and again you will not be disappointed!
Our Father pities His children. Let Him do it--don't pity yourself.
All the days - Vance Havner
Our times are in Thy hand, Father, we wish them there;
Our life, our soul, our all, we leave entirely to Thy care.
Our times are in Thy hand, whatever they may be,
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright, as best may seem to Thee.
Our times are in Thy hand, why should we doubt or fear? A Father's hand will never cause His child a needless tear.
(W. F. Lloyd - 1835)
N.J. Hiebert - 8724
January 13
When Jesus...went forth with His disciples over the brook Cedron, where there was a garden, into which He entered, and His disciples. ...and, Judas also, which betrayed Him, knew the place...having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons." John 18:1-3.
The Lord comes forth to the band of cruel officers and soldiers, as they were, with this word, "Whom seek ye?"--thus addressing them, as in the repose of heaven, which was His. And He comes forth in the power of heaven, as well as in its repose--for on His afterwards saying to them, "I Am He," they go backward, and fall to the ground. No man could take His life from Him.
He has even to show them their prey; for all their torches and lanterns would not otherwise have discovered Him to them. Every stage in the way was His own. He laid down His life of Himself. They that would eat up His flesh must stumble and fall. They that desired His hurt must be turned back, and put to confusion. The fire was ready to consume this captain and his fifty.
(See 2 Kings 1:9-16)
Had the Son of God pleased, there, on the ground, the enemy would still have lain. He had come, however, not to destroy men's lives, but to save; and therefore He would lay down His own. (J. G. Bellett - The Evangelist)
His be "the Victor's name," who fought the fight alone;
Triumphant saints no honour claim, His conquest was their own.
"By weakness and defeat, He won the meed and crown;
Trod all our foes beneath His feet by being trodden down.
Bless, bless the conqueror slain, slain in His victory;
Who lived, who died, who lives again--for thee, His church, for thee!
(Whitlock Gandy)
N.J. Hiebert - 8725
The Lord comes forth to the band of cruel officers and soldiers, as they were, with this word, "Whom seek ye?"--thus addressing them, as in the repose of heaven, which was His. And He comes forth in the power of heaven, as well as in its repose--for on His afterwards saying to them, "I Am He," they go backward, and fall to the ground. No man could take His life from Him.
He has even to show them their prey; for all their torches and lanterns would not otherwise have discovered Him to them. Every stage in the way was His own. He laid down His life of Himself. They that would eat up His flesh must stumble and fall. They that desired His hurt must be turned back, and put to confusion. The fire was ready to consume this captain and his fifty.
(See 2 Kings 1:9-16)
Had the Son of God pleased, there, on the ground, the enemy would still have lain. He had come, however, not to destroy men's lives, but to save; and therefore He would lay down His own. (J. G. Bellett - The Evangelist)
His be "the Victor's name," who fought the fight alone;
Triumphant saints no honour claim, His conquest was their own.
"By weakness and defeat, He won the meed and crown;
Trod all our foes beneath His feet by being trodden down.
Bless, bless the conqueror slain, slain in His victory;
Who lived, who died, who lives again--for thee, His church, for thee!
(Whitlock Gandy)
N.J. Hiebert - 8725
January 14
And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed...there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine...and, behold, seven other kine came after them out of the river, ill favoured and lean fleshed...And the ill favoured and lean fleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. And Joseph answered Pharaoh...Genesis 41:1-4,16-44
This dream is God's plan for the future government of the world. Not by parliaments, or cabinets, nor by counsellors and ministers, will God govern, but by "a Man discreet and wise" set over all. And all will be brought under His sway either by the day of grace or in the day of judgment -- the years of plenty or the years of famine. For over two thousand years God has been meeting man's deepest need according to the riches of His grace, and many have thus been brought under the sway of Christ by confessing Him as Lord to His glory and their blessing. But the world at large that has neglected God's grace and rejected the claims of Christ will be brought to bow in the day of judgment that will follow the years of grace. "For when Thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness" (Isaiah 26:9).
All being good in the eyes of Pharaoh, he proceeds to carry out the God given counsels of Joseph. Thus it came to pass that the man "that was separate from his brethren" (Genesis 49:26) is exalted to a place of supremacy "over all the land of Egypt." The rejection by his brothers, the humiliation he had borne, the lowly positions he had filled, and the sufferings he has endured, all led to the place of exaltation, and have an answer in the varied glories that fall to him as lord of all.
Moreover, if the days of his sorrows were a foreshadowing of the yet deeper sufferings and rejection of Christ, so too the supremacy of Joseph foreshadows the still greater glories of Christ as the the exalted Man. In story after story of great saints of old the Spirit of God delights to anticipate the supremacy of Christ; by glowing Psalms and thrilling prophecies His exaltation is foretold, and when at last -- His sufferings all fulfilled -- He is glorified at God's right hand, with yet greater delight the Holy Spirit takes the things of Christ and unfolds before us His varied glories as the One exalted over all. Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8726
This dream is God's plan for the future government of the world. Not by parliaments, or cabinets, nor by counsellors and ministers, will God govern, but by "a Man discreet and wise" set over all. And all will be brought under His sway either by the day of grace or in the day of judgment -- the years of plenty or the years of famine. For over two thousand years God has been meeting man's deepest need according to the riches of His grace, and many have thus been brought under the sway of Christ by confessing Him as Lord to His glory and their blessing. But the world at large that has neglected God's grace and rejected the claims of Christ will be brought to bow in the day of judgment that will follow the years of grace. "For when Thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness" (Isaiah 26:9).
All being good in the eyes of Pharaoh, he proceeds to carry out the God given counsels of Joseph. Thus it came to pass that the man "that was separate from his brethren" (Genesis 49:26) is exalted to a place of supremacy "over all the land of Egypt." The rejection by his brothers, the humiliation he had borne, the lowly positions he had filled, and the sufferings he has endured, all led to the place of exaltation, and have an answer in the varied glories that fall to him as lord of all.
Moreover, if the days of his sorrows were a foreshadowing of the yet deeper sufferings and rejection of Christ, so too the supremacy of Joseph foreshadows the still greater glories of Christ as the the exalted Man. In story after story of great saints of old the Spirit of God delights to anticipate the supremacy of Christ; by glowing Psalms and thrilling prophecies His exaltation is foretold, and when at last -- His sufferings all fulfilled -- He is glorified at God's right hand, with yet greater delight the Holy Spirit takes the things of Christ and unfolds before us His varied glories as the One exalted over all. Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8726
January 15
The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake. Philippians 1:29
All the gifts that a man has will never enable him to drink deep of this cup for Christ; such is the pride of man's heart, he had rather suffer any way than this, rather from himself, and for himself, than from Christ, or for Christ.
Most men are more tender of their skin than of their conscience, and had rather the gospel had provided armour to defend their bodies from death and danger, than their souls from sin and Satan. All the pieces are to defend the Christian from sin: (Ephesians 6:12-17) none to secure him from suffering.
Here is the true reason why so few come at the beat of Christ's drum to His standard, and so many of those few that have enlisted themselves by an external profession under Him, within a while drop away, and leave His colours; it is suffering work they are sick of.
Sufferings for the gospel are no matter of shame. Paul does not blush to tell, it is for the gospel he is in bonds. The shame belonged to them that put on the chain, not to him that wore it. "If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this behalf" (1 Peter 4:16)
The apostles rejoiced that "They were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name" (Acts 5:41). Shall the wicked glory in their shame, and you be ashamed of your glory?
Heaven is but little worth if you have not a heart to despise a little shame, and bear a few taunts from profane people for your hope of it. A martyr, when asked how he came to prison, he showed his Bible, and said, "This brought me here". The Chrisitian in Complete Armour - Willaim Gurnall (1617-1679)
N.J. Hiebert - 8727
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake. Philippians 1:29
All the gifts that a man has will never enable him to drink deep of this cup for Christ; such is the pride of man's heart, he had rather suffer any way than this, rather from himself, and for himself, than from Christ, or for Christ.
Most men are more tender of their skin than of their conscience, and had rather the gospel had provided armour to defend their bodies from death and danger, than their souls from sin and Satan. All the pieces are to defend the Christian from sin: (Ephesians 6:12-17) none to secure him from suffering.
Here is the true reason why so few come at the beat of Christ's drum to His standard, and so many of those few that have enlisted themselves by an external profession under Him, within a while drop away, and leave His colours; it is suffering work they are sick of.
Sufferings for the gospel are no matter of shame. Paul does not blush to tell, it is for the gospel he is in bonds. The shame belonged to them that put on the chain, not to him that wore it. "If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this behalf" (1 Peter 4:16)
The apostles rejoiced that "They were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name" (Acts 5:41). Shall the wicked glory in their shame, and you be ashamed of your glory?
Heaven is but little worth if you have not a heart to despise a little shame, and bear a few taunts from profane people for your hope of it. A martyr, when asked how he came to prison, he showed his Bible, and said, "This brought me here". The Chrisitian in Complete Armour - Willaim Gurnall (1617-1679)
N.J. Hiebert - 8727
January 16
The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. He coveteth greedily all the day long; but the righteous giveth and spareth not.
Proverbs 21:25,26
Like a drone in the hive, the slothful man covets the fruits of labour but detests the work which produces them. He is occupied with himself, full of desire, but opposed to effort. Selfishness is his strongest characteristic.
The righteous man is a producer. He loves to acquire, but only in order that he may "provide things honest in the sight of all men," (Romans 12:17) properly meeting the need of those dependent upon him, and having plenty to give to any who are in need.
In this he is an imitator of God "who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not." (James 1:5)
N.J. Hiebert - 8728
Like a drone in the hive, the slothful man covets the fruits of labour but detests the work which produces them. He is occupied with himself, full of desire, but opposed to effort. Selfishness is his strongest characteristic.
The righteous man is a producer. He loves to acquire, but only in order that he may "provide things honest in the sight of all men," (Romans 12:17) properly meeting the need of those dependent upon him, and having plenty to give to any who are in need.
In this he is an imitator of God "who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not." (James 1:5)
N.J. Hiebert - 8728
January 17
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. John 15:4
The rest is in Christ, and not something He gives apart from Himself, and so it is only in having Him that the rest can really be kept and enjoyed.
It is because so many a young believer fails to lay hold of this truth that the rest so speedily passes away. With some it is that they really did not know; they were never taught how Jesus claims the undivided allegiance of the whole heart and life; how there is not a spot in the whole of life over which He does not wish to reign; how in the very least things His disciple must only seek to please Him.
They did not know how entire the consecration was that Jesus claimed. With others, who had some idea of what a very holy life a Christian ought to lead, the mistake was a different one: they could not believe such a life to be a possible attainment. Taking, and bearing, and never for a moment laying aside the yoke of Jesus, appeared to them to require such a strain of effort, and such an amount of goodness as to be altogether beyond their reach.
The very idea of always, all the day, abiding in Jesus, was too high,--something they might attain to after life of holiness and growth, but certainly not what a feeble beginner was to start with. They did not know how, when Jesus said, "My yoke is easy," He spoke the truth; how just the yoke gives the rest, because the moment the soul yields itself to obey, the Lord Himself gives the strength and joy to do it.
These two, consecration and faith, are the essential elements of the Christian life--the giving up all to Jesus, the receiving all from Jesus. They are implied in each other; they are united in one word--surrender. A full surrender is to obey as well as to trust, to trust as well as to obey. Abide in Christ - Andrew Murray
N.J. Hiebert - 8729
The rest is in Christ, and not something He gives apart from Himself, and so it is only in having Him that the rest can really be kept and enjoyed.
It is because so many a young believer fails to lay hold of this truth that the rest so speedily passes away. With some it is that they really did not know; they were never taught how Jesus claims the undivided allegiance of the whole heart and life; how there is not a spot in the whole of life over which He does not wish to reign; how in the very least things His disciple must only seek to please Him.
They did not know how entire the consecration was that Jesus claimed. With others, who had some idea of what a very holy life a Christian ought to lead, the mistake was a different one: they could not believe such a life to be a possible attainment. Taking, and bearing, and never for a moment laying aside the yoke of Jesus, appeared to them to require such a strain of effort, and such an amount of goodness as to be altogether beyond their reach.
The very idea of always, all the day, abiding in Jesus, was too high,--something they might attain to after life of holiness and growth, but certainly not what a feeble beginner was to start with. They did not know how, when Jesus said, "My yoke is easy," He spoke the truth; how just the yoke gives the rest, because the moment the soul yields itself to obey, the Lord Himself gives the strength and joy to do it.
These two, consecration and faith, are the essential elements of the Christian life--the giving up all to Jesus, the receiving all from Jesus. They are implied in each other; they are united in one word--surrender. A full surrender is to obey as well as to trust, to trust as well as to obey. Abide in Christ - Andrew Murray
N.J. Hiebert - 8729
January 18
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
There are two golden days in the week upon which we need not worry about. One of these day is Yesterday; yesterday, with its cares and frets, all it pains and aches, all its faults, mistakes and blunders, has passed forever beyond my recall. I cannot undo an act that I wrought; nor unsay a word that I said.
All that it holds of my life, of wrong, regret and sorrow, is in the hands of our Mighty Lord that can bring honey out of the rock and sweetest waters out of the bitterest desert. Save for the beautiful memories--sweet and tender--that linger like the perfume of roses in the heart of the day that is gone, I have nothing to do with Yesterday. It was mine! It is God's.
And the other day that I do not worry about is Tomorrow; tomorrow, with all its possible adversities, its burdens, its perils, its promise and poor performances, its failures and mistakes, is as far beyond my mastery as its dead sister, Yesterday. It is a day of God's. Its sun will rise in roseate splendor, or behind a mask of weeping clouds--but it will rise.
There is left, then, but one day in the week--Today. With God's help we can fight the battles of today. We can resist the temptations of today! It is when we willfully add the burdens of those two awful eternities--yesterday and tomorrow--such burdens as only our God can sustain--that we break down. It isn't the experiences of Today, it is the remorse that happened yesterday; or the dread of what tomorrow may disclose that drives to despair.
"Did I not die for thee? Do I not live for thee? Leave Me the "tomorrows"!
Tomorrow is God's secret--but today is yours to live. All the tomorrows of our lives have to pass Him before they get to us. Bob Burdette
N.J. Hiebert - 8730
There are two golden days in the week upon which we need not worry about. One of these day is Yesterday; yesterday, with its cares and frets, all it pains and aches, all its faults, mistakes and blunders, has passed forever beyond my recall. I cannot undo an act that I wrought; nor unsay a word that I said.
All that it holds of my life, of wrong, regret and sorrow, is in the hands of our Mighty Lord that can bring honey out of the rock and sweetest waters out of the bitterest desert. Save for the beautiful memories--sweet and tender--that linger like the perfume of roses in the heart of the day that is gone, I have nothing to do with Yesterday. It was mine! It is God's.
And the other day that I do not worry about is Tomorrow; tomorrow, with all its possible adversities, its burdens, its perils, its promise and poor performances, its failures and mistakes, is as far beyond my mastery as its dead sister, Yesterday. It is a day of God's. Its sun will rise in roseate splendor, or behind a mask of weeping clouds--but it will rise.
There is left, then, but one day in the week--Today. With God's help we can fight the battles of today. We can resist the temptations of today! It is when we willfully add the burdens of those two awful eternities--yesterday and tomorrow--such burdens as only our God can sustain--that we break down. It isn't the experiences of Today, it is the remorse that happened yesterday; or the dread of what tomorrow may disclose that drives to despair.
"Did I not die for thee? Do I not live for thee? Leave Me the "tomorrows"!
Tomorrow is God's secret--but today is yours to live. All the tomorrows of our lives have to pass Him before they get to us. Bob Burdette
N.J. Hiebert - 8730
January 19
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13
The story is told of a beloved servant of the Lord who, in his own right, was very wealthy. One night in the prayer meeting he asked prayer for a brother who had had a great calamity.
A friend walking home with him enquired who the brother was for whom they had been praying. He replied, "Myself". "Oh," the other asked, "if it is not too inquisitive, may I know what the calamity is?" "I have just had word of a large legacy that has been left to me and the responsibility to use it aright is so heavy."
I believe that brother had learned the lesson how to abound. He and his devoted wife had a large and beautiful home in London, where they lived on the top floor, devoting the rest of the house to the Lord's people who were in need. My mother has told me how her widowed mother, with a young family, homeless for Christ's sake, were taken into that home and tenderly cared for.
But these are lessons that we may see in perfection only in Him "though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9) How it bows our hearts in adoration to know that "Though He were a Son, yet learned HE obedience by the things which He suffered." (Hebrews 5:8).
In (Philippians 2:8) We have the same word: "to run low:" but there it is He Himself who made Himself low. It is one of those amazing steps downward that we saw our Lord voluntarily take, for our sakes. So if we, like Paul, must learn the lesson of being brought low: let us remember our Lord knows all about it: He has walked that road before us; and none ever went so low as He.
G. Christopher Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8731
The story is told of a beloved servant of the Lord who, in his own right, was very wealthy. One night in the prayer meeting he asked prayer for a brother who had had a great calamity.
A friend walking home with him enquired who the brother was for whom they had been praying. He replied, "Myself". "Oh," the other asked, "if it is not too inquisitive, may I know what the calamity is?" "I have just had word of a large legacy that has been left to me and the responsibility to use it aright is so heavy."
I believe that brother had learned the lesson how to abound. He and his devoted wife had a large and beautiful home in London, where they lived on the top floor, devoting the rest of the house to the Lord's people who were in need. My mother has told me how her widowed mother, with a young family, homeless for Christ's sake, were taken into that home and tenderly cared for.
But these are lessons that we may see in perfection only in Him "though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9) How it bows our hearts in adoration to know that "Though He were a Son, yet learned HE obedience by the things which He suffered." (Hebrews 5:8).
In (Philippians 2:8) We have the same word: "to run low:" but there it is He Himself who made Himself low. It is one of those amazing steps downward that we saw our Lord voluntarily take, for our sakes. So if we, like Paul, must learn the lesson of being brought low: let us remember our Lord knows all about it: He has walked that road before us; and none ever went so low as He.
G. Christopher Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8731
January 20
And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on Him, saying, if Thou be the Christ, save Thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this Man hath done nothing amiss.
Luke 23:39-41
Is not the testimony of this recent convert beautiful? "This Man hath done nothing amiss." (Luke 23:41) He confesses his own sin, and judges it too, and at the same moment gets a glimpse of, and proclaims the glories of the Saviour's character. This man, in the very jaws of death himself, and when every possible evidence was against Christ, discovers His worth, and proclaims alike His excellences, His Lordship, and His Kingly rights, "...He hath done nothing amiss." (Luke 23:41) He is Lord and King, and although He is dying now, He will rise and come in His kingdom. Splendid testimony of faith!
The next moment he says, "Lord remember me when Thou comest into Thy Kingdom." (Luke 23:42). That is all the length his faith got then; but mark the Lord's answer, "Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with Me in paradise." (Luke 23:43).
Oh! look at the Saviour's grace to the man who confides in Him. That other thief, hand and glove with the world, was railing against Him--infidelity, rationalism, and reason were working in all save one, as they stood, or hung, taunting Him to save Himself, if He were the Christ, and if He were the King. The poor thief sees that He is a King; sees that He is the Christ the Son of God, and then owns that He is his Lord! Seekers for Light - W. T. P. Wolston, M. D.
N.J. Hiebert - 8732
Luke 23:39-41
Is not the testimony of this recent convert beautiful? "This Man hath done nothing amiss." (Luke 23:41) He confesses his own sin, and judges it too, and at the same moment gets a glimpse of, and proclaims the glories of the Saviour's character. This man, in the very jaws of death himself, and when every possible evidence was against Christ, discovers His worth, and proclaims alike His excellences, His Lordship, and His Kingly rights, "...He hath done nothing amiss." (Luke 23:41) He is Lord and King, and although He is dying now, He will rise and come in His kingdom. Splendid testimony of faith!
The next moment he says, "Lord remember me when Thou comest into Thy Kingdom." (Luke 23:42). That is all the length his faith got then; but mark the Lord's answer, "Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with Me in paradise." (Luke 23:43).
Oh! look at the Saviour's grace to the man who confides in Him. That other thief, hand and glove with the world, was railing against Him--infidelity, rationalism, and reason were working in all save one, as they stood, or hung, taunting Him to save Himself, if He were the Christ, and if He were the King. The poor thief sees that He is a King; sees that He is the Christ the Son of God, and then owns that He is his Lord! Seekers for Light - W. T. P. Wolston, M. D.
N.J. Hiebert - 8732
January 21
Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father giveth you the true bread from Heaven. For the bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. John 6:32-33
Of the manna, we read that "they gathered it every morning" (Exodus 16:21). Viewed typically and spiritually, these words present a philosophy of life for the Christian believer. They constitute the secret of safety, of certainty, and of enjoyment. To the holy habit of daily feeding on the heavenly manna, which is set before us in the sacred page of Scripture, is attributable our joy (Jeremiah 15:16), our peace (Psalm 119:165), our fruitfulness (Psalm 1:2,3), our security in the hour of peril (Psalm 17:4).
Christian men and women must read and study the Word of God. No pressure of Christian work, in all the manifold activities of the present day, should prevent the daily, devotional perusal of God's Holy Word. Christian effort cannot be substituted for thoughtful and serious attention to what we are taught of God in His Holy Book, and by which we are to be renewed and sanctified. We must be filled with divine truth if we are to grow in the divine life. Our Christian activities, furthermore, can only be sustained and enlarged by much communion with Christ through His Word.
The sources of great rivers are hidden away in mountain and glen. Fountains burst out in secluded places, and gentle brooks run through shaded ravines. They meet at length, and, mingling in their onward flow, set at work industrial activity in a thousand shapes and forms. But would keep all these activities in motion if the fountains should fail, and the brooks be dried up? What shall sustain steadily the long-continued effort of the Church of Christ to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, save the feeding of each member of the elect body in the green pastures of the divine Word? The real power to do great things for Christ must come from secluded places, where men commune with God and gather motives, convictions and incitements to effort, from His word. The Pearl of Psalms - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 8733
Of the manna, we read that "they gathered it every morning" (Exodus 16:21). Viewed typically and spiritually, these words present a philosophy of life for the Christian believer. They constitute the secret of safety, of certainty, and of enjoyment. To the holy habit of daily feeding on the heavenly manna, which is set before us in the sacred page of Scripture, is attributable our joy (Jeremiah 15:16), our peace (Psalm 119:165), our fruitfulness (Psalm 1:2,3), our security in the hour of peril (Psalm 17:4).
Christian men and women must read and study the Word of God. No pressure of Christian work, in all the manifold activities of the present day, should prevent the daily, devotional perusal of God's Holy Word. Christian effort cannot be substituted for thoughtful and serious attention to what we are taught of God in His Holy Book, and by which we are to be renewed and sanctified. We must be filled with divine truth if we are to grow in the divine life. Our Christian activities, furthermore, can only be sustained and enlarged by much communion with Christ through His Word.
The sources of great rivers are hidden away in mountain and glen. Fountains burst out in secluded places, and gentle brooks run through shaded ravines. They meet at length, and, mingling in their onward flow, set at work industrial activity in a thousand shapes and forms. But would keep all these activities in motion if the fountains should fail, and the brooks be dried up? What shall sustain steadily the long-continued effort of the Church of Christ to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, save the feeding of each member of the elect body in the green pastures of the divine Word? The real power to do great things for Christ must come from secluded places, where men commune with God and gather motives, convictions and incitements to effort, from His word. The Pearl of Psalms - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 8733
January 22
And when he came to himself, he said, how many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father . . . Luke 15:17,18
The eager father welcomes back the returning prodigal. But we should not overlook the fact, that it was when the ungrateful youth "came to himself" (Luke 15:17) and took the position of self-judgment because of his wicked folly, and actually turned his face homeward, that the father ran to him, though still a great way off, and fell on his neck and kissed him.
He did not wait for his boy to ring the door bell or knock in fear and anxiety on the gate. But, on the other hand, he did not offer him the kiss of forgiveness while he was down among the swine. He hastened to meet him when, in repentance, he turned homeward with words of confession in his heart.
Does all this becloud grace? Surely not. Rather it magnifies and exalts it. For it is to unworthy sinners who recognize and acknowledge their dire condition that God finds delight in showing undeserved favour. H.A. Ironside
In rags and in ruin, without and within, one terrible mass of pollution and sin;
By false friends deserted, of fortune bereft, he turns to the home he once eagerly left.
O! none can restore, nor such deep sin efface, but the One who comes forth in such infinite grace;
For grace is above all his sin and distress, and he's nothing to do--save his sin to confess!
What an earnest and seal of unspeakable bliss Is conveyed in the Father's affectionate kiss!
The lost one is found, and the servants must bring, at the Father's command, the shoes and the ring.
And the very best robe, and the fatling and wine, What a change from the rags, the husks, and the swine
With music and dancing-tis something so new, such a fullness of blessing-and nothing to do!
N.J. Hiebert - 8734
The eager father welcomes back the returning prodigal. But we should not overlook the fact, that it was when the ungrateful youth "came to himself" (Luke 15:17) and took the position of self-judgment because of his wicked folly, and actually turned his face homeward, that the father ran to him, though still a great way off, and fell on his neck and kissed him.
He did not wait for his boy to ring the door bell or knock in fear and anxiety on the gate. But, on the other hand, he did not offer him the kiss of forgiveness while he was down among the swine. He hastened to meet him when, in repentance, he turned homeward with words of confession in his heart.
Does all this becloud grace? Surely not. Rather it magnifies and exalts it. For it is to unworthy sinners who recognize and acknowledge their dire condition that God finds delight in showing undeserved favour. H.A. Ironside
In rags and in ruin, without and within, one terrible mass of pollution and sin;
By false friends deserted, of fortune bereft, he turns to the home he once eagerly left.
O! none can restore, nor such deep sin efface, but the One who comes forth in such infinite grace;
For grace is above all his sin and distress, and he's nothing to do--save his sin to confess!
What an earnest and seal of unspeakable bliss Is conveyed in the Father's affectionate kiss!
The lost one is found, and the servants must bring, at the Father's command, the shoes and the ring.
And the very best robe, and the fatling and wine, What a change from the rags, the husks, and the swine
With music and dancing-tis something so new, such a fullness of blessing-and nothing to do!
N.J. Hiebert - 8734
January 23
A PROMISE TO MEET EVERY FEAR
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper. Isaiah 54:17
Man's curse shall be turned into God's blessing: Jehovah Himself, watering His vineyard every moment, says: "Lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day." (Isaiah 27:3) Again, the promise, with a solemn condition, takes an even stronger form: "Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing." (Ecclesiastics 8:5)
Is not all this enough? It might well be, but His wonderful love has yet more to say--not only that nothing shall hurt us, but that "all things work together for our good; (Romans 8:28) not merely shall work, but actually are working. All things, if it means all things, must include exactly those very things, whatever they may be, which you and I are tempted to think will hurt us, or, at least, may hurt us.
Now will we trust today our own ideas, or God's Word? One or the other must be mistaken. Which is it? Christ, my own Master, my Lord, my God, has given a promise which meets every fear; therefore, "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makest me to dwell in safety." (Psalm 4:8) Opened Treasures - Francis Ridley Havergal
N.J. Hiebert - 8735
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper. Isaiah 54:17
Man's curse shall be turned into God's blessing: Jehovah Himself, watering His vineyard every moment, says: "Lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day." (Isaiah 27:3) Again, the promise, with a solemn condition, takes an even stronger form: "Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing." (Ecclesiastics 8:5)
Is not all this enough? It might well be, but His wonderful love has yet more to say--not only that nothing shall hurt us, but that "all things work together for our good; (Romans 8:28) not merely shall work, but actually are working. All things, if it means all things, must include exactly those very things, whatever they may be, which you and I are tempted to think will hurt us, or, at least, may hurt us.
Now will we trust today our own ideas, or God's Word? One or the other must be mistaken. Which is it? Christ, my own Master, my Lord, my God, has given a promise which meets every fear; therefore, "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makest me to dwell in safety." (Psalm 4:8) Opened Treasures - Francis Ridley Havergal
N.J. Hiebert - 8735
January 24
Lord, dost Thou not care? Luke 10:40
Could the man in the inn have addressed such words to the Samaritan? (Luke 10:33-35) Had he not heard the injunction "take care of him"? Had Martha known the teaching of that parable could she have ever used the words she did? Can we, who profess to believe that Christ was really drawing a picture of Himself, ever question His care?
Is not the whole parable of the Good Samaritan just an answer to this touching appeal of Martha's? And in the light of this fact, the story Christ tells assumes a meaning wonderful and grand in the extreme. For does it not assure us there is One Who cares, and that the deepest cry of the human heart has been anticipated? There is One Who thinks of us and is capable of providing for our every need.
Another point in connection with Martha's utterance is anticipated by the parable. She felt her loneliness. "Dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone?" Alone and uncared for! This is what she felt at that moment; and hers is not an isolated case. Deep down in the innermost recesses of every human spirit the same thing is felt, until the truth is known that God cares. Man has lost God, and he is bound to feel alone until God is met with again. He is to be met with in the person of the One Who portrayed Himself as the Good Samaritan.
"A certain Samaritan, as He journeyed, came where he was." The underlying truth here is that God is ever seeking man, and seeking him in order to help. Martha's utterance therefore expresses the truth, however much we try to disguise it. A feeling of loneliness and neglect will steal over us some time or other, and it is just this feeling of loneliness and neglect that is the fruitful source of all care. Life is too great for us alone, its strain too severe, its demands more than we can meet, and the final issue too wonderful and far reaching for any of us unaided. Angels in White - Russell Elliott
N.J.Hiebert - 8736
Could the man in the inn have addressed such words to the Samaritan? (Luke 10:33-35) Had he not heard the injunction "take care of him"? Had Martha known the teaching of that parable could she have ever used the words she did? Can we, who profess to believe that Christ was really drawing a picture of Himself, ever question His care?
Is not the whole parable of the Good Samaritan just an answer to this touching appeal of Martha's? And in the light of this fact, the story Christ tells assumes a meaning wonderful and grand in the extreme. For does it not assure us there is One Who cares, and that the deepest cry of the human heart has been anticipated? There is One Who thinks of us and is capable of providing for our every need.
Another point in connection with Martha's utterance is anticipated by the parable. She felt her loneliness. "Dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone?" Alone and uncared for! This is what she felt at that moment; and hers is not an isolated case. Deep down in the innermost recesses of every human spirit the same thing is felt, until the truth is known that God cares. Man has lost God, and he is bound to feel alone until God is met with again. He is to be met with in the person of the One Who portrayed Himself as the Good Samaritan.
"A certain Samaritan, as He journeyed, came where he was." The underlying truth here is that God is ever seeking man, and seeking him in order to help. Martha's utterance therefore expresses the truth, however much we try to disguise it. A feeling of loneliness and neglect will steal over us some time or other, and it is just this feeling of loneliness and neglect that is the fruitful source of all care. Life is too great for us alone, its strain too severe, its demands more than we can meet, and the final issue too wonderful and far reaching for any of us unaided. Angels in White - Russell Elliott
N.J.Hiebert - 8736
January 25
Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law. Psalm 119:18
No one should be in bondage regarding the hour of the day, or the amount of time, which should be set aside for the reading of the Word of God and prayer; for these vary with individuals. Mothers, nurses, and many others have duties in the morning hours which they may not neglect; but experience shows that for Christians generally, and young preachers in particular, the morning hour is the most helpful one. The daybreak blessing is the daylong gain.
Recognizing, then, the absolute necessity for daily communion with our Father through His Word and in prayer, let me now speak to you of how we may make the most of of the time at our disposal.
Begin by an act of faith, realizing that you are in the presence of God. "For He that cometh to God must believe that He is" (Hebrews 11:6). Ask Him, "Open Thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law."
A young lady was asked to explain what was meant by the devotional reading of the Bible. She replied, "Yesterday morning I received a letter from one to whom I have given my heart and devoted my life. I freely confess to you that I have read that letter five times; not because I did not understand it at first reading, nor because I expected to commend myself to the author by frequent reading of his letter. It was not with me a question of duty, but simply one of pleasure. I read it because I am devoted to the one who wrote it."
To read the Bible with the same motive is to read it devotionally; and to the one who reads in that spirit it is indeed a love letter.
The Wonderful Word - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 8737
No one should be in bondage regarding the hour of the day, or the amount of time, which should be set aside for the reading of the Word of God and prayer; for these vary with individuals. Mothers, nurses, and many others have duties in the morning hours which they may not neglect; but experience shows that for Christians generally, and young preachers in particular, the morning hour is the most helpful one. The daybreak blessing is the daylong gain.
Recognizing, then, the absolute necessity for daily communion with our Father through His Word and in prayer, let me now speak to you of how we may make the most of of the time at our disposal.
Begin by an act of faith, realizing that you are in the presence of God. "For He that cometh to God must believe that He is" (Hebrews 11:6). Ask Him, "Open Thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law."
A young lady was asked to explain what was meant by the devotional reading of the Bible. She replied, "Yesterday morning I received a letter from one to whom I have given my heart and devoted my life. I freely confess to you that I have read that letter five times; not because I did not understand it at first reading, nor because I expected to commend myself to the author by frequent reading of his letter. It was not with me a question of duty, but simply one of pleasure. I read it because I am devoted to the one who wrote it."
To read the Bible with the same motive is to read it devotionally; and to the one who reads in that spirit it is indeed a love letter.
The Wonderful Word - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 8737
January 26
For there remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Hebrews 4:9,10
Of ourselves we may have but little weight, no particular talents or position or anything else to put into the scale; but let us remember that again and again God has shown that the influence of a very average life when once really consecrated to Him may outweigh that of almost any number of merely professing Christians.
Such lives are like Gideon's three hundred, carrying not even the ordinary weapons of war but only trumpets and lamps and empty pitchers by whom the Lord wrought great deliverance while (Judges 7:7-22) he did not use the others at all. For He hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. Should not all this be additional motive for desiring that our whole selves should be taken and kept?
I know that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever. Therefore we may rejoicingly say "ever" as well as "only" and "all for Thee." For "the Lord is thy Keeper" (Psalm 121:5) and He is the Almighty and the Everlasting God, with whom "is no variableness neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17). He will never change His mind about keeping us, and "no man is able to pluck us out of His hand." (John 10:28)
Neither will Christ let us pluck ourselves out of His hand, for He says, "Thou shalt abide for me many days." (Hosea 3:3) And "He that keepeth us will not slumber" (Psalm 121:3) Once having undertaken His vineyard He will keep it night and day, till all the days and nights are over and we know the full meaning of the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time unto which we are kept by His power. And then, forever for Him! Passing from the gracious keeping by faith for this little while to the glorious keeping in His presence for all eternity. Kept for the Master's Use - Frances Ridley Havergal
N.J. Hiebert - 8738
Of ourselves we may have but little weight, no particular talents or position or anything else to put into the scale; but let us remember that again and again God has shown that the influence of a very average life when once really consecrated to Him may outweigh that of almost any number of merely professing Christians.
Such lives are like Gideon's three hundred, carrying not even the ordinary weapons of war but only trumpets and lamps and empty pitchers by whom the Lord wrought great deliverance while (Judges 7:7-22) he did not use the others at all. For He hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. Should not all this be additional motive for desiring that our whole selves should be taken and kept?
I know that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever. Therefore we may rejoicingly say "ever" as well as "only" and "all for Thee." For "the Lord is thy Keeper" (Psalm 121:5) and He is the Almighty and the Everlasting God, with whom "is no variableness neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17). He will never change His mind about keeping us, and "no man is able to pluck us out of His hand." (John 10:28)
Neither will Christ let us pluck ourselves out of His hand, for He says, "Thou shalt abide for me many days." (Hosea 3:3) And "He that keepeth us will not slumber" (Psalm 121:3) Once having undertaken His vineyard He will keep it night and day, till all the days and nights are over and we know the full meaning of the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time unto which we are kept by His power. And then, forever for Him! Passing from the gracious keeping by faith for this little while to the glorious keeping in His presence for all eternity. Kept for the Master's Use - Frances Ridley Havergal
N.J. Hiebert - 8738
January 27
And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2:8
The Father commanded His beloved Son to die the death of the cross. What glorious obedience was this. (Philippians 2:8).
Such a commandment could never have been given to a creature. The commandment to die for the sheep was given by the Father to the Son. "I lay down My life for the sheep. . . this commandment have I received of My Father (John 10:15,18). When the Lord Jesus entered the world, He said, "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God" (Hebrews 10:9). When our Lord came to Gethsemane, the words of Isaiah the prophet were fulfilled.
"The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. I gave My back to the smiters, and My cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not My face from shame and spitting" (Isaiah 50:5-6).
What confidence the Father must have had in the Son's love and faithfulness to give Him such a commandment as this! What love the Son must have had for the Father, to bear at His commandment the curse and death of the cross!
A Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake
"Crowned with thorns upon the tree;
Silent in Thine agony;
Dying crushed beneath the load,
Of the wrath and curse of God."
H. Grattan Guinness
N.J. Hiebert - 8739
The Father commanded His beloved Son to die the death of the cross. What glorious obedience was this. (Philippians 2:8).
Such a commandment could never have been given to a creature. The commandment to die for the sheep was given by the Father to the Son. "I lay down My life for the sheep. . . this commandment have I received of My Father (John 10:15,18). When the Lord Jesus entered the world, He said, "Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God" (Hebrews 10:9). When our Lord came to Gethsemane, the words of Isaiah the prophet were fulfilled.
"The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. I gave My back to the smiters, and My cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not My face from shame and spitting" (Isaiah 50:5-6).
What confidence the Father must have had in the Son's love and faithfulness to give Him such a commandment as this! What love the Son must have had for the Father, to bear at His commandment the curse and death of the cross!
A Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake
"Crowned with thorns upon the tree;
Silent in Thine agony;
Dying crushed beneath the load,
Of the wrath and curse of God."
H. Grattan Guinness
N.J. Hiebert - 8739
January 28
And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. (Acts 3:2-3) This man was above forty years old." (Acts 4:22)
Forty, is in Scripture, the number of perfect probation. Every one knew him, he was no longer a child, and he was in a condition that no one could meet or reach; and now he is met by the power of the Name of Jesus. Forty years old, and well known, no one could dispute the fact of his being healed. A notable miracle was to be wrought, and God takes care to have it well attested.
The poor lame beggar is the type of a sinner who has got nothing if he has not got Christ. "And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them." (Acts 3:4,5) No doubt his heart beat high as he heard Peter's words. He thought to receive something of them, and he did not know what that something was. He was like many a one now casting about to get money.
"Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." (Acts 3:6) How his heart must have sunk as he heard theses words, "Silver and gold have I none" and thought--They are two paupers, just like myself. But observe, that ere he has time to be thoroughly depressed, Peter goes on to bid him to "rise up and walk. And he took him by by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength." (Acts 3: 6,7)
The power of that name thrills through him, "and he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God." (Acts 3:8) I understand His radiant and immense joy that a sinner feels, when the Gospel meets him, and he finds his sins forgiven--washed away through his Saviour's blood. Simon Peter - W. T. P. Wolston
N.J. Hiebert - 8740
Forty, is in Scripture, the number of perfect probation. Every one knew him, he was no longer a child, and he was in a condition that no one could meet or reach; and now he is met by the power of the Name of Jesus. Forty years old, and well known, no one could dispute the fact of his being healed. A notable miracle was to be wrought, and God takes care to have it well attested.
The poor lame beggar is the type of a sinner who has got nothing if he has not got Christ. "And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them." (Acts 3:4,5) No doubt his heart beat high as he heard Peter's words. He thought to receive something of them, and he did not know what that something was. He was like many a one now casting about to get money.
"Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." (Acts 3:6) How his heart must have sunk as he heard theses words, "Silver and gold have I none" and thought--They are two paupers, just like myself. But observe, that ere he has time to be thoroughly depressed, Peter goes on to bid him to "rise up and walk. And he took him by by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength." (Acts 3: 6,7)
The power of that name thrills through him, "and he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God." (Acts 3:8) I understand His radiant and immense joy that a sinner feels, when the Gospel meets him, and he finds his sins forgiven--washed away through his Saviour's blood. Simon Peter - W. T. P. Wolston
N.J. Hiebert - 8740
January 29
All the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen. 2 Corinthians 1:20
If everything fails on earth and in relation to man, there is no failure in Christ. He is the same at the end as at the beginning. How appropriate then, as well as impressive, that in this closing address to a Church (Laodicea - Revelation 3:17-20) in its last and worst stage of corruption, about to be utterly rejected, He presents Himself as the Amen--the Verily. The One in Whom all will yet be made good. No promise shall fail, no word shall fruitless fall.
In Revelation 1, He is declared to be the faithful witness, but He is also the true Witness. Nothing will fail in His hands, for He is faithful: and He is true, for He is altogether that which He says He is. Here again, there is contrast. The Church should have been a "faithful and true witness." (Revelation 3:14) She has not been faithful, for she has failed, and God's interests and man's have suffered; she has not been true, for she bears a false character before the world, and there is a want of reality.
What need then to turn more than ever to Christ, Who alone is the faithful and true witness, His witness as to God, as to Himself, as to sin and its consequences, as to the Scriptures, may be accepted in the face of Modernism, and all the varied and discordant voices of the hour. There is still One to Whom we can turn. He will never fail us, never disappoint. He declared that He came to bear witness unto the truth.
"The creation of God" (Revelation 3:14) referred to here is doubtless "new creation." The order of things originally established, with Adam as Head, is breaking up and hastening to its dissolution. It is marked by sin and sorrow and suffering, by revolt against God and unrestrained lawlessness, and must give place to a new order, in which God will find His rest. Christ is here said to be the beginning of it. When He was raised from the dead this new creation came into being and a new order was established, where all that marks this present scene--death and judgment and sin and sorrow--will have no place. It is called "The creation of God," for everything will be according to God and for His pleasure--the result of His power and love.
The heavens will be opened upon a Man, the angels of God will be His Minsters, and all will rest upon the work and centre round the Person of the One Who in grace gave Himself for sinners. Russell Elliott
N.J. Hiebert - 8741
If everything fails on earth and in relation to man, there is no failure in Christ. He is the same at the end as at the beginning. How appropriate then, as well as impressive, that in this closing address to a Church (Laodicea - Revelation 3:17-20) in its last and worst stage of corruption, about to be utterly rejected, He presents Himself as the Amen--the Verily. The One in Whom all will yet be made good. No promise shall fail, no word shall fruitless fall.
In Revelation 1, He is declared to be the faithful witness, but He is also the true Witness. Nothing will fail in His hands, for He is faithful: and He is true, for He is altogether that which He says He is. Here again, there is contrast. The Church should have been a "faithful and true witness." (Revelation 3:14) She has not been faithful, for she has failed, and God's interests and man's have suffered; she has not been true, for she bears a false character before the world, and there is a want of reality.
What need then to turn more than ever to Christ, Who alone is the faithful and true witness, His witness as to God, as to Himself, as to sin and its consequences, as to the Scriptures, may be accepted in the face of Modernism, and all the varied and discordant voices of the hour. There is still One to Whom we can turn. He will never fail us, never disappoint. He declared that He came to bear witness unto the truth.
"The creation of God" (Revelation 3:14) referred to here is doubtless "new creation." The order of things originally established, with Adam as Head, is breaking up and hastening to its dissolution. It is marked by sin and sorrow and suffering, by revolt against God and unrestrained lawlessness, and must give place to a new order, in which God will find His rest. Christ is here said to be the beginning of it. When He was raised from the dead this new creation came into being and a new order was established, where all that marks this present scene--death and judgment and sin and sorrow--will have no place. It is called "The creation of God," for everything will be according to God and for His pleasure--the result of His power and love.
The heavens will be opened upon a Man, the angels of God will be His Minsters, and all will rest upon the work and centre round the Person of the One Who in grace gave Himself for sinners. Russell Elliott
N.J. Hiebert - 8741
January 30
Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Psalm 37:3
There is endless wealth for us, and many kinds of wealth. The beauty of the world is one; the love which makes life such a joy is another; but the Hebrew of Psalm 37:3 gives us the richest treasure of all. Feed on faithfulness. That is the faithfulness of God.
There are various ways of feeding on faithfulness. One way is found in Bible reading. How do we read? In snippets? In little bits chosen for the lambs of the flock? That is good while we are lambs, but it is not enough for us after we grow up into Christ.
"I read a chapter a day," say some, and feel that is quite enough. It is not enough.
Are you in earnest to be fed? "The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat." (Proverbs13:4) Our Father wants His children to be diligent, to take trouble to find what He has stored up for them. He loves to give, but the sluggish soul cannot receive. It is too sleepy, too lazy, too contented with itself to be strengthened and enriched and made a blessing to others.
May God give us new diligence, so that as we read we shall be fed and strengthened and made strong to help others.
Amy Carmichael (1867 - 1951)
N.J. Hiebert - 8742
There is endless wealth for us, and many kinds of wealth. The beauty of the world is one; the love which makes life such a joy is another; but the Hebrew of Psalm 37:3 gives us the richest treasure of all. Feed on faithfulness. That is the faithfulness of God.
There are various ways of feeding on faithfulness. One way is found in Bible reading. How do we read? In snippets? In little bits chosen for the lambs of the flock? That is good while we are lambs, but it is not enough for us after we grow up into Christ.
"I read a chapter a day," say some, and feel that is quite enough. It is not enough.
Are you in earnest to be fed? "The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat." (Proverbs13:4) Our Father wants His children to be diligent, to take trouble to find what He has stored up for them. He loves to give, but the sluggish soul cannot receive. It is too sleepy, too lazy, too contented with itself to be strengthened and enriched and made a blessing to others.
May God give us new diligence, so that as we read we shall be fed and strengthened and made strong to help others.
Amy Carmichael (1867 - 1951)
N.J. Hiebert - 8742
January 31
What Incarnation Could Not Accomplish
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
John 1:29
However, the great purpose of the incarnation of the Son of God was His work of redemption. For this great purpose He came into the world. He came that, after a life, which completely glorified the Father and upheld His holy law and vindicated God's rights as the lawgiver. He might accomplish the great work of atonement. John stated this great work the Son of God came to do in a brief sentence. "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."
Sin, that accursed thing, had to be taken out of the way. Propitiation for sins had to be made. A sacrifice had to be brought which would glorify a holy God and satisfy, as well as exalt, His righteousness. Peace had to be made. The sins of many had to be paid and the full penalty of them to be borne.
Incarnation in itself, the marvellous and ever blessed humiliation of the Son of God by taking on the human form, His holy blessed life, His loving words, words of life and peace, yea, all He did in deeds of love and compassion could never accomplish this. Incarnation brought God to Man, but could never bring bring man back to a holy God.
Incarnation could not make an end of sin, nor make it possible for a righteous God to show mercy to the fallen and the lost, in a righteous way. This great work of redemption could only be accomplished by His death on the cross. For this He had come. He came to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. The Author and Prince of Life came that He might give His Life a ransom for many. The good Shepherd appeared to give His life for the sheep. By His death alone, the great work of redemption could be accomplished. The Work of Christ - A. C. Gaebelein
N.J. Hiebert - 8743
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
John 1:29
However, the great purpose of the incarnation of the Son of God was His work of redemption. For this great purpose He came into the world. He came that, after a life, which completely glorified the Father and upheld His holy law and vindicated God's rights as the lawgiver. He might accomplish the great work of atonement. John stated this great work the Son of God came to do in a brief sentence. "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."
Sin, that accursed thing, had to be taken out of the way. Propitiation for sins had to be made. A sacrifice had to be brought which would glorify a holy God and satisfy, as well as exalt, His righteousness. Peace had to be made. The sins of many had to be paid and the full penalty of them to be borne.
Incarnation in itself, the marvellous and ever blessed humiliation of the Son of God by taking on the human form, His holy blessed life, His loving words, words of life and peace, yea, all He did in deeds of love and compassion could never accomplish this. Incarnation brought God to Man, but could never bring bring man back to a holy God.
Incarnation could not make an end of sin, nor make it possible for a righteous God to show mercy to the fallen and the lost, in a righteous way. This great work of redemption could only be accomplished by His death on the cross. For this He had come. He came to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. The Author and Prince of Life came that He might give His Life a ransom for many. The good Shepherd appeared to give His life for the sheep. By His death alone, the great work of redemption could be accomplished. The Work of Christ - A. C. Gaebelein
N.J. Hiebert - 8743
February 1
There shall come in the last days scoffers...saying, where, is the promise of His coming? 2 Peter 3:3,4 For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Hebrews 10:37 Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Rev. 22:20
Where is the promise of His coming?
It is settled in the counsel of the Lord;
By prophets, saints and sages through the slow march of the ages
It was blazoned on the pages of His Word.
Where is the promise of His coming?
It was given unto Israel of old,
And through sore humiliation it is still their consolation
While they wait the restoration long foretold.
Where is the promise of His coming?
It is hidden in the hearts of His redeemed;
In the gloom of shadowed spaces 'tis a light on lifted faces
From the radiant heavenly places whence it streamed.
Where is the promise of His coming?
It is written in the records of the past,
In the evils unabated, in the blood-lust still unsated,
In the woes reiterated to the last.
Where is the promise of His coming?
It is shouted by the thunder of the guns,
By the flaming forges burning, where the plows to swords are turning,
By the weeping mothers yearning for their sons.
Where is the promise of His coming?
It is flashed around the world with every sun;
Every day's event a token that God's purpose stands unbroken,
And the things that He has spoken shall be done.
Where is the promise of His coming?
All the sentient earth with joy electric hums;
On the waves of air 'tis flowing, on the winds of heaven blowing,
Sign on sign its surety showing, till He comes. Annie Johnson Flint
N.J. Hiebert - 8744
Where is the promise of His coming?
It is settled in the counsel of the Lord;
By prophets, saints and sages through the slow march of the ages
It was blazoned on the pages of His Word.
Where is the promise of His coming?
It was given unto Israel of old,
And through sore humiliation it is still their consolation
While they wait the restoration long foretold.
Where is the promise of His coming?
It is hidden in the hearts of His redeemed;
In the gloom of shadowed spaces 'tis a light on lifted faces
From the radiant heavenly places whence it streamed.
Where is the promise of His coming?
It is written in the records of the past,
In the evils unabated, in the blood-lust still unsated,
In the woes reiterated to the last.
Where is the promise of His coming?
It is shouted by the thunder of the guns,
By the flaming forges burning, where the plows to swords are turning,
By the weeping mothers yearning for their sons.
Where is the promise of His coming?
It is flashed around the world with every sun;
Every day's event a token that God's purpose stands unbroken,
And the things that He has spoken shall be done.
Where is the promise of His coming?
All the sentient earth with joy electric hums;
On the waves of air 'tis flowing, on the winds of heaven blowing,
Sign on sign its surety showing, till He comes. Annie Johnson Flint
N.J. Hiebert - 8744
February 2
So the shipmaster came to him, (Jonah) and said unto him, what meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not. Jonah 1:6
I love those words. True, he did not know God as Jonah knew Him, for who could give a truer and more glorious character to God than Jonah: "I knew that Thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great loving-kindness and repentest Thee of the evil." (Jonah 4:2) but the shipmaster did not know a God of such a character. The heathen knew nothing of a God like this: but he does venture to hope:
"Arise call upon thy God, Perhaps God will think upon us, that we perish not." (Jonah 1:6) Later we hear them pray, not every man to his god, but this time to Jehovah Himself, and they say, "Ah, Jehovah, we beseech Thee, let us not perish for this man's life." (Jonah 1:14)
Later again, we hear the king of Nineveh, another heathen, exhorting his people to turn from their sins, "Who knoweth but that God will turn . . . that we perish not." (Jonah 3:9). There may have been but the feeblest, and most ignorant turning to the true God, the object before them being only that they should not perish, but how richly did God meet them in each case.
Can we read those words "perish not," repeated three times, without thinking of that most glorious of verses, "God so loved the world, that He gave, His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life"? (John 3:16)
Truly God has found a way so that the vilest of sinners should not perish. How can we, who have tasted of such grace and love, ever cease to praise Him? How can we refuse or neglect to tell out such glorious news to those who have never heard? How can we let them go on and perish in their sins? Jonah the Prophet - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8745
I love those words. True, he did not know God as Jonah knew Him, for who could give a truer and more glorious character to God than Jonah: "I knew that Thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great loving-kindness and repentest Thee of the evil." (Jonah 4:2) but the shipmaster did not know a God of such a character. The heathen knew nothing of a God like this: but he does venture to hope:
"Arise call upon thy God, Perhaps God will think upon us, that we perish not." (Jonah 1:6) Later we hear them pray, not every man to his god, but this time to Jehovah Himself, and they say, "Ah, Jehovah, we beseech Thee, let us not perish for this man's life." (Jonah 1:14)
Later again, we hear the king of Nineveh, another heathen, exhorting his people to turn from their sins, "Who knoweth but that God will turn . . . that we perish not." (Jonah 3:9). There may have been but the feeblest, and most ignorant turning to the true God, the object before them being only that they should not perish, but how richly did God meet them in each case.
Can we read those words "perish not," repeated three times, without thinking of that most glorious of verses, "God so loved the world, that He gave, His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life"? (John 3:16)
Truly God has found a way so that the vilest of sinners should not perish. How can we, who have tasted of such grace and love, ever cease to praise Him? How can we refuse or neglect to tell out such glorious news to those who have never heard? How can we let them go on and perish in their sins? Jonah the Prophet - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8745
February 3
My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?
Psalm 22:1
The greatest of all the Lord's sufferings were from God. With hushed breath, we must speak of this. It is the Holy of Holies of the great work on the cross; the impenetrable mystery of the atoning work of the Son of God. From the darkness which enshrouded the cross and the blessed Sufferer on the accursed tree, there came the mournful cry: "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"
It made known the awful suffering, which the Lamb of God, the substitute of sinners, endured from the hand of a Holy God. He was smitten and afflicted of God. Have you noticed that in Psalm 22 this cry of the Sufferer on the cross stands first?
Man would have written the sufferings of Christ in a far different way. All the agony of the cross and its shame would have been described first by man. Then how the multitude mocked and darkness came over the entire scene--then last of all, it would have been stated, He cried, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?"
But the Holy Spirit in this great Prophecy puts the cry of deepest agony first. Why? Because in that hour the great work of atonement, propitiation, sin-bearing, judgment and wrath enduring, was once and for all accomplished. In this same Psalm we read what men energized by Satan's power, did unto Him.
But man could not put Him to death. It is written, "Thou (God) hast brought me into the dust of death." (Psalm 22:15). God's own hand rested upon Him. "God laid upon Him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6). "It pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief." (Isaiah 53:10).
But what it all meant for the Son of God! Never shall we fully discover the greatness of the price which was paid. The Work of Christ - A. C. Gaebelein
N.J. HIebert - 8746
The greatest of all the Lord's sufferings were from God. With hushed breath, we must speak of this. It is the Holy of Holies of the great work on the cross; the impenetrable mystery of the atoning work of the Son of God. From the darkness which enshrouded the cross and the blessed Sufferer on the accursed tree, there came the mournful cry: "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"
It made known the awful suffering, which the Lamb of God, the substitute of sinners, endured from the hand of a Holy God. He was smitten and afflicted of God. Have you noticed that in Psalm 22 this cry of the Sufferer on the cross stands first?
Man would have written the sufferings of Christ in a far different way. All the agony of the cross and its shame would have been described first by man. Then how the multitude mocked and darkness came over the entire scene--then last of all, it would have been stated, He cried, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?"
But the Holy Spirit in this great Prophecy puts the cry of deepest agony first. Why? Because in that hour the great work of atonement, propitiation, sin-bearing, judgment and wrath enduring, was once and for all accomplished. In this same Psalm we read what men energized by Satan's power, did unto Him.
But man could not put Him to death. It is written, "Thou (God) hast brought me into the dust of death." (Psalm 22:15). God's own hand rested upon Him. "God laid upon Him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6). "It pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief." (Isaiah 53:10).
But what it all meant for the Son of God! Never shall we fully discover the greatness of the price which was paid. The Work of Christ - A. C. Gaebelein
N.J. HIebert - 8746
February 4
THE SPIRIT-CONTROLLED MIND
For it is God which worketh in you to will and to do of His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13
If I wish to have a Christian mind marked by the qualities of the mind of Christ, it is proper for the production of such a mind to come about by the inner working of the gracious Spirit in my mind. My appetites, my desires, my ambitions, my motives, will be molded and made up of impulses which had their origins with Him. The degree to which this is done daily in my life is proportional to the degree to which I deliberately allow Him to control my mind, emotions, and will.
Not only will this result in my thinking upon those things which are pure and lovely and of good report, (Philippians 4:8) but it will mean my entire life exudes a wholesome aura of decency and uplift and integrity. To be with me will be akin to walking amid the cedars of Lebanon--which are both noble and fragrant--trees of the high places. This is to know something of the secret growth in godliness.
When we accept Christ as our Saviour we are in-dwelt by the Holy Spirit. "In Whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in Whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise." (Ephesians 1:13)
The question is, have I ever sincerely and earnestly invited the Holy Spirit to take control of my mind in this manner? He desires to fill my soul and begin His own winsome work of growth. It is He who will give me a godly disposition. Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller (Read Philippians 2:12-18)
N.J. Hiebert - 8747
For it is God which worketh in you to will and to do of His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13
If I wish to have a Christian mind marked by the qualities of the mind of Christ, it is proper for the production of such a mind to come about by the inner working of the gracious Spirit in my mind. My appetites, my desires, my ambitions, my motives, will be molded and made up of impulses which had their origins with Him. The degree to which this is done daily in my life is proportional to the degree to which I deliberately allow Him to control my mind, emotions, and will.
Not only will this result in my thinking upon those things which are pure and lovely and of good report, (Philippians 4:8) but it will mean my entire life exudes a wholesome aura of decency and uplift and integrity. To be with me will be akin to walking amid the cedars of Lebanon--which are both noble and fragrant--trees of the high places. This is to know something of the secret growth in godliness.
When we accept Christ as our Saviour we are in-dwelt by the Holy Spirit. "In Whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in Whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise." (Ephesians 1:13)
The question is, have I ever sincerely and earnestly invited the Holy Spirit to take control of my mind in this manner? He desires to fill my soul and begin His own winsome work of growth. It is He who will give me a godly disposition. Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller (Read Philippians 2:12-18)
N.J. Hiebert - 8747
February 5
At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I (Gabriel) am come to show thee. Daniel 9: 23
Daniel's prayer was answered in a remarkable way. Before he had even finished his supplication, Gabriel appeared by his side and made a remarkable statement. We are living in an era of unprecedented speed of communications. We are able to send a message around the world in a matter of seconds. We are able to sit in our homes and watch events on the other side of the world as they happen. But never has a communication system been devised that can approach the miracle of prayer.
Think about it. Millions of Christians around the world can be praying at the same time. All these prayers wing their way across the infinite expanses of a universe whose limits scientists have not been abe to define, save only to know that what has been discovered is, in some cases, millions of light years away from our tiny insignificant planet. Yet across such infinitudes, the prayers of the sons of light ascend to the presence of deity, and an answer can be back before we rise from our knees. Now that is communication worth having.
Daniel had this communication available to him in that ancient era, and Gabriel, one of the most powerful angelic beings in the armies of heaven, was dispatched to speak to God's praying servant and to bring him an answer. Do we really believe in the miracle of prayer? Just imagine the interest around the globe if, for example, we advertised a two-way communication system being demonstrated at a certain time and place, which would put us in touch with dwellers on the furthest reaches of the universe.
Yet this two-way communication miracle is experienced millions of times every day by the people of God. Sadly, we have become so accustomed to it that personal prayer is often neglected, and the prayer meetings are often the poorest attended of all assembly meetings. Let us recapture the wonder of the miracle of prayer, and the fact that God is willing to dispatch His holy angels to our side to bring His answers to our prayers. Daniel - William Burnett
N.J. Hiebert - 8748
Daniel's prayer was answered in a remarkable way. Before he had even finished his supplication, Gabriel appeared by his side and made a remarkable statement. We are living in an era of unprecedented speed of communications. We are able to send a message around the world in a matter of seconds. We are able to sit in our homes and watch events on the other side of the world as they happen. But never has a communication system been devised that can approach the miracle of prayer.
Think about it. Millions of Christians around the world can be praying at the same time. All these prayers wing their way across the infinite expanses of a universe whose limits scientists have not been abe to define, save only to know that what has been discovered is, in some cases, millions of light years away from our tiny insignificant planet. Yet across such infinitudes, the prayers of the sons of light ascend to the presence of deity, and an answer can be back before we rise from our knees. Now that is communication worth having.
Daniel had this communication available to him in that ancient era, and Gabriel, one of the most powerful angelic beings in the armies of heaven, was dispatched to speak to God's praying servant and to bring him an answer. Do we really believe in the miracle of prayer? Just imagine the interest around the globe if, for example, we advertised a two-way communication system being demonstrated at a certain time and place, which would put us in touch with dwellers on the furthest reaches of the universe.
Yet this two-way communication miracle is experienced millions of times every day by the people of God. Sadly, we have become so accustomed to it that personal prayer is often neglected, and the prayer meetings are often the poorest attended of all assembly meetings. Let us recapture the wonder of the miracle of prayer, and the fact that God is willing to dispatch His holy angels to our side to bring His answers to our prayers. Daniel - William Burnett
N.J. Hiebert - 8748
February 6
The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. Proverbs 11:3 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge. 2 Peter 1:5
Often, the two words, 'integrity' and 'virtue' have similar meanings. We might say that they both have the sense of moral virtue and uprightness. Another way in which they might be used would be that they both express having the courage to stand for your convictions, clinging without flinching to what you firmly believe is right.
It may require that a person has to stand alone, but if their thoughts are guided by the precious Word of God, they will not be the loser, though they may not be understood. Sometimes it becomes necessary to speak out - patiently and in love, but firmly - against what you know is wrong.
We recently heard of this excellent example of virtue and integrity in use. A new, young surgical nurse was on her first surgical procedure with a well known surgeon in a highly respected hospital. She was understandably both nervous and quite determined to do her very best work in her first surgery.
As the surgeon was closing up the patient's incision after a successful surgery, the new young nurse, responsible for counting the surgical sponges used and removed, said to the surgeon, "Doctor, you have only removed eleven sponges. However we have used twelve on this patient." Staring at the new nurse the experienced surgeon curtly replied, "No, I've removed them all. We will continue to close the incision". "No", rejoined the nurse in a quiet but firm voice. She went on, "We used twelve sponges and only eleven of them have been removed".
Acting rather annoyed, the surgeon snapped, "I'll take the responsibility, nurse. Now we will suture". "But doctor", the nurse said in a very grim, emphatic tone; "You can't do that! Think of the patient. You are leaving a sponge inside the incision!" The doctor stared at the new nurse. Then a smile covered his face. He lifted his foot under which the12th sponge had been hidden. Grinning at her he said, You'll do fine, nurse. Welcome to my team!" Christian Shepherd.- 2014
N.J. Hiebert - 8749
Often, the two words, 'integrity' and 'virtue' have similar meanings. We might say that they both have the sense of moral virtue and uprightness. Another way in which they might be used would be that they both express having the courage to stand for your convictions, clinging without flinching to what you firmly believe is right.
It may require that a person has to stand alone, but if their thoughts are guided by the precious Word of God, they will not be the loser, though they may not be understood. Sometimes it becomes necessary to speak out - patiently and in love, but firmly - against what you know is wrong.
We recently heard of this excellent example of virtue and integrity in use. A new, young surgical nurse was on her first surgical procedure with a well known surgeon in a highly respected hospital. She was understandably both nervous and quite determined to do her very best work in her first surgery.
As the surgeon was closing up the patient's incision after a successful surgery, the new young nurse, responsible for counting the surgical sponges used and removed, said to the surgeon, "Doctor, you have only removed eleven sponges. However we have used twelve on this patient." Staring at the new nurse the experienced surgeon curtly replied, "No, I've removed them all. We will continue to close the incision". "No", rejoined the nurse in a quiet but firm voice. She went on, "We used twelve sponges and only eleven of them have been removed".
Acting rather annoyed, the surgeon snapped, "I'll take the responsibility, nurse. Now we will suture". "But doctor", the nurse said in a very grim, emphatic tone; "You can't do that! Think of the patient. You are leaving a sponge inside the incision!" The doctor stared at the new nurse. Then a smile covered his face. He lifted his foot under which the12th sponge had been hidden. Grinning at her he said, You'll do fine, nurse. Welcome to my team!" Christian Shepherd.- 2014
N.J. Hiebert - 8749
February 7
posted by soundwords at
January 04, 2022
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