Gems from September 2022
September 1
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Galatians 4:4-5
What an exciting thought-- "When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son." For centuries, which grew darker and darker, the faithful people of God waited for the promised Messiah who would reign, according to Isaiah 9:6, "Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
Isaiah goes on to say that "of the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end." "He will reign with judgment and with righteousness, from henceforth even forever." But when would He come? When would be this "fullness of the time"? It is not too difficult for us today to identify with the desire and longing expressed in the prophecies of the Old Testament that speak of a Redeemer who would come to deliver His people from the oppression and trouble all around them.
We too live in similar times. While there are a few bright spots of hope, they are quickly overshadowed by the vast amounts of selfishness, misery, strife, despair, and destruction all around us. But there is one great difference between then and now. "The fullness of the time" has come! And all who believe "God sent His Son".
The millennial time is yet to come when our Lord will reign physically over this earth in the manner described by Isaiah and the other prophets. But the time is here and now for each one of us to receive the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, the peace which shall guard our hearts and our thoughts by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). We can enjoy Him now if we recognize and own Him as the One sent to redeem us from our sins.
L.J. Ondrejack
N.J. Hiebert - 8957
What an exciting thought-- "When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son." For centuries, which grew darker and darker, the faithful people of God waited for the promised Messiah who would reign, according to Isaiah 9:6, "Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
Isaiah goes on to say that "of the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end." "He will reign with judgment and with righteousness, from henceforth even forever." But when would He come? When would be this "fullness of the time"? It is not too difficult for us today to identify with the desire and longing expressed in the prophecies of the Old Testament that speak of a Redeemer who would come to deliver His people from the oppression and trouble all around them.
We too live in similar times. While there are a few bright spots of hope, they are quickly overshadowed by the vast amounts of selfishness, misery, strife, despair, and destruction all around us. But there is one great difference between then and now. "The fullness of the time" has come! And all who believe "God sent His Son".
The millennial time is yet to come when our Lord will reign physically over this earth in the manner described by Isaiah and the other prophets. But the time is here and now for each one of us to receive the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, the peace which shall guard our hearts and our thoughts by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). We can enjoy Him now if we recognize and own Him as the One sent to redeem us from our sins.
L.J. Ondrejack
N.J. Hiebert - 8957
September 2
For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. Nehemiah 4:18
An evangelist came for a week's work. "Please will you lend me a Bible?" he asked.
"Haven't you brought your own?"
"No, I thought I could borrow one."
Compare that with Nehemiah's builders. "Every one had his sword girded by his side." It must have been rather in the way, dangling from his sash or belt, but he knew better than to go to work without his sword.
Our sword, of course, is a spiritual thing; it is the word of God, as Ephesians 6:17 tells us. Let us never go anywhere without it. Whatever we don't take, let us take that.
Now for today, and the foes of today, here is a great word: Psalm 144:1 "Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.
He will teach us how to use our sword today.
Whispers of His Power - Amy Carmichael.
N.J. Hiebert - 8958
An evangelist came for a week's work. "Please will you lend me a Bible?" he asked.
"Haven't you brought your own?"
"No, I thought I could borrow one."
Compare that with Nehemiah's builders. "Every one had his sword girded by his side." It must have been rather in the way, dangling from his sash or belt, but he knew better than to go to work without his sword.
Our sword, of course, is a spiritual thing; it is the word of God, as Ephesians 6:17 tells us. Let us never go anywhere without it. Whatever we don't take, let us take that.
Now for today, and the foes of today, here is a great word: Psalm 144:1 "Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.
He will teach us how to use our sword today.
Whispers of His Power - Amy Carmichael.
N.J. Hiebert - 8958
September 3
THE IMPOTENCE OF WORLDLY WISDOM
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 1 Corinthians 1:20
The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, has a great deal to say about the impotence of human wisdom in relation to spiritual things, and this is a lesson that we also need to heed. We must not put priority upon intellectual ability when dealing with spiritual matters.
"But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." (1 Corinthians 2: 9-10).
The Spirit-led man has the unique capacity to understand spiritual things that are beyond the capability of the greatest intellects. Undoubtedly, Daniel was a man of superior intellect, but he was at pains to show that the answers he received did not come from his own skill but from the God of heaven.
DANIEL - Godly Living in a Hostile World - William Burnett.
N.J. Hiebert - 8959
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 1 Corinthians 1:20
The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, has a great deal to say about the impotence of human wisdom in relation to spiritual things, and this is a lesson that we also need to heed. We must not put priority upon intellectual ability when dealing with spiritual matters.
"But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." (1 Corinthians 2: 9-10).
The Spirit-led man has the unique capacity to understand spiritual things that are beyond the capability of the greatest intellects. Undoubtedly, Daniel was a man of superior intellect, but he was at pains to show that the answers he received did not come from his own skill but from the God of heaven.
DANIEL - Godly Living in a Hostile World - William Burnett.
N.J. Hiebert - 8959
September 4
ROUGH WATER
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee. Isaiah 43:2
There are no words of comfort like those that our Father speaks to us. We are called to go straight through the foaming river holding fast to this assurance.
And we look at the white water. There are pot-holes among the boulders where a foot might be caught and held; a sudden spate might easily overwhelm us; the spray half blind us; the noise deafen us.
There is no human way, no human hope; there is nothing to be seen but a boiling flood, boulders, snags, tossing spray; there is not one inch of smooth water anywhere. But the word of our God holds fast. It would be cowardice to fear. God save us from cowardice. "Be of good cheer, my brother; I feel the bottom, and it is good." (John Bunyan - Pilgrims Progress - 1628-1688)
But life can be terrifying. Things can happen that seem to tear such words out of our mouth and drive them like dust before a hurricane. Look at that shattered life, that young life, and tell me of a God of mercy and pity--how can you?
Those words fall on many hearts today; and only He whose prayer in Gethsemane began with the words, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me," can enable the soul of man in its extremity to continue that prayer as He continued it, and to end it as He ended it. There are times in life when the one place in all the world where we can find what we are seeking is the garden of Gethsemane.
From that garden it is only a few steps to Golgotha, where they crucified Him. Our questions are hushed there. - Gold by Moonlight - Amy Carmichael.
N.J. HIebert - 8960
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee. Isaiah 43:2
There are no words of comfort like those that our Father speaks to us. We are called to go straight through the foaming river holding fast to this assurance.
And we look at the white water. There are pot-holes among the boulders where a foot might be caught and held; a sudden spate might easily overwhelm us; the spray half blind us; the noise deafen us.
There is no human way, no human hope; there is nothing to be seen but a boiling flood, boulders, snags, tossing spray; there is not one inch of smooth water anywhere. But the word of our God holds fast. It would be cowardice to fear. God save us from cowardice. "Be of good cheer, my brother; I feel the bottom, and it is good." (John Bunyan - Pilgrims Progress - 1628-1688)
But life can be terrifying. Things can happen that seem to tear such words out of our mouth and drive them like dust before a hurricane. Look at that shattered life, that young life, and tell me of a God of mercy and pity--how can you?
Those words fall on many hearts today; and only He whose prayer in Gethsemane began with the words, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me," can enable the soul of man in its extremity to continue that prayer as He continued it, and to end it as He ended it. There are times in life when the one place in all the world where we can find what we are seeking is the garden of Gethsemane.
From that garden it is only a few steps to Golgotha, where they crucified Him. Our questions are hushed there. - Gold by Moonlight - Amy Carmichael.
N.J. HIebert - 8960
September 5
GUIDED BY THE PILLARS OF GOD
And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night.
And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night.
Exodus 13:21
What is of importance to notice here is that the people of Israel were divinely guided on their march. He who selected their path guided them in it, went before them in the the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, in all their wanderings. These gracious symbols of His presence He never took from them as long as they were in the wilderness.
This is only an illustration of the truth, that the Lord is ever a guide of His people. He who leads them out of Egypt may ever be seen before them in the path in which they have entered. He never says, "Go"; but His word is always, "Follow Me." "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John14:6). It is quite true that we have not the visible guidance which the children of Israel enjoyed; but it is no less discernible and certain to the spiritual eye. "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)
It is interesting to remark that there was no such guidance in Egypt or in the land. This brings out the important truth, that it is only in the wilderness, that the indication of a way is needed.
And there is in His tenderness and mercy that the Lord leads His own, showing them the way in which they should walk, where they should rest, and when they should march, leaving nothing to them, but Himself undertaking all for them, only requiring that their eyes should be kept fixed on their Guide. Happy are the people who are thus led, and who are made willing to follow, who by grace are enabled to say, "Only Thou our Leader be, and we still will follow Thee." Edward Dennett
N.J. Hiebert - 8961
What is of importance to notice here is that the people of Israel were divinely guided on their march. He who selected their path guided them in it, went before them in the the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, in all their wanderings. These gracious symbols of His presence He never took from them as long as they were in the wilderness.
This is only an illustration of the truth, that the Lord is ever a guide of His people. He who leads them out of Egypt may ever be seen before them in the path in which they have entered. He never says, "Go"; but His word is always, "Follow Me." "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John14:6). It is quite true that we have not the visible guidance which the children of Israel enjoyed; but it is no less discernible and certain to the spiritual eye. "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)
It is interesting to remark that there was no such guidance in Egypt or in the land. This brings out the important truth, that it is only in the wilderness, that the indication of a way is needed.
And there is in His tenderness and mercy that the Lord leads His own, showing them the way in which they should walk, where they should rest, and when they should march, leaving nothing to them, but Himself undertaking all for them, only requiring that their eyes should be kept fixed on their Guide. Happy are the people who are thus led, and who are made willing to follow, who by grace are enabled to say, "Only Thou our Leader be, and we still will follow Thee." Edward Dennett
N.J. Hiebert - 8961
September 6
Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Mark 12:14
We need to note the answer, for from it we learn what the Christian's attitude is to be with regard to this present evil world and the powers that govern it. A more important question could scarcely be raised. For God's earthly people to be under the heel of a foreign power, even though through their own fault, was the most grievous and humiliating situation conceivable.
What to do in regard to this was the burning question of the hour. Notice, Christ does not tell them to offer resistance. His reply is, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's." (Mark 12:17)
This is all the more remarkable, because the conditions then existing were wholly contrary to what God intended, and Christ could easily have altered such conditions had He wished. But He leaves the matter just where it was. The fact is, He never interfered in the world's matters, and if He did not, was He likely to advise others to do so? He found the Romans in power, and He left them in power. He was born under their yoke, He died under it.
It was the Roman power that crucified Him. Christ never once resisted that power. The only time He used force was to drive the money-changers out of the temple. But the temple was His Father's House, God's things. The point for us is that the Lord did not allow Himself to become embroiled in the politics of the world, nor would He sanction the use of carnal weapons.
So there are God's things and Caesar's things. Let us be careful that we render to God the things that are God's. In this way we shall render the best service to the world. Break of Day - Russell Elliott
N.J. Hiebert - 8962
We need to note the answer, for from it we learn what the Christian's attitude is to be with regard to this present evil world and the powers that govern it. A more important question could scarcely be raised. For God's earthly people to be under the heel of a foreign power, even though through their own fault, was the most grievous and humiliating situation conceivable.
What to do in regard to this was the burning question of the hour. Notice, Christ does not tell them to offer resistance. His reply is, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's." (Mark 12:17)
This is all the more remarkable, because the conditions then existing were wholly contrary to what God intended, and Christ could easily have altered such conditions had He wished. But He leaves the matter just where it was. The fact is, He never interfered in the world's matters, and if He did not, was He likely to advise others to do so? He found the Romans in power, and He left them in power. He was born under their yoke, He died under it.
It was the Roman power that crucified Him. Christ never once resisted that power. The only time He used force was to drive the money-changers out of the temple. But the temple was His Father's House, God's things. The point for us is that the Lord did not allow Himself to become embroiled in the politics of the world, nor would He sanction the use of carnal weapons.
So there are God's things and Caesar's things. Let us be careful that we render to God the things that are God's. In this way we shall render the best service to the world. Break of Day - Russell Elliott
N.J. Hiebert - 8962
September 7
And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stripped Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; and they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. Genesis 37:23,24
THE SON REPUDIATED The father had distinguished him by a coat of many colours, the brethren degrade him by stripping him. So on many illustrious occasions when Christ is distinguished above all others by some special display of divine power, wisdom and grace, man will at once strip Him of His coat of many colours and seek to degrade Him to the level of a mere man by asking,"Is not this the carpenter's son?" (Matthew 13:55) or is not this the carpenter?" (Mark 6:3) As in the case of Joseph, the stripping was only the prelude to the pit, so with Christ, the rejection of every witness to His glory, led man at last with wicked hands to deliver Him to death.
THE SON RESCUED There is however a significant difference between the type and the antitype. Isaac in his day very blessedly brings the death of Christ before us. He may be bound upon the altar, Abraham may stretch forth his hand and take the knife to slay his son, but at once the angel is present to stay his hand. Joseph may again take up the story of the cross, as his brethren cast him into the pit, but for him "the pit was empty, there was no water in it."
How different the cross of Christ. The same God at whose bidding "Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son," (Genesis 22:12) can now say, "Awake, O sword...against the Man that is my fellow." (Zechariah 13:7) and though twelve legions of angels await His commands, yet not one is bidden to hold back the sword of judgment. It is no empty pit into which He must go. He can say, "Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. Thy wrath lieth hard upon Me, and Thou has afflicted Me with all Thy waves" (Psalm 88:6,7). Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8963
THE SON REPUDIATED The father had distinguished him by a coat of many colours, the brethren degrade him by stripping him. So on many illustrious occasions when Christ is distinguished above all others by some special display of divine power, wisdom and grace, man will at once strip Him of His coat of many colours and seek to degrade Him to the level of a mere man by asking,"Is not this the carpenter's son?" (Matthew 13:55) or is not this the carpenter?" (Mark 6:3) As in the case of Joseph, the stripping was only the prelude to the pit, so with Christ, the rejection of every witness to His glory, led man at last with wicked hands to deliver Him to death.
THE SON RESCUED There is however a significant difference between the type and the antitype. Isaac in his day very blessedly brings the death of Christ before us. He may be bound upon the altar, Abraham may stretch forth his hand and take the knife to slay his son, but at once the angel is present to stay his hand. Joseph may again take up the story of the cross, as his brethren cast him into the pit, but for him "the pit was empty, there was no water in it."
How different the cross of Christ. The same God at whose bidding "Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son," (Genesis 22:12) can now say, "Awake, O sword...against the Man that is my fellow." (Zechariah 13:7) and though twelve legions of angels await His commands, yet not one is bidden to hold back the sword of judgment. It is no empty pit into which He must go. He can say, "Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. Thy wrath lieth hard upon Me, and Thou has afflicted Me with all Thy waves" (Psalm 88:6,7). Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8963
September 8
Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and Thou hast afflicted me with all Thy waves. Selah. Psalm 88:7
THE SON REWARDED: While the sufferings of Isaac and Joseph both point to the cross, yet each portray a different aspect of that great mystery. Isaac goes up to the mount to be offered up. Joseph goes down to the pit. And the mount speaks of the glory of the Person offered up. The pit tells of the misery and degradation of those for whom He is offered up. He is the son, and more, the only son, and yet more he is the promised heir, Isaac, and beloved of his father.
But when Joseph goes down to the pit, while it is true his moral excellence cannot be hid, yet it is not his personal glory that is prominent but rather the evil and corruption of those who surround Joseph. If at last his brethren are to be brought into blessing and share in the glory of Joseph, then Joseph must take their place of distance and degradation as set forth in the pit. "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission," (Hebrews 9:22) and "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die it abideth alone" (John 12:24).
THE SON REVEALING: Having cast Joseph into the pit, his brethren "sat down to eat bread." (Genesis 37:25). Nor was it otherwise at the cross. The presence of Joseph only serves to reveal the evil of his brethren, just as the cross becomes the occasion to expose the depth of corruption in the heart of man. The leaders of Israel yield up the true Passover Lamb to death, and calmly sit down to eat the passover feast--an evil and adulterous generation, like the adulterous woman in Prov. 30:20.
The company of merchant men on their way to Egypt at once suggest to Judah the opportunity of making profit out of their brother. Why not sell Joseph and make a little money? If they are not going to gratify their hatred by killing Joseph, why not gratify their covetousness by selling Joseph? Hence they gave their brother up to the Gentiles and gave themselves up to money making. And what Judah did a thousand years before Christ came, His descendants have done for nearly two thousand years since His rejection. Jospeh - Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8964
THE SON REWARDED: While the sufferings of Isaac and Joseph both point to the cross, yet each portray a different aspect of that great mystery. Isaac goes up to the mount to be offered up. Joseph goes down to the pit. And the mount speaks of the glory of the Person offered up. The pit tells of the misery and degradation of those for whom He is offered up. He is the son, and more, the only son, and yet more he is the promised heir, Isaac, and beloved of his father.
But when Joseph goes down to the pit, while it is true his moral excellence cannot be hid, yet it is not his personal glory that is prominent but rather the evil and corruption of those who surround Joseph. If at last his brethren are to be brought into blessing and share in the glory of Joseph, then Joseph must take their place of distance and degradation as set forth in the pit. "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission," (Hebrews 9:22) and "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die it abideth alone" (John 12:24).
THE SON REVEALING: Having cast Joseph into the pit, his brethren "sat down to eat bread." (Genesis 37:25). Nor was it otherwise at the cross. The presence of Joseph only serves to reveal the evil of his brethren, just as the cross becomes the occasion to expose the depth of corruption in the heart of man. The leaders of Israel yield up the true Passover Lamb to death, and calmly sit down to eat the passover feast--an evil and adulterous generation, like the adulterous woman in Prov. 30:20.
The company of merchant men on their way to Egypt at once suggest to Judah the opportunity of making profit out of their brother. Why not sell Joseph and make a little money? If they are not going to gratify their hatred by killing Joseph, why not gratify their covetousness by selling Joseph? Hence they gave their brother up to the Gentiles and gave themselves up to money making. And what Judah did a thousand years before Christ came, His descendants have done for nearly two thousand years since His rejection. Jospeh - Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8964
September 9
- In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1
- Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. John 14:6
- Behold, I come quickly. . .I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. . . .Even so come, Lord Jesus.
Revelation 22:12,13,20.
An old stone-breaker said, as he sat by the roadside, during the lunch hour, reading his much worn Bible. A party of tourists came by, and one of them said: "How can an old fool like you understand that Book?" With the grace of a Christian gentleman, the old man replied: "It would not be possible, sir, in the ordinary way; but you see I happen to know the Author.
"Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it..." (Deuteronomy 4:2) The outstanding instance of the want of accuracy in quoting Scripture is found in Genesis 3. It is a warning that in dealing with the Word of God, we should take nothing from it, add nothing to it, and change nothing in it.
Eve did all three. She took from the Word of God. God had said: "of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat", save one; but Eve omitted the word "freely" making God to appear less bountiful than He was (Genesis 2:16) She added to the Word of God. He had said of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil: "Thou shalt not eat of it." But in her reply to Satan Eve declares that God had also said: "neither shall ye touch it" which He had not (Genesis 2:17; 3:3; Proverbs 30:6)
She changed the word of God. He had said: "In the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (Genesis 2:17; 3:3) but when Eve quoted the words of warning she said: "neither shall ye touch it lest ye die." and by so doing changed an absolute certainty into a mere possibility (Matthew 4:4). She thus misquoted the terms of the divine permission, overstated the prohibition, and underated the penalty. The Wonderful Word - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 8965
- Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. John 14:6
- Behold, I come quickly. . .I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. . . .Even so come, Lord Jesus.
Revelation 22:12,13,20.
An old stone-breaker said, as he sat by the roadside, during the lunch hour, reading his much worn Bible. A party of tourists came by, and one of them said: "How can an old fool like you understand that Book?" With the grace of a Christian gentleman, the old man replied: "It would not be possible, sir, in the ordinary way; but you see I happen to know the Author.
"Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it..." (Deuteronomy 4:2) The outstanding instance of the want of accuracy in quoting Scripture is found in Genesis 3. It is a warning that in dealing with the Word of God, we should take nothing from it, add nothing to it, and change nothing in it.
Eve did all three. She took from the Word of God. God had said: "of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat", save one; but Eve omitted the word "freely" making God to appear less bountiful than He was (Genesis 2:16) She added to the Word of God. He had said of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil: "Thou shalt not eat of it." But in her reply to Satan Eve declares that God had also said: "neither shall ye touch it" which He had not (Genesis 2:17; 3:3; Proverbs 30:6)
She changed the word of God. He had said: "In the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (Genesis 2:17; 3:3) but when Eve quoted the words of warning she said: "neither shall ye touch it lest ye die." and by so doing changed an absolute certainty into a mere possibility (Matthew 4:4). She thus misquoted the terms of the divine permission, overstated the prohibition, and underated the penalty. The Wonderful Word - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 8965
September 10
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7.
What solemn words are these. If a man sows rice, he reaps rice. If a man sows turnips, he reaps turnips. Day by day we are sowing--sowing what? We are sowing thoughts, words, deeds! What shall we reap? What will the harvest be?
There are three things the Apostle brings to our notice about sowing:
1. What we sow: "Whatsoever a man soweth, that very thing he shall also reap."
2. Where we sow: "He that soweth to (in the interests) of his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption:"
- He that soweth (in the interest of) to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." (Galatians 6:8)
3. How we sow: "He which soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly; He which soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully." (2 Corinthians 9:6)
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6:9). Galatians - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8966
What solemn words are these. If a man sows rice, he reaps rice. If a man sows turnips, he reaps turnips. Day by day we are sowing--sowing what? We are sowing thoughts, words, deeds! What shall we reap? What will the harvest be?
There are three things the Apostle brings to our notice about sowing:
1. What we sow: "Whatsoever a man soweth, that very thing he shall also reap."
2. Where we sow: "He that soweth to (in the interests) of his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption:"
- He that soweth (in the interest of) to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." (Galatians 6:8)
3. How we sow: "He which soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly; He which soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully." (2 Corinthians 9:6)
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6:9). Galatians - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8966
September 11
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
The Occasion Of Temptation. The least passage of your life may prove an occasion of sin to you: at what a little wicket (small door) many times a great sin enters! David's eye did but casually light on Bathsheba, and the good man's foot was presently in the devil's trap: you have need to pray that God would set a guard about your senses wherever you go, and to cry with Him, "Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity"? (Psalm 119:37)
It should be our care, if we would not yield to the sin, nor to walk by, or sit at the door of the occasion: parley (discuss) not with that in your thoughts, which you do not mean to let into your heart. If we mean not to be burnt, let us not walk upon the coals of temptation. You tempt God to suffer your locks to be cut, when you are so bold as to lay your head in the lap of a temptation. (Judges 16:19)
Set a strong guard about your outward senses: These are Satan's landing-places especially the eye and the ear. Take heed what you import at these; vain discourse seldom passes without leaving some tincture upon the heart. And for your eye, let it not wander; wanton objects cause wanton thoughts. Job knew his eye and his thoughts were likely to go together, and therefore to secure one he covenants with the other. "I made a covenant with mine eyes; why should I think upon a maid." Job 31:1 The Christian in Complete Armour - William Gurnall (1616-1679)
N.J. Hiebert - 8967
The Occasion Of Temptation. The least passage of your life may prove an occasion of sin to you: at what a little wicket (small door) many times a great sin enters! David's eye did but casually light on Bathsheba, and the good man's foot was presently in the devil's trap: you have need to pray that God would set a guard about your senses wherever you go, and to cry with Him, "Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity"? (Psalm 119:37)
It should be our care, if we would not yield to the sin, nor to walk by, or sit at the door of the occasion: parley (discuss) not with that in your thoughts, which you do not mean to let into your heart. If we mean not to be burnt, let us not walk upon the coals of temptation. You tempt God to suffer your locks to be cut, when you are so bold as to lay your head in the lap of a temptation. (Judges 16:19)
Set a strong guard about your outward senses: These are Satan's landing-places especially the eye and the ear. Take heed what you import at these; vain discourse seldom passes without leaving some tincture upon the heart. And for your eye, let it not wander; wanton objects cause wanton thoughts. Job knew his eye and his thoughts were likely to go together, and therefore to secure one he covenants with the other. "I made a covenant with mine eyes; why should I think upon a maid." Job 31:1 The Christian in Complete Armour - William Gurnall (1616-1679)
N.J. Hiebert - 8967
September 12
My son, let them (scriptures - Psalm 119:11) not depart from thine eyes: Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Proverbs 3-21-24
Some one has said, "It is not enough that one hold the truth, if the truth hold not him." To so take hold of what God has revealed as to have it control the heart and life, is what is continually insisted on in this most practical of all books.
Thus, to "keep sound wisdom and discretion," gives one to lay hold on what is really life, and ornaments the neck with grace. The foot, too, will be kept from stumbling, and the disciple will be guided in the way of truth.
Rest and refreshment become likewise the portion of all who esteem the Word of God above all the thoughts of men. Notes on Proverbs - H.A. Ironside
N.J. Hiebert - 8968
So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Proverbs 3-21-24
Some one has said, "It is not enough that one hold the truth, if the truth hold not him." To so take hold of what God has revealed as to have it control the heart and life, is what is continually insisted on in this most practical of all books.
Thus, to "keep sound wisdom and discretion," gives one to lay hold on what is really life, and ornaments the neck with grace. The foot, too, will be kept from stumbling, and the disciple will be guided in the way of truth.
Rest and refreshment become likewise the portion of all who esteem the Word of God above all the thoughts of men. Notes on Proverbs - H.A. Ironside
N.J. Hiebert - 8968
September 13
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2
"Acceptable" in Tamil means lovable, beloved: and in the preceding verbs I found something strengthening and comforting: "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind."
It would fare ill with us if He tired of renewing that which does so often faint and fail; for though we do truly choose to prove that good, acceptable, perfect will, and declare it to be beloved, yet sometimes we slip just there, and then comes discouragement. Here is the word for such an hour. We have a God who renews, renews day by day.
(The same verb is used in 2 Corinthians 4:16 "The inward man is renewed day by day.") Renewed in the spirit of our minds--renewed in the inward man, not once a year or at some special meeting, but day by day--we can conquer, we can rejoice in the will of God, and we can find it so lovable that we shall never for one moment want anything else.
"For even Christ pleased not Himself; but as it is written, the reproaches of them that reproached Thee fell on Me." (Romans 15:3)
Thou Givest...They Gather - Amy Carmichael
N.J. Hiebert - 8969
"Acceptable" in Tamil means lovable, beloved: and in the preceding verbs I found something strengthening and comforting: "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind."
It would fare ill with us if He tired of renewing that which does so often faint and fail; for though we do truly choose to prove that good, acceptable, perfect will, and declare it to be beloved, yet sometimes we slip just there, and then comes discouragement. Here is the word for such an hour. We have a God who renews, renews day by day.
(The same verb is used in 2 Corinthians 4:16 "The inward man is renewed day by day.") Renewed in the spirit of our minds--renewed in the inward man, not once a year or at some special meeting, but day by day--we can conquer, we can rejoice in the will of God, and we can find it so lovable that we shall never for one moment want anything else.
"For even Christ pleased not Himself; but as it is written, the reproaches of them that reproached Thee fell on Me." (Romans 15:3)
Thou Givest...They Gather - Amy Carmichael
N.J. Hiebert - 8969
September 14
Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:3
Bill and Jack, two Christian young men, had attended an important meeting of the company they worked for. Though both had families they were on the 'fast track' moving up in the company and disregarded the first hurricane warning to stay until the end. Now, just a few miles from home, the hurricane overtook them with its 90 mile-per hour winds.The darkness and torrential rain hid the raging flood of water that suddenly swept their car off the road and down into a flooded farm field. Slowly sinking in the water and mire they struggled out of the car only to find themselves neck deep in fiercely turbulent flood waters with darkness disorienting them.
"Where are you Bill?" yelled Jack into the storm. I'm over here, Jack," came a faint reply. Jack could barely see Bill almost 50 feet away. Bill yelled, "This current is murder. If we don't get our of here we'll drown." But I can't see you, Jack." "Follow the sound of my voice," Jack yelled again. "I'm over here. Work your way over to me."
Jack and Bill began to pray, crying to the Lord for help. Thoughts of their families had suddenly become far more important than job success. Just then Jack felt Bill grab his hand and start pulling. "Wait, Bill. Where are you going?" "I don't know. Just hold on tight" came the reply. Jack felt his friend pull him through the mud and swirling water. Finally the water began getting shallower--it was only to his waist--then to his knees. As he stumbled onto firm ground he felt Bill's hand let go. Turning to thank him, Jack could just barely see him about 40 yards away climbing up to the safety of a grass knoll. He must have been swept away just before they reached safe high ground.
Finally back together Bill said, thanks for pulling me out. I didn't know which way to go. You saved my life." Jack laughed. "Bill, you had my hand. You pulled me out. I was about to thank you for saving my life." There was a long silence. Then Bill quietly said "Jack you were quite a distance away from me when we found this bank. You said that I pulled you but I know I didn't. I was being pulled. The fact is neither of us pulled the other. Jack if we were that far apart from each other than who was holding our hands?" Doug Nicloet - October 2008
N.J. Hiebert - 8970
Bill and Jack, two Christian young men, had attended an important meeting of the company they worked for. Though both had families they were on the 'fast track' moving up in the company and disregarded the first hurricane warning to stay until the end. Now, just a few miles from home, the hurricane overtook them with its 90 mile-per hour winds.The darkness and torrential rain hid the raging flood of water that suddenly swept their car off the road and down into a flooded farm field. Slowly sinking in the water and mire they struggled out of the car only to find themselves neck deep in fiercely turbulent flood waters with darkness disorienting them.
"Where are you Bill?" yelled Jack into the storm. I'm over here, Jack," came a faint reply. Jack could barely see Bill almost 50 feet away. Bill yelled, "This current is murder. If we don't get our of here we'll drown." But I can't see you, Jack." "Follow the sound of my voice," Jack yelled again. "I'm over here. Work your way over to me."
Jack and Bill began to pray, crying to the Lord for help. Thoughts of their families had suddenly become far more important than job success. Just then Jack felt Bill grab his hand and start pulling. "Wait, Bill. Where are you going?" "I don't know. Just hold on tight" came the reply. Jack felt his friend pull him through the mud and swirling water. Finally the water began getting shallower--it was only to his waist--then to his knees. As he stumbled onto firm ground he felt Bill's hand let go. Turning to thank him, Jack could just barely see him about 40 yards away climbing up to the safety of a grass knoll. He must have been swept away just before they reached safe high ground.
Finally back together Bill said, thanks for pulling me out. I didn't know which way to go. You saved my life." Jack laughed. "Bill, you had my hand. You pulled me out. I was about to thank you for saving my life." There was a long silence. Then Bill quietly said "Jack you were quite a distance away from me when we found this bank. You said that I pulled you but I know I didn't. I was being pulled. The fact is neither of us pulled the other. Jack if we were that far apart from each other than who was holding our hands?" Doug Nicloet - October 2008
N.J. Hiebert - 8970
September 15
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed. . . Romans 1:16,17
An unsaved lawyer lay dying. He was known to be a man of unimpeachable integrity. He lay there facing eternity, troubled and distressed. Upright as he had been before men, he was a sinner before God. His awakened conscience brought to his memory sins and transgressions that had never seemed so heinous as now, when he knew that shortly he must meet his Maker. A friend put the direct question, "Are you saved?" "No," he replied, shaking his head sadly. The other asked, "Would you not like to be saved?" "I would indeed," was his reply, "But I do not want God to do anything wrong in saving me!"
His remark showed how deeply he had learned to value the importance of righteousness. The visitor turned to his Bible and there read how God had Himself devised a righteous way to save unrighteous sinners. In fact God has no other possible way of saving anybody. If sin must be glossed over in order that a sinner may be saved, he will be forever lost. God refuses to compromise His own character for the sake of anyone, much as He yearns to have all men be saved. H.A. Ironside
The perfect righteousness of God
Is witnessed in the Saviour's blood;
'Tis in the cross of Christ we trace
His righteousness, yet wondrous grace.
God could not pass the sinner by,
His sin demands that He must die;
But in the cross of Christ we see
How God can save, yet righteous be.
The sinner who believes is free,
Can say, "the Saviour died for me":
Can point to the atoning blood,
And say, "This made my peace with God." A. Mildlane
N.J. Hiebert - 8971
An unsaved lawyer lay dying. He was known to be a man of unimpeachable integrity. He lay there facing eternity, troubled and distressed. Upright as he had been before men, he was a sinner before God. His awakened conscience brought to his memory sins and transgressions that had never seemed so heinous as now, when he knew that shortly he must meet his Maker. A friend put the direct question, "Are you saved?" "No," he replied, shaking his head sadly. The other asked, "Would you not like to be saved?" "I would indeed," was his reply, "But I do not want God to do anything wrong in saving me!"
His remark showed how deeply he had learned to value the importance of righteousness. The visitor turned to his Bible and there read how God had Himself devised a righteous way to save unrighteous sinners. In fact God has no other possible way of saving anybody. If sin must be glossed over in order that a sinner may be saved, he will be forever lost. God refuses to compromise His own character for the sake of anyone, much as He yearns to have all men be saved. H.A. Ironside
The perfect righteousness of God
Is witnessed in the Saviour's blood;
'Tis in the cross of Christ we trace
His righteousness, yet wondrous grace.
God could not pass the sinner by,
His sin demands that He must die;
But in the cross of Christ we see
How God can save, yet righteous be.
The sinner who believes is free,
Can say, "the Saviour died for me":
Can point to the atoning blood,
And say, "This made my peace with God." A. Mildlane
N.J. Hiebert - 8971
September 16
The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. 2 Timothy 4:13
Paul was reduced to a few bare necessities. As the Christian grows older and as we draw nearer to the end of our earthly days and to the end of the age, only a few things really matter and we are amazed at how much we can do without.
After disaster has wrecked house and home, the survivors clutch a few things they manage to recover, which take on a new value. As when a dear one leaves us for heaven, little things become doubly precious because of tender memories.
As when one looks through the other end of a telescope, the small becomes large and the large becomes small. Cloak and parchments, food and raiment, let us be content therewith!
(Philippians 4:11, 1 Timothy 6:6, 1 Timothy 6:8, Hebrews 13:5)
All The Days - Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 8972
Paul was reduced to a few bare necessities. As the Christian grows older and as we draw nearer to the end of our earthly days and to the end of the age, only a few things really matter and we are amazed at how much we can do without.
After disaster has wrecked house and home, the survivors clutch a few things they manage to recover, which take on a new value. As when a dear one leaves us for heaven, little things become doubly precious because of tender memories.
As when one looks through the other end of a telescope, the small becomes large and the large becomes small. Cloak and parchments, food and raiment, let us be content therewith!
(Philippians 4:11, 1 Timothy 6:6, 1 Timothy 6:8, Hebrews 13:5)
All The Days - Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 8972
September 17
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." 1 John 5:13
The fact of our salvation does not depend upon our own feelings. They are the least reliable of all things to rest upon, they are treacherous and not to be trusted.
As surely as we rest upon these frauds--our feelings--the Lord will see fit to withdraw them, in order that we may learn to rest upon Him. Therefore stay your faith upon Christ, not upon your most hallowed feelings, but on Christ Himself and His written promises.
Whenever you are in doubt, perplexed, and unhappy, go at once to the Lord and His unfailing Word, and God's truth will disperse any mists of darkness which surround your soul.
Let us learn to lean more upon the fact and less on our apprehension of it. We are to walk by faith and not by feelings.
Believe! and the feeling may come or may go,
Believe in the Word, that was written to show
That all who believe their salvation may know;
Believe and keep right on believing.
By believing, we do not make anything true that was not true before. We simply bring ourselves into accord with what is and has always been the truth. Robert E. Speer
N.J. Hiebert - 8973
The fact of our salvation does not depend upon our own feelings. They are the least reliable of all things to rest upon, they are treacherous and not to be trusted.
As surely as we rest upon these frauds--our feelings--the Lord will see fit to withdraw them, in order that we may learn to rest upon Him. Therefore stay your faith upon Christ, not upon your most hallowed feelings, but on Christ Himself and His written promises.
Whenever you are in doubt, perplexed, and unhappy, go at once to the Lord and His unfailing Word, and God's truth will disperse any mists of darkness which surround your soul.
Let us learn to lean more upon the fact and less on our apprehension of it. We are to walk by faith and not by feelings.
Believe! and the feeling may come or may go,
Believe in the Word, that was written to show
That all who believe their salvation may know;
Believe and keep right on believing.
By believing, we do not make anything true that was not true before. We simply bring ourselves into accord with what is and has always been the truth. Robert E. Speer
N.J. Hiebert - 8973
September 18
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18,24
It becomes clear from these verses that the two great themes of the gospel are salvation and calling. On the one hand the gospel proclaims the way of salvation; on the other hand it presents to us the purpose of God for which we are saved.
We are apt to limit the gospel to the important question of our salvation; but so doing we miss the far deeper blessing connected with God's eternal purpose, and thus fail to enter into the heavenly calling.
It is plain that the first great object of the gospel is our salvation, and God would have the believer to be in no uncertainty as to this salvation, as we read in this Scripture, He "hath saved us." The blessed effect of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is to set the believer beyond the judgment due to him on account of his sins, and to deliver him from the course of this world.
So we read, He "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us out of this present evil world" (Galatians1:4). Though for the time we are actually in the world, we are, as set free from its power and influence, morally not of it.
2 Timothy - Hamilton Smith.
N.J. Hiebert - 8974
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18,24
It becomes clear from these verses that the two great themes of the gospel are salvation and calling. On the one hand the gospel proclaims the way of salvation; on the other hand it presents to us the purpose of God for which we are saved.
We are apt to limit the gospel to the important question of our salvation; but so doing we miss the far deeper blessing connected with God's eternal purpose, and thus fail to enter into the heavenly calling.
It is plain that the first great object of the gospel is our salvation, and God would have the believer to be in no uncertainty as to this salvation, as we read in this Scripture, He "hath saved us." The blessed effect of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is to set the believer beyond the judgment due to him on account of his sins, and to deliver him from the course of this world.
So we read, He "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us out of this present evil world" (Galatians1:4). Though for the time we are actually in the world, we are, as set free from its power and influence, morally not of it.
2 Timothy - Hamilton Smith.
N.J. Hiebert - 8974
September 19
Take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the Lord being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. Genesis 19:16,17
In the history of the times of Lot there was not only Lot himself, and the people of Sodom, but also Lot's wife. She perished not in Sodom, but between Sodom and Zoar. To her the departure from Sodom was exile, not deliverance.
Many of the camp in the wilderness treated separation from Egypt with the same mind. And this yields a solemn, practical question for us. How do our souls entertain the thought of separation from the world? In the esteem of our hearts is it exile or redemption?
Are we singing over that thought, like Israel at the Red Sea; or, like Israel afterwards, are we remembering the fish of Egypt, its onions, its leaks, and its cucumbers? (Numbers 11:5). Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. She sighed as an exile from Sodom.
Do we sing as the ransomed of the Lord, out of it? "Remember Lot's wife," (Luke 17:32) was the Saviour's weighty word in the midst of this discourse on the kingdom of God. And it is a weighty and serious word to lie on our hearts. J. G. Bellett
N.J.Hiebert - 8975
In the history of the times of Lot there was not only Lot himself, and the people of Sodom, but also Lot's wife. She perished not in Sodom, but between Sodom and Zoar. To her the departure from Sodom was exile, not deliverance.
Many of the camp in the wilderness treated separation from Egypt with the same mind. And this yields a solemn, practical question for us. How do our souls entertain the thought of separation from the world? In the esteem of our hearts is it exile or redemption?
Are we singing over that thought, like Israel at the Red Sea; or, like Israel afterwards, are we remembering the fish of Egypt, its onions, its leaks, and its cucumbers? (Numbers 11:5). Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. She sighed as an exile from Sodom.
Do we sing as the ransomed of the Lord, out of it? "Remember Lot's wife," (Luke 17:32) was the Saviour's weighty word in the midst of this discourse on the kingdom of God. And it is a weighty and serious word to lie on our hearts. J. G. Bellett
N.J.Hiebert - 8975
September 20
Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31
Therefore, I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat: and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow not reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: How much more are ye better that the fowls? Luke 12:6,7;22,24
We are bound, of course, to use all proper means. But it will generally be found that it is not what we can do that brings the care, but what we cannot do. And it is just here we have to trust in God, simply resting in the words, "Your Father knoweth." If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Do all you can do but never be troubled about what you cannot do.
And then let us remember that a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. It is astonishing, when we are put to the test, how little of real happiness depends upon things or circumstances. Christ had no money, and sometimes not where to lay His head, and yet He could speak of His peace and His joy. Angels in White - Russell Elliott
N.J. Hiebert - 8976
Therefore, I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat: and the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens: for they neither sow not reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: How much more are ye better that the fowls? Luke 12:6,7;22,24
We are bound, of course, to use all proper means. But it will generally be found that it is not what we can do that brings the care, but what we cannot do. And it is just here we have to trust in God, simply resting in the words, "Your Father knoweth." If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest? Do all you can do but never be troubled about what you cannot do.
And then let us remember that a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. It is astonishing, when we are put to the test, how little of real happiness depends upon things or circumstances. Christ had no money, and sometimes not where to lay His head, and yet He could speak of His peace and His joy. Angels in White - Russell Elliott
N.J. Hiebert - 8976
September 21
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6
He would have us, in the intimacy of His love, to be without reserve before Him--all told out, nothing kept back. Our danger never lies in telling Him too much, but just in the opposite direction.
He loves to hear the cry of His children, for He well knows that it is the expression of their confidence in Him. It may be, as it often is, a foolish cry, but still it is the cry of His own children, and He never wearies of listening to it.
God never spares His rod if thereby He can bless His children.
But, He lifts it up on high,
With pity in His heart,
That every stroke His children feel
May peace and joy impart.
To enter into this will make an immense change in our experience. Meeting with trials and difficulties we shall instantly ask, "What has the Father to say to us through these things?" In this way we shall receive nothing but blessing through the most adverse circumstances.
Like vines, our poor hearts send out tendrils in all directions, winding themselves around this and that object, and then it is that the Father permits trials...to come in to snap these ties to objects other than Christ, and by the discovery of Himself and His love to us in these chastenings He seeks to wean us from everything that might hinder our progress, and to attract us more fully to Himself. Footprints for Pilgrims - Edward Dennett
N.J. Hiebert - 8977
He would have us, in the intimacy of His love, to be without reserve before Him--all told out, nothing kept back. Our danger never lies in telling Him too much, but just in the opposite direction.
He loves to hear the cry of His children, for He well knows that it is the expression of their confidence in Him. It may be, as it often is, a foolish cry, but still it is the cry of His own children, and He never wearies of listening to it.
God never spares His rod if thereby He can bless His children.
But, He lifts it up on high,
With pity in His heart,
That every stroke His children feel
May peace and joy impart.
To enter into this will make an immense change in our experience. Meeting with trials and difficulties we shall instantly ask, "What has the Father to say to us through these things?" In this way we shall receive nothing but blessing through the most adverse circumstances.
Like vines, our poor hearts send out tendrils in all directions, winding themselves around this and that object, and then it is that the Father permits trials...to come in to snap these ties to objects other than Christ, and by the discovery of Himself and His love to us in these chastenings He seeks to wean us from everything that might hinder our progress, and to attract us more fully to Himself. Footprints for Pilgrims - Edward Dennett
N.J. Hiebert - 8977
September 22
Wherefore, as by one man sin came into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. Romans 5:12
The Bubonic plague, the Ebola virus, SARS, and most recently, the COVID-19 virus, have taken countless thousands of lives over the years. Yet these diseases have only affected a percentage of the world's overall population. But there is another disease that is the worst of all diseases combined, because it affects every person on this earth. And it brings death.
It cannot be identified in a research lab; nor can it be seen under a microscope; and there is no earthly cure for it either. The Bible is the only reliable source of information on it. The Bible has identified it, described it, and has prescribed a cure for it. It is called SIN. It originated with one man, Adam. Through his disobedience sin entered the world, and the Bible says that as a consequence all are under condemnation.
But God has prescribed a cure through another Man. John the Baptist introduced Him when, looking upon Jesus as He walked, he said,"Behold! the Lamb of God, which taketh away the SIN of the world." (John 1:29). Christ died for our SINS on the cross, and "the blood Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). But we must avail ourselves of it:
"For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned" (John 3:16-18).
This disease will be forever eradicated from the world when God brings in a new heaven and a new earth where only righteousness will dwell.
(2 Peter 3:13) Richard Barnett
N.J. Hiebert - 8978
The Bubonic plague, the Ebola virus, SARS, and most recently, the COVID-19 virus, have taken countless thousands of lives over the years. Yet these diseases have only affected a percentage of the world's overall population. But there is another disease that is the worst of all diseases combined, because it affects every person on this earth. And it brings death.
It cannot be identified in a research lab; nor can it be seen under a microscope; and there is no earthly cure for it either. The Bible is the only reliable source of information on it. The Bible has identified it, described it, and has prescribed a cure for it. It is called SIN. It originated with one man, Adam. Through his disobedience sin entered the world, and the Bible says that as a consequence all are under condemnation.
But God has prescribed a cure through another Man. John the Baptist introduced Him when, looking upon Jesus as He walked, he said,"Behold! the Lamb of God, which taketh away the SIN of the world." (John 1:29). Christ died for our SINS on the cross, and "the blood Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). But we must avail ourselves of it:
"For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned" (John 3:16-18).
This disease will be forever eradicated from the world when God brings in a new heaven and a new earth where only righteousness will dwell.
(2 Peter 3:13) Richard Barnett
N.J. Hiebert - 8978
September 23
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are His. 2 Timothy 2:19
What a blessed thought of comfort and cheer it is, which should forever banish fear and unbelief! The Lord, the One seated there in the Holiest, knows us personally. He knew us before we ever were in existence. He saw us before the foundation of the world. He knew all our vileness and depths of degradation. He knew us as we wandered in our sins. His loving eyes followed us then. He sought us in His love and brought us to Himself.
He gave us His life and dwells in us. Each believing sinner, saved by grace, is one Spirit with the Lord. "I know My sheep." He calleth each by name, like a Shepherd calleth His own sheep. What a comfort it should be to our hearts, that He knows each of us by name. He knows our circumstances, trials, difficulties and temptations. He knows our conflicts and our tears. "He knoweth the way, which I take." It is very precious! In Psalm 32 we find the comforting word for one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered, "I will guide thee with Mine eye upon thee." That eye up yonder, which measures the depths of the universe, which follows every planet, that eye which neither sleeps nor slumbers, that all-seeing eye rests upon us.
He is occupied with each. The millions of His people who have lived and died, who passed through life and are now at home with Him, were each individually the objects of His care. His loving eye was upon the multitudes of martyrs. He knew and watched that poor tortured saint, who was cast with broken bones into a dungeon to starve to death. His power and love rested upon those who were burned or cast before wild animals.
For each He served and worked. And so He does still. Oh, the preciousness that each believer is under the loving care of the Man in Glory, the object of His love. The Work of Christ - A. C. Gaebelein
N.J. Hiebert - 8979
What a blessed thought of comfort and cheer it is, which should forever banish fear and unbelief! The Lord, the One seated there in the Holiest, knows us personally. He knew us before we ever were in existence. He saw us before the foundation of the world. He knew all our vileness and depths of degradation. He knew us as we wandered in our sins. His loving eyes followed us then. He sought us in His love and brought us to Himself.
He gave us His life and dwells in us. Each believing sinner, saved by grace, is one Spirit with the Lord. "I know My sheep." He calleth each by name, like a Shepherd calleth His own sheep. What a comfort it should be to our hearts, that He knows each of us by name. He knows our circumstances, trials, difficulties and temptations. He knows our conflicts and our tears. "He knoweth the way, which I take." It is very precious! In Psalm 32 we find the comforting word for one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered, "I will guide thee with Mine eye upon thee." That eye up yonder, which measures the depths of the universe, which follows every planet, that eye which neither sleeps nor slumbers, that all-seeing eye rests upon us.
He is occupied with each. The millions of His people who have lived and died, who passed through life and are now at home with Him, were each individually the objects of His care. His loving eye was upon the multitudes of martyrs. He knew and watched that poor tortured saint, who was cast with broken bones into a dungeon to starve to death. His power and love rested upon those who were burned or cast before wild animals.
For each He served and worked. And so He does still. Oh, the preciousness that each believer is under the loving care of the Man in Glory, the object of His love. The Work of Christ - A. C. Gaebelein
N.J. Hiebert - 8979
September 24
Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him: but I will maintain mine own ways before Him. Job 13:15
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:12
"In fierce storms," said an old seaman, "we must do one thing; there is only one way: we must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there."
This, Christian is what you must do. Sometimes, like Paul, (Acts 27:14-20) you can see neither sun nor stars, and no small tempest lies on you; and then you can do but one thing; there is only one way.
Reason cannot help you; past experiences give you no light. Even prayer fetches no consolation. Only a single course is left. Put your soul in one position, keep it there.
You must stay upon the Lord; and come what may--winds, waves, cross-seas, thunder, lightning, frowning rocks, roaring breakers--no matter what, you must lash yourself to the helm, and hold fast your confidence in God's faithfulness, His covenant engagement, His everlasting love in Christ Jesus. Richard Fuller
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain, will your anchor drift, or firm remain?
Will your anchor hold in the straights of fear, when the breakers roar and the reef is near?
While the surges rave, and the wild winds blow, shall the angry waves then your bark o'erflow?
We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure as the billows roll;
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love.
Priscilla J. Owens
N.J.Hiebert - 8980
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:12
"In fierce storms," said an old seaman, "we must do one thing; there is only one way: we must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there."
This, Christian is what you must do. Sometimes, like Paul, (Acts 27:14-20) you can see neither sun nor stars, and no small tempest lies on you; and then you can do but one thing; there is only one way.
Reason cannot help you; past experiences give you no light. Even prayer fetches no consolation. Only a single course is left. Put your soul in one position, keep it there.
You must stay upon the Lord; and come what may--winds, waves, cross-seas, thunder, lightning, frowning rocks, roaring breakers--no matter what, you must lash yourself to the helm, and hold fast your confidence in God's faithfulness, His covenant engagement, His everlasting love in Christ Jesus. Richard Fuller
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain, will your anchor drift, or firm remain?
Will your anchor hold in the straights of fear, when the breakers roar and the reef is near?
While the surges rave, and the wild winds blow, shall the angry waves then your bark o'erflow?
We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure as the billows roll;
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love.
Priscilla J. Owens
N.J.Hiebert - 8980
September 25
SAD OR GLAD
For they all saw Him, and were troubled. Mark 6:50
Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord. John 20:20
The disciples saw Him in a storm but supposed Him to be a spirit. They did not recognize Him. But in our second verse they saw the risen Lord and knew Him by the print of the nails in His hands and feet.
Surely the sight of the Lord should make us glad. But sometimes we wist not that it was He. He draws near, but, like the Emmaus disciples, we have holden eyes. What should thrill us only troubles us. Indeed, as the Emmaus disciples related their experience, Jesus appeared, but they "supposed that they had seen a spirit." (Luke 24:37) He quelled their fears then as He did in John's account by showing the marks of the cross.
We walk by faith, not by sight, these days, and are not granted a view of Him with our eyes. But in His dealings with us He still walks our seas and comes into our rooms through doors we have shut. Alas, that fear so often sees a spirit when faith should see the Saviour! What should bring triumph then brings only trouble. See Him and be glad! Day by Day - Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 8981
For they all saw Him, and were troubled. Mark 6:50
Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord. John 20:20
The disciples saw Him in a storm but supposed Him to be a spirit. They did not recognize Him. But in our second verse they saw the risen Lord and knew Him by the print of the nails in His hands and feet.
Surely the sight of the Lord should make us glad. But sometimes we wist not that it was He. He draws near, but, like the Emmaus disciples, we have holden eyes. What should thrill us only troubles us. Indeed, as the Emmaus disciples related their experience, Jesus appeared, but they "supposed that they had seen a spirit." (Luke 24:37) He quelled their fears then as He did in John's account by showing the marks of the cross.
We walk by faith, not by sight, these days, and are not granted a view of Him with our eyes. But in His dealings with us He still walks our seas and comes into our rooms through doors we have shut. Alas, that fear so often sees a spirit when faith should see the Saviour! What should bring triumph then brings only trouble. See Him and be glad! Day by Day - Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 8981
September 26
Pilate saith unto Him (Jesus), what is truth? And when he had said this, he went out... John 18:38
It is of vast importance to have the truth. It is a profound mistake not to have it, if it is to be had. Many a man has it not. The Christian has it. The believer in Christ has it. Christ is the truth, and I want to draw your attention to these precious words of the Saviour uttered by Him when surrounded by everything that the enmity of man could bring against Him, when betrayed, denied, blindfolded, and passed on from one careless high priest to another, and then trundled away to the judgment-seat of a godless man, as Pilate undoubtedly was.
Yet in the face of all this, what what was His attitude? Look at Christ! Look how quiet, how calm, albeit how sad. Then it was He said: "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth My voice." (John 18:37) Pilate carelessly says "What is truth?" and then turns his back on Truth personified. There is many a man doing that to-day. Pilate is not the only man who has turned his back on the Truth.
The truth, God's truth, may simply pass before us. I shall make mo apology for the Scripture. I believe it to be the Word of God. I believe it to be a revelation from God, of His mind, of His thoughts, of His purposes, and of His counsels; that we have in the Scriptures the truth written, and that in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ we have truth incarnate. The result is, that the man who receives the truth of scripture, in the power of the Holy Ghost, will invariably be brought into contact with Christ, Who is the truth.
Seekers for Light - W. T. P. Wolston, M.D.
N.J. Hiebert - 8982
It is of vast importance to have the truth. It is a profound mistake not to have it, if it is to be had. Many a man has it not. The Christian has it. The believer in Christ has it. Christ is the truth, and I want to draw your attention to these precious words of the Saviour uttered by Him when surrounded by everything that the enmity of man could bring against Him, when betrayed, denied, blindfolded, and passed on from one careless high priest to another, and then trundled away to the judgment-seat of a godless man, as Pilate undoubtedly was.
Yet in the face of all this, what what was His attitude? Look at Christ! Look how quiet, how calm, albeit how sad. Then it was He said: "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth My voice." (John 18:37) Pilate carelessly says "What is truth?" and then turns his back on Truth personified. There is many a man doing that to-day. Pilate is not the only man who has turned his back on the Truth.
The truth, God's truth, may simply pass before us. I shall make mo apology for the Scripture. I believe it to be the Word of God. I believe it to be a revelation from God, of His mind, of His thoughts, of His purposes, and of His counsels; that we have in the Scriptures the truth written, and that in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ we have truth incarnate. The result is, that the man who receives the truth of scripture, in the power of the Holy Ghost, will invariably be brought into contact with Christ, Who is the truth.
Seekers for Light - W. T. P. Wolston, M.D.
N.J. Hiebert - 8982
September 27
But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (James 4:6)
Did we but know the perils which surround those who occupy high positions, we would cease envying them and commence praying for them--thankful and content to fill, in lowly obscurity, the niche which God intends us to fill.
". . . As the storm that makes
The high elm crouch and rends the oak,
The humble lily spares--so, a thousand blows
That shake the lofty Monarch on his throne
We lesser folk feel not. Keen are the pains
Advancement often brings. To be secure
Be humble; to be happy be content."
Of all trees, I observe that God hath chosen the vine, a low plant that creeps upon the helpful wall; of all beasts, the soft and patient lamb; of all fowls, the mild and guileless dove.
When God appeared to Moses, it was not in the lofty cedar, nor the sturdy oak, nor the spreading palm; but in a bush, a humble, slender, abject shrub; as if He would, by these elections, check the conceited arrogance of man.
"He that is down need fear no fall.
He that is low, no pride;
He that is humble ever shall
Have God to be his guide."
Winsome Christianity - Henry Durbanville
N.J. Hiebert - 8983
Did we but know the perils which surround those who occupy high positions, we would cease envying them and commence praying for them--thankful and content to fill, in lowly obscurity, the niche which God intends us to fill.
". . . As the storm that makes
The high elm crouch and rends the oak,
The humble lily spares--so, a thousand blows
That shake the lofty Monarch on his throne
We lesser folk feel not. Keen are the pains
Advancement often brings. To be secure
Be humble; to be happy be content."
Of all trees, I observe that God hath chosen the vine, a low plant that creeps upon the helpful wall; of all beasts, the soft and patient lamb; of all fowls, the mild and guileless dove.
When God appeared to Moses, it was not in the lofty cedar, nor the sturdy oak, nor the spreading palm; but in a bush, a humble, slender, abject shrub; as if He would, by these elections, check the conceited arrogance of man.
"He that is down need fear no fall.
He that is low, no pride;
He that is humble ever shall
Have God to be his guide."
Winsome Christianity - Henry Durbanville
N.J. Hiebert - 8983
September 28
I will say unto God my rock, why hast Thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? Psalm 42:9
Canst thou answer this, believer? Canst thou find any reason why thou art so often mourning instead of rejoicing? Why yield to gloomy anticipations? Who told thee that the night would never end in day?
Who told thee that the winter of thy discontent would proceed from frost to frost, from snow and ice, and hail, to deeper snow, and yet more heavy tempest of despair?
Knowest thou not that day follows night, that flood comes after ebb, that spring and summer succeed winter?
Hope thou then! Hope thou ever! for God fails thee not. C. H. Spurgeon
He was better to me than all my hopes;
He was better than all my fears;
He made a bridge of my broken works,
And a rainbow of my tears.
N.J. Hiebert - 8984
Canst thou answer this, believer? Canst thou find any reason why thou art so often mourning instead of rejoicing? Why yield to gloomy anticipations? Who told thee that the night would never end in day?
Who told thee that the winter of thy discontent would proceed from frost to frost, from snow and ice, and hail, to deeper snow, and yet more heavy tempest of despair?
Knowest thou not that day follows night, that flood comes after ebb, that spring and summer succeed winter?
Hope thou then! Hope thou ever! for God fails thee not. C. H. Spurgeon
He was better to me than all my hopes;
He was better than all my fears;
He made a bridge of my broken works,
And a rainbow of my tears.
N.J. Hiebert - 8984
September 29
And they that had laid hold on Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and elders were assembled.
Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put Him to death;
But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days Matthew 26:57,59-61.
Late in the night, the members of the Sanhedrin were illegally assembled with one purpose in mind: to put Jesus to death. Having no witnesses, they sought for false witnesses. The high priest then put Jesus under oath to tell whether He was the Christ, the promised Messiah, the Son of God.
(Leviticus 5:1-4) required a person placed under oath to speak the truth. Jesus, who is the truth (John 14:6) used the occasion to tell the truth: "Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said" (It is as you said.) "nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven" (v.64)
Then the high priest tore his clothes--something the law forbade--and accused Jesus of speaking blasphemy, Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, saying, "Prophecy unto us, Thou Christ, who is he that smote Thee? (vv,67-68). In such a wicked manner Israel's leaders treated the Lord of glory! E. Vedder, Jr.
N.J. Hiebert - 8985
Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put Him to death;
But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,
And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days Matthew 26:57,59-61.
Late in the night, the members of the Sanhedrin were illegally assembled with one purpose in mind: to put Jesus to death. Having no witnesses, they sought for false witnesses. The high priest then put Jesus under oath to tell whether He was the Christ, the promised Messiah, the Son of God.
(Leviticus 5:1-4) required a person placed under oath to speak the truth. Jesus, who is the truth (John 14:6) used the occasion to tell the truth: "Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said" (It is as you said.) "nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven" (v.64)
Then the high priest tore his clothes--something the law forbade--and accused Jesus of speaking blasphemy, Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, saying, "Prophecy unto us, Thou Christ, who is he that smote Thee? (vv,67-68). In such a wicked manner Israel's leaders treated the Lord of glory! E. Vedder, Jr.
N.J. Hiebert - 8985
September 30
For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to His works. Matthew 16:27
The story is told of a soldier in the Crimean war. He had received a medal with Inkerman (War - 1854 November 5) upon it - for that was his battle; but he said the most touching part of it was the experience of a friend of his who fought at his side. A cannon ball took off one of his legs, but the brave fellow sprang up immediately and, taking hold of a tree, drew his sword, and was ready to fight even to death.
Immediately another cannon ball came crashing past and took off the other leg. They carried him, wounded, bleeding, and, as they supposed, dying, to the hospital. Strangely enough, he, recovered, and when the day came for the awarding of medals they carried him upon his stretcher before her majesty, the queen.
To the other soldiers she had simply given the medals by the hands of her secretary, but when she (Queen Victoria) saw this man carried in on a stretcher, his face so thin and pale, she rose from her throne, stooped down by his side, and pinned with her own hands the medal upon his breast, while the tears fell like rain upon the face of the brave soldier.
Thus I trust it will be with many of us. We shall come into His presence, stand face to face with Him, and He will rise from His throne, coming forward to receive us, and as we look up into His face, thrones will vanish away and crowns will be as nothing, for to see Him with all His beauty will be the full reward. J. Wilbur Chapman
A man may go to heaven without health, without honours, without learning,
without friends;
But he can never get to heaven without Christ. Selected
N.J. Hiebert - 8986
The story is told of a soldier in the Crimean war. He had received a medal with Inkerman (War - 1854 November 5) upon it - for that was his battle; but he said the most touching part of it was the experience of a friend of his who fought at his side. A cannon ball took off one of his legs, but the brave fellow sprang up immediately and, taking hold of a tree, drew his sword, and was ready to fight even to death.
Immediately another cannon ball came crashing past and took off the other leg. They carried him, wounded, bleeding, and, as they supposed, dying, to the hospital. Strangely enough, he, recovered, and when the day came for the awarding of medals they carried him upon his stretcher before her majesty, the queen.
To the other soldiers she had simply given the medals by the hands of her secretary, but when she (Queen Victoria) saw this man carried in on a stretcher, his face so thin and pale, she rose from her throne, stooped down by his side, and pinned with her own hands the medal upon his breast, while the tears fell like rain upon the face of the brave soldier.
Thus I trust it will be with many of us. We shall come into His presence, stand face to face with Him, and He will rise from His throne, coming forward to receive us, and as we look up into His face, thrones will vanish away and crowns will be as nothing, for to see Him with all His beauty will be the full reward. J. Wilbur Chapman
A man may go to heaven without health, without honours, without learning,
without friends;
But he can never get to heaven without Christ. Selected
N.J. Hiebert - 8986
October 1
For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. Ephesians 5:30
Out of the great continent of Africa, there are people who are unable to count beyond ten--the number of their fingers. One of these folk was asked how many oxen he possessed. He replied that he could not tell.
"Then how would you know if one or two of your oxen were missing?" was the next question. "Not because the number was less, but because I should miss a face." Beloved Christian friend, if by any possibility you fail to appear in heaven, you would be missed! But there is no such possibility.
I like very much the reply which the old lady gave to one who objected to her rejoicing so unfeignedly in the biblical assurances of the security of the believer.
"You seem pretty confident about this salvation of yours. I would not be too sure about it if I were you. Suppose the Lord should let you slip through His fingers."
"But," said the old saint, "He cannot do that since I happen to be one of His fingers myself."
"The love that led me all the golden way,
Nor left me when my feet had gone astray,
Will hold me still at dying of the day
And bring me home."
George Henderson - Heaven's Cure for Earth's Care
N.J. Hiebert - 8987
Out of the great continent of Africa, there are people who are unable to count beyond ten--the number of their fingers. One of these folk was asked how many oxen he possessed. He replied that he could not tell.
"Then how would you know if one or two of your oxen were missing?" was the next question. "Not because the number was less, but because I should miss a face." Beloved Christian friend, if by any possibility you fail to appear in heaven, you would be missed! But there is no such possibility.
I like very much the reply which the old lady gave to one who objected to her rejoicing so unfeignedly in the biblical assurances of the security of the believer.
"You seem pretty confident about this salvation of yours. I would not be too sure about it if I were you. Suppose the Lord should let you slip through His fingers."
"But," said the old saint, "He cannot do that since I happen to be one of His fingers myself."
"The love that led me all the golden way,
Nor left me when my feet had gone astray,
Will hold me still at dying of the day
And bring me home."
George Henderson - Heaven's Cure for Earth's Care
N.J. Hiebert - 8987
October 2
Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought Him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this Man. John 7:45-46
Rummaging amid the refuse in a temple in inaccessible Tibet a Buddhist priest picked up a torn piece of paper. That paper contained words of the Lord Jesus Christ.
This man did not know who had written or spoken these words. His heart asked no question of the truth or authority of the message, but in response to them, he put on sackcloth, was broken in repentance immediately, for he felt that God had spoken.
All he read was, "blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8) He cried, "I am not pure in heart; I shall not see God." This one arrow slew all his spiritual pride. One sentence from the lips of Jesus our Lord turned the priest into a conscious stricken sinner.
The wound that the words made was later healed by the balm of the gospel. "Come unto Me, all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) The priest heard, came, and was saved.
Our Lord Jesus Christ - A Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake.
N.J. Hiebert - 8988
Rummaging amid the refuse in a temple in inaccessible Tibet a Buddhist priest picked up a torn piece of paper. That paper contained words of the Lord Jesus Christ.
This man did not know who had written or spoken these words. His heart asked no question of the truth or authority of the message, but in response to them, he put on sackcloth, was broken in repentance immediately, for he felt that God had spoken.
All he read was, "blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8) He cried, "I am not pure in heart; I shall not see God." This one arrow slew all his spiritual pride. One sentence from the lips of Jesus our Lord turned the priest into a conscious stricken sinner.
The wound that the words made was later healed by the balm of the gospel. "Come unto Me, all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) The priest heard, came, and was saved.
Our Lord Jesus Christ - A Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake.
N.J. Hiebert - 8988
October 3
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Were we to walk in the light and power of this great foundation truth, humility would characterize us. The flesh, in its vanity and assumption, would be mortified; and the meek and lowly spirit of Jesus would be manifested.
The bird that soars on highest wing, builds on the ground her lowly nest, And she that doth most sweetly sing, sings in the shade when all things rest. In lark and nightingale we see what honour hath humility.
When Mary chose the better part, she meekly sat at Jesus feet. And Lydia's gently opened heart was made for God's own temple meet. Fairest and best adorned is she, whose clothing is humility.
Were we to walk in the light and power of this great foundation truth, humility would characterize us. The flesh, in its vanity and assumption, would be mortified; and the meek and lowly spirit of Jesus would be manifested.
The bird that soars on highest wing, builds on the ground her lowly nest, And she that doth most sweetly sing, sings in the shade when all things rest. In lark and nightingale we see what honour hath humility.
When Mary chose the better part, she meekly sat at Jesus feet. And Lydia's gently opened heart was made for God's own temple meet. Fairest and best adorned is she, whose clothing is humility.
The saint that wears heaven's brightest crown in humble adoration bends; The weight of glory bows him down, then most, when most, his soul ascends. Nearest the throne must ever be, the footstool of humility.
When Christ is a complete covering to the eye, contentment fills the heart. We can afford to take the lowest place. Everything needed to make us happy is found in Him. He is not only fair to the eye, but pleasant to the heart. Many are fair that are not pleasant, and many are pleasant that are not fair, but Christ is both.
"Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant."
(Song of Solomon 1:16)
Meditations on the Song of Solomon - Andrew Miller
N.J. Hiebert - 8989
October 4
Then said one unto Him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And He said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate. Luke 13:23-24
Some persons seem constantly occupied with religious questions. Their enquiry is not, "Am I saved?" but, are others saved?" Sometimes we find a fond parent solicitous about the future state of a dying child, a kind master anxious about his afflicted servant's spiritual condition, and others manifesting concern for the ignorant and poor around them, without laying to heart what their own state before God really is.
It was so in the days of our Lord. "One said unto Him, Lord, are there few that be saved?" to which Jesus replied, "Strive to enter in at the straight gate." Thus He sought to lead him away from the consideration of others, to ponder the all-important question of his own soul's salvation; and exposed the folly of appearing concerned for others, while he himself was on the broad road to destruction. So weighty, so essential, is the point, and so fatal would a mistake be, that He commands them to "strive (or agonize) to enter in at the strait gate."
We do well to observe, that the instruction here is not that they were to do a great many things, or even one thing, to make themselves fit for God; or that they were to wander through a long, tedious labyrinth to find blessing and safety. No; it is simply a "gate" that is presented to them as the alone way of escape; and their security and blessing depended on their entering in at the gate.
The condition of all outside is most perilous; but there is a way of escape; and judgment and condemnation must overtake those who do not accept the only way of deliverance by entering in at the strait (narrow door) gate. [Christ crucified].
Streams of Refreshing H. H. Snell (1815-1891)
N.J. Hiebert - 8990
Some persons seem constantly occupied with religious questions. Their enquiry is not, "Am I saved?" but, are others saved?" Sometimes we find a fond parent solicitous about the future state of a dying child, a kind master anxious about his afflicted servant's spiritual condition, and others manifesting concern for the ignorant and poor around them, without laying to heart what their own state before God really is.
It was so in the days of our Lord. "One said unto Him, Lord, are there few that be saved?" to which Jesus replied, "Strive to enter in at the straight gate." Thus He sought to lead him away from the consideration of others, to ponder the all-important question of his own soul's salvation; and exposed the folly of appearing concerned for others, while he himself was on the broad road to destruction. So weighty, so essential, is the point, and so fatal would a mistake be, that He commands them to "strive (or agonize) to enter in at the strait gate."
We do well to observe, that the instruction here is not that they were to do a great many things, or even one thing, to make themselves fit for God; or that they were to wander through a long, tedious labyrinth to find blessing and safety. No; it is simply a "gate" that is presented to them as the alone way of escape; and their security and blessing depended on their entering in at the gate.
The condition of all outside is most perilous; but there is a way of escape; and judgment and condemnation must overtake those who do not accept the only way of deliverance by entering in at the strait (narrow door) gate. [Christ crucified].
Streams of Refreshing H. H. Snell (1815-1891)
N.J. Hiebert - 8990
posted by soundwords at
September 01, 2022
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