Gems from November 2022
I am not what I was,"That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:12,13
I am not what I shall be, Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2 .
I am not what I should be, I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called. Ephesians 4:1.
I am not what I would be, Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12,13.
But, by the grace of God, I am, what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10
I am not what I should be, I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called. Ephesians 4:1.
I am not what I would be, Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12,13.
But, by the grace of God, I am, what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10
When I trace the way He's led me in the many years gone by, Kept us thru the many trials, sent us succour from on high,
Kept us in the sore temptations, when the tempter's voice was heard, In my soul I hear Him whisper; Child of God, hold fast my Word.
When I look into the future, think of what I yet may meet, And of how the subtle tempter, spreads his snares to catch my feet.
When I look into the future, think of what I yet may meet, And of how the subtle tempter, spreads his snares to catch my feet.
Then my eyes will turn to Jesus seated on the Father's throne, See Him there my intercessor pleading for His feeble one.
(From the Archives of Tom Dear)
N.J. Hiebert - 9017
(From the Archives of Tom Dear)
N.J. Hiebert - 9017
November 1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving...1Timothy 4:1-3
Behind this apostasy there is the direct influence of seducing spirits leading to the doctrines of demons in contrast to the truth. The apostate is not simply a neglecter of the truth, nor a rejector of the truth. He is one who, having made a profession of the faith, deliberately gives up the truth and takes up some other religious creed as being superior to Christianity.
The demons speak lies while professing to maintain the truth. The devil we know "is a liar." (John 8:44) and beguiled our first parents by speaking lies in hypocrisy. The fact that the truth has no power over their souls and that they give heed to doctrines of demons clearly proves that their consciences are so seared that they are no longer able to distinguish between good and evil.
Apostasy, then, involves not only the giving up of the truth but also the adoption of error--the doctrine of demons. In place of the truth the apostate affects a religion of the flesh which professes to be of the very highest sanctity. They make the assumption of extraordinary purity by forbidding to marry, and great self-denial by abstinence from meats.
In reality, having turned from the faith, they deny God as our Saviour, and in refusing marriage and meats, they deny God as the Creator. This means the loss of all true piety which fears God, and in result opens the door to licence and wantonness. These seducing spirits, pandering to the pride of the flesh, hold out before men the promise of the greatest sanctity in order to lead them into the deepest corruption.
1 Timothy - An Expository Outline - Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 9018
Behind this apostasy there is the direct influence of seducing spirits leading to the doctrines of demons in contrast to the truth. The apostate is not simply a neglecter of the truth, nor a rejector of the truth. He is one who, having made a profession of the faith, deliberately gives up the truth and takes up some other religious creed as being superior to Christianity.
The demons speak lies while professing to maintain the truth. The devil we know "is a liar." (John 8:44) and beguiled our first parents by speaking lies in hypocrisy. The fact that the truth has no power over their souls and that they give heed to doctrines of demons clearly proves that their consciences are so seared that they are no longer able to distinguish between good and evil.
Apostasy, then, involves not only the giving up of the truth but also the adoption of error--the doctrine of demons. In place of the truth the apostate affects a religion of the flesh which professes to be of the very highest sanctity. They make the assumption of extraordinary purity by forbidding to marry, and great self-denial by abstinence from meats.
In reality, having turned from the faith, they deny God as our Saviour, and in refusing marriage and meats, they deny God as the Creator. This means the loss of all true piety which fears God, and in result opens the door to licence and wantonness. These seducing spirits, pandering to the pride of the flesh, hold out before men the promise of the greatest sanctity in order to lead them into the deepest corruption.
1 Timothy - An Expository Outline - Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 9018
November 2
WHAT KIND OF FAITH?
According to your faith be it unto you. Matthew 9:29
Do I have the right kind of faith? "If you have any faith at all, you may be sure it is the right kind." Do not waste time taking your faith apart and putting it back together. Do not expect saving faith to be some strange, different kind. You believe in Christ with faith like the faith you use when you trust someone or something else.
It is the object that makes the difference. If you have any uncertainty about the matter, come to a definite decision. Trust Christ now. It may help you to put down the time and place. You must have confidence in the decision and consider it settled. But do not confuse faith in your faith with faith in the Saviour. Faith has no value of its own, it has value only as it connects us with Him.
It is a trick of Satan to get us occupied with examining our faith instead of resting in the Faithful One. Go to Him just as you are as best you know. "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37) Vance Havner
O what a Saviour that He died for me! from condemnation He hath made me free;
'He that believeth on the Son' saith He, 'Hath everlasting life'
All my iniquities on Him were laid, all my indebtedness by Him was paid;
All who believe on Him, the Lord hath said, 'Have everlasting life.'
Though poor and needy, I can trust my Lord, though weak and and sinful, I believe His word; O blessed message! every child of God, 'Hath everlasting life.'
Though all unworthy, yet I will not doubt, for him that cometh, He will not cast out,
He that believeth, O! the good news shout, 'Hath everlasting life.' J. McGranahan
N.J. Hiebert - 9019
According to your faith be it unto you. Matthew 9:29
Do I have the right kind of faith? "If you have any faith at all, you may be sure it is the right kind." Do not waste time taking your faith apart and putting it back together. Do not expect saving faith to be some strange, different kind. You believe in Christ with faith like the faith you use when you trust someone or something else.
It is the object that makes the difference. If you have any uncertainty about the matter, come to a definite decision. Trust Christ now. It may help you to put down the time and place. You must have confidence in the decision and consider it settled. But do not confuse faith in your faith with faith in the Saviour. Faith has no value of its own, it has value only as it connects us with Him.
It is a trick of Satan to get us occupied with examining our faith instead of resting in the Faithful One. Go to Him just as you are as best you know. "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37) Vance Havner
O what a Saviour that He died for me! from condemnation He hath made me free;
'He that believeth on the Son' saith He, 'Hath everlasting life'
All my iniquities on Him were laid, all my indebtedness by Him was paid;
All who believe on Him, the Lord hath said, 'Have everlasting life.'
Though poor and needy, I can trust my Lord, though weak and and sinful, I believe His word; O blessed message! every child of God, 'Hath everlasting life.'
Though all unworthy, yet I will not doubt, for him that cometh, He will not cast out,
He that believeth, O! the good news shout, 'Hath everlasting life.' J. McGranahan
N.J. Hiebert - 9019
November 3
Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20,21.
The blood of the Lamb cleanses the conscience from every speck and stain of sin, and sets it, in perfect freedom, in the presence of a holiness which cannot tolerate sin. In the cross, all the claims of divine holiness were perfectly answered; so that the more I understand the latter, the more I appreciate the former.
The higher our estimate of holiness, the higher will be our estimate of the work of the cross. "Grace reigns, through righteousness, unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord." Hence the Psalmist calls on the saints to give thanks at the remembrance of God's holiness. This is a precious fruit of a perfect a redemption. Before ever a sinner can give thanks at the remembrance of God's holiness, he must look at it by faith, from the resurrection side of the cross.
We see Adam as a type of Christ; but he is not merely to be viewed typically, but personally--not merely as absolutely shadowing forth "the second Man, the Lord from heaven," but also as standing in the place of personal responsibility. In the midst of the fair scene of creation, the Lord God set up a testimony, and this testimony was also a test for the creature.
It spoke of death in the midst of life. "In the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die." Strange, solemn sound! yet it was a needed sound. Adam's life was suspended upon his strict obedience. The link which connected him with the Lord God was obedience, based on implicit confidence in the One who had set him in his position of dignity--confidence in His truth--confidence in His love. He could obey only while he confided. C. H Macintosh
N.J. Hiebert - 9020
The blood of the Lamb cleanses the conscience from every speck and stain of sin, and sets it, in perfect freedom, in the presence of a holiness which cannot tolerate sin. In the cross, all the claims of divine holiness were perfectly answered; so that the more I understand the latter, the more I appreciate the former.
The higher our estimate of holiness, the higher will be our estimate of the work of the cross. "Grace reigns, through righteousness, unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord." Hence the Psalmist calls on the saints to give thanks at the remembrance of God's holiness. This is a precious fruit of a perfect a redemption. Before ever a sinner can give thanks at the remembrance of God's holiness, he must look at it by faith, from the resurrection side of the cross.
We see Adam as a type of Christ; but he is not merely to be viewed typically, but personally--not merely as absolutely shadowing forth "the second Man, the Lord from heaven," but also as standing in the place of personal responsibility. In the midst of the fair scene of creation, the Lord God set up a testimony, and this testimony was also a test for the creature.
It spoke of death in the midst of life. "In the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die." Strange, solemn sound! yet it was a needed sound. Adam's life was suspended upon his strict obedience. The link which connected him with the Lord God was obedience, based on implicit confidence in the One who had set him in his position of dignity--confidence in His truth--confidence in His love. He could obey only while he confided. C. H Macintosh
N.J. Hiebert - 9020
November 4
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 43:5.
Conscious of the sense of tears in things mortal, a true gentleman does not make life hard for anyone. "So long as I have been here," said President Lincoln, after his second election, "I have not willingly planted a thorn in any man's bosom". Someone has defined a gentleman as "one who never puts his feelings before the rights of others; or his rights before their feelings".
God made both tears and laughter, and both for kind purposes. For, as laughter enables mirth and surprise to breathe freely, so tears enable sorrow to vent itself patiently. Tears hinder sorrow from becoming despair and madness; and laughter is one of the privileges of reason, being confined to the human species. These two things form part of the universal language of the human race--the language of looks.
Since Babel, (Genesis 11:9) men in different parts of the world do not understand one another's speech; but this one inarticulate language is understood everywhere. The newly born babe seems to bring some understanding of it with him into the world. The wise man affirms that a merry heart maketh a cheerfulness countenance, and doeth good like a medicine (Proverbs 15:13; 17:22).
What is more refreshing than the merry laugh of a child? It is the bubbling up of the fountain of innocence and simplicity in the little one's heart. Did not our Master bid us to become as little children? (Matthew 18:3). Be assured then that you will make your own life happier and better, and through your happiness the lives of others happier and better, by using the faculty of humour to heal, to solve anger, to mitigate suffering, to cheer adversity, to save us from the wearing action of petty troubles, to arm us with the brightness of spirit which makes the best, and not the worst, of everything!
Winsome Christianity - H. Durbanville
N.J. Hiebert - 9021
Conscious of the sense of tears in things mortal, a true gentleman does not make life hard for anyone. "So long as I have been here," said President Lincoln, after his second election, "I have not willingly planted a thorn in any man's bosom". Someone has defined a gentleman as "one who never puts his feelings before the rights of others; or his rights before their feelings".
God made both tears and laughter, and both for kind purposes. For, as laughter enables mirth and surprise to breathe freely, so tears enable sorrow to vent itself patiently. Tears hinder sorrow from becoming despair and madness; and laughter is one of the privileges of reason, being confined to the human species. These two things form part of the universal language of the human race--the language of looks.
Since Babel, (Genesis 11:9) men in different parts of the world do not understand one another's speech; but this one inarticulate language is understood everywhere. The newly born babe seems to bring some understanding of it with him into the world. The wise man affirms that a merry heart maketh a cheerfulness countenance, and doeth good like a medicine (Proverbs 15:13; 17:22).
What is more refreshing than the merry laugh of a child? It is the bubbling up of the fountain of innocence and simplicity in the little one's heart. Did not our Master bid us to become as little children? (Matthew 18:3). Be assured then that you will make your own life happier and better, and through your happiness the lives of others happier and better, by using the faculty of humour to heal, to solve anger, to mitigate suffering, to cheer adversity, to save us from the wearing action of petty troubles, to arm us with the brightness of spirit which makes the best, and not the worst, of everything!
Winsome Christianity - H. Durbanville
N.J. Hiebert - 9021
November 5
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. Casting own imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
I do not fight with merely human weapons. No, the weapons with which I war are not weapons of mere flesh and blood, but, in the strength of the Lord, they are mighty enough to raze all strongholds of our foes. I can batter down bulwarks of human reason; I can scale every crag-fortress that towers up bidding defiance to the true knowledge of God. I can make each rebel purpose my prisoner of war and bow it into submission to Christ.
He said not, thou shalt not be tempted; thou shalt not be travailed;
Thou shalt not be afflicted: But He said, "Thou shalt not be overcome!"
Julian of Norwick, A.D. 1373.
We are not here to be overcome, but we are to rise unvanquished after every knock-out blow, and laugh the laugh of faith--not fear.
Tempted on the sea of life; travailed sore, amid earth's strife;
Afflicted often, and sore dismayed; look up, faint heart, be not afraid ,
Thou shalt not be overcome!
God's ways are far beyond our ken; His thoughts are not the thoughts of men;
And He knoweth what is best for you. Hope on, my friend, He will bear you through.
Thou shalt not be overcome!
Though "the reason why" we cannot see, Our Father knows--'tis enough that we
But trust His love, when our eyes, are dim. Look up! Hold fast! though the fight is grim. We shall not be overcome!
Mary E. Thompson
N.J. Hiebert - 9022
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
I do not fight with merely human weapons. No, the weapons with which I war are not weapons of mere flesh and blood, but, in the strength of the Lord, they are mighty enough to raze all strongholds of our foes. I can batter down bulwarks of human reason; I can scale every crag-fortress that towers up bidding defiance to the true knowledge of God. I can make each rebel purpose my prisoner of war and bow it into submission to Christ.
He said not, thou shalt not be tempted; thou shalt not be travailed;
Thou shalt not be afflicted: But He said, "Thou shalt not be overcome!"
Julian of Norwick, A.D. 1373.
We are not here to be overcome, but we are to rise unvanquished after every knock-out blow, and laugh the laugh of faith--not fear.
Tempted on the sea of life; travailed sore, amid earth's strife;
Afflicted often, and sore dismayed; look up, faint heart, be not afraid ,
Thou shalt not be overcome!
God's ways are far beyond our ken; His thoughts are not the thoughts of men;
And He knoweth what is best for you. Hope on, my friend, He will bear you through.
Thou shalt not be overcome!
Though "the reason why" we cannot see, Our Father knows--'tis enough that we
But trust His love, when our eyes, are dim. Look up! Hold fast! though the fight is grim. We shall not be overcome!
Mary E. Thompson
N.J. Hiebert - 9022
November 6
And Nathan said to David, thou art the man.
2 Samuel 12:7
Nathan speaks in a parable, and in his blindness David does not detect that he himself is the one this account is about. The prophet says, there were two men in a city, the one rich and the other poor. One had many flocks and herds; the other had only one little lamb which he cherished. A traveler came to the rich man who, in order to spare his own flock, took the poor man's lamb and butchered and cooked it for the man that had come to him.
Let us watch out for this sort of traveler, for we are all prone to be visited by him. Certainly when he appears it is better to close the door against him. This traveler is lust, a passing desire, and not one that we habitually entertain and feed.
This traveler had entered King David's house, knowing he would find something to feed on there. Our hearts too ever contain that which it takes to succumb to Satan's temptations. David's anger was greatly kindled against the traveler: and he said to Nathan...the man that has done this thing is worthy of death.
"And Nathan said said to David, Thou art the man." How suddenly everything caved in! David had pronounced his own sentence; he deserves death! Yes, this blow reaches his heart, but it also goes down to the deepest recesses of his conscience, suddenly exposed, to the light.
David had preferred his sin to God. What a terrible thing! Do our consciences have nothing to say to us? Every natural heart has lusts that attract it. By "lusts" we mean not only the defiling things of the world but also the "lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life"--pleasures, vanity, and ambition.
These things find easy access into a Christian's heart. How many days and years often pass without our shutting the door to them! Every time we open the door to this visitor we are despising the Lord Himself. This is the reason for God's judgment on His servants here. 2 Samuel - H.L. Rossier
N.J. Hiebert - 9023
Nathan speaks in a parable, and in his blindness David does not detect that he himself is the one this account is about. The prophet says, there were two men in a city, the one rich and the other poor. One had many flocks and herds; the other had only one little lamb which he cherished. A traveler came to the rich man who, in order to spare his own flock, took the poor man's lamb and butchered and cooked it for the man that had come to him.
Let us watch out for this sort of traveler, for we are all prone to be visited by him. Certainly when he appears it is better to close the door against him. This traveler is lust, a passing desire, and not one that we habitually entertain and feed.
This traveler had entered King David's house, knowing he would find something to feed on there. Our hearts too ever contain that which it takes to succumb to Satan's temptations. David's anger was greatly kindled against the traveler: and he said to Nathan...the man that has done this thing is worthy of death.
"And Nathan said said to David, Thou art the man." How suddenly everything caved in! David had pronounced his own sentence; he deserves death! Yes, this blow reaches his heart, but it also goes down to the deepest recesses of his conscience, suddenly exposed, to the light.
David had preferred his sin to God. What a terrible thing! Do our consciences have nothing to say to us? Every natural heart has lusts that attract it. By "lusts" we mean not only the defiling things of the world but also the "lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life"--pleasures, vanity, and ambition.
These things find easy access into a Christian's heart. How many days and years often pass without our shutting the door to them! Every time we open the door to this visitor we are despising the Lord Himself. This is the reason for God's judgment on His servants here. 2 Samuel - H.L. Rossier
N.J. Hiebert - 9023
November 7
And I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Joshua 1:5
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken. Psalm 37:25
I am walking and talking with Jesus,
Each day as I journey along;
I'm NEVER alone, Hallelujah!
The joy of the Lord is my song.
ONE OF THESE DAYS
One of these days it will all be over, sorrow and laughter, and loss and gain,
Meetings and partings of friend and lover, joy that was ever so edged with pain.
One of these days will our hands be folded, one of these days will the work be done,
Finished the pattern our lives have molded, ended our labour beneath the sun.
One of these days will the heartache leave us, one of these days will the burden drop;
Never again shall a hope deceive us, never again will our progress stop.
Freed from the blight of the vain endeavour, winged with the health of immortal life,
One of these days we shall quit forever all that is vexing in earthly strife.
One of these days we shall know the reason, haply, of much that perplexes us now;
One of these days, in the Lord's good season, light of His peace shall adorn the brow.
Blessed, though out of tribulation lifted to dwell in His sun-bright smile,
Happy to share in the great salvation, well may we tarry a little while.
Christian Truth - December - 1966
N.J. Hiebert - 9024
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken. Psalm 37:25
I am walking and talking with Jesus,
Each day as I journey along;
I'm NEVER alone, Hallelujah!
The joy of the Lord is my song.
ONE OF THESE DAYS
One of these days it will all be over, sorrow and laughter, and loss and gain,
Meetings and partings of friend and lover, joy that was ever so edged with pain.
One of these days will our hands be folded, one of these days will the work be done,
Finished the pattern our lives have molded, ended our labour beneath the sun.
One of these days will the heartache leave us, one of these days will the burden drop;
Never again shall a hope deceive us, never again will our progress stop.
Freed from the blight of the vain endeavour, winged with the health of immortal life,
One of these days we shall quit forever all that is vexing in earthly strife.
One of these days we shall know the reason, haply, of much that perplexes us now;
One of these days, in the Lord's good season, light of His peace shall adorn the brow.
Blessed, though out of tribulation lifted to dwell in His sun-bright smile,
Happy to share in the great salvation, well may we tarry a little while.
Christian Truth - December - 1966
N.J. Hiebert - 9024
November 8
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23
The Bible speaks much about the heart. It tells us that our lives will be lived out in relation to what we have in our hearts. What a warning this is for us. "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also". Matthew 6:21
We find many heart-revealing stories, both negative and positive, as we consider various people in the Bible.
Eve's heart was on the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, even though it had been forbidden; Lot's wife's heart was tied to Sodom, which is seen by her turning around to look at the city as she fled its destruction; Achan's heart, was on the prohibitive spoils of Jericho.
The tribes of Gad, Reuben, and the half tribe of Manasseh, seeing the lush pasture lands on the east side of the Jordan, requested these lands--for their inheritance rather than entering into the promised land--this revealed where their heart really resided.
In contrast, Abram left his family and homeland when called of God to go out, because he looked for a heavenly city. Rebekah eagerly left behind her family in order to be with Isaac her husband. Peter, Andrew, James, and John left their businesses and their family ties to follow the Lord, as did Levi, who instantly left his money table when called. Their actions demonstrated where their hearts were.
The Lord instructs us that He is to be more important to us than home, positions, family relationships, even more than our own lives. We are to take up our cross daily and follow Him. The Lord showed us His heart, by doing His Father's will, "Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross" (Hebrews 12:2).
May He win and fill our hearts in devotion and surrender to Him: "Search me, O God, and know my heart" (Psalm 139:23). Albert Blok.
N.J. Hiebert - 9025
The Bible speaks much about the heart. It tells us that our lives will be lived out in relation to what we have in our hearts. What a warning this is for us. "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also". Matthew 6:21
We find many heart-revealing stories, both negative and positive, as we consider various people in the Bible.
Eve's heart was on the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, even though it had been forbidden; Lot's wife's heart was tied to Sodom, which is seen by her turning around to look at the city as she fled its destruction; Achan's heart, was on the prohibitive spoils of Jericho.
The tribes of Gad, Reuben, and the half tribe of Manasseh, seeing the lush pasture lands on the east side of the Jordan, requested these lands--for their inheritance rather than entering into the promised land--this revealed where their heart really resided.
In contrast, Abram left his family and homeland when called of God to go out, because he looked for a heavenly city. Rebekah eagerly left behind her family in order to be with Isaac her husband. Peter, Andrew, James, and John left their businesses and their family ties to follow the Lord, as did Levi, who instantly left his money table when called. Their actions demonstrated where their hearts were.
The Lord instructs us that He is to be more important to us than home, positions, family relationships, even more than our own lives. We are to take up our cross daily and follow Him. The Lord showed us His heart, by doing His Father's will, "Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross" (Hebrews 12:2).
May He win and fill our hearts in devotion and surrender to Him: "Search me, O God, and know my heart" (Psalm 139:23). Albert Blok.
N.J. Hiebert - 9025
November 9
I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you . . . Colossians 2:1
With what do I strive in my prayers?
(a) With all that says to me, what is the use of your praying? So many others, who know more of prayer than you do, are praying, what difference does it make whether you pray or not? Are you sure that your Lord is listening? Of course He is listening to the other prayers, but yours are of such small account; are you really sure He is "bending His ear" to you?
(b) With all that suggests that we are asked to give too much time to prayer. There is so much to do. Why set aside so much time just to pray?
(c) With all that discourages me personally--perhaps the remembrance of past sin, perhaps spiritual or physical tiredness; with anything and everything that keeps me back from what occupied Paul so often--vital prayer.
"Lord, teach us to pray." Luke 11:1)
What will help me most in this striving?
(a) The certain knowledge that our insignificance does not matter at all, for we do not come to the Father in our own name, but in the Name of His beloved Son. His ear is always open to that Name. Of this we can be certain.
(b) The certain knowledge that the suggestion that prayer is waste of time is Satan's lie; he is much more afraid of our prayer than of our work. (This is proved by the immense difficulties we always find when we set ourselves to pray. They are much greater than those we meet when we set ourselves to work.)
(c) The application of God's sure promises to meet our need. (Isaiah 44:22, 40:29-31,45:19, Psalm 27:8) "Whereunto I also labour, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily." (Colossians 1:29) "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4).
Let us count on the greatness of God. Edges of His ways - Amy Carmichael
N.J. Hiebert - 9026
With what do I strive in my prayers?
(a) With all that says to me, what is the use of your praying? So many others, who know more of prayer than you do, are praying, what difference does it make whether you pray or not? Are you sure that your Lord is listening? Of course He is listening to the other prayers, but yours are of such small account; are you really sure He is "bending His ear" to you?
(b) With all that suggests that we are asked to give too much time to prayer. There is so much to do. Why set aside so much time just to pray?
(c) With all that discourages me personally--perhaps the remembrance of past sin, perhaps spiritual or physical tiredness; with anything and everything that keeps me back from what occupied Paul so often--vital prayer.
"Lord, teach us to pray." Luke 11:1)
What will help me most in this striving?
(a) The certain knowledge that our insignificance does not matter at all, for we do not come to the Father in our own name, but in the Name of His beloved Son. His ear is always open to that Name. Of this we can be certain.
(b) The certain knowledge that the suggestion that prayer is waste of time is Satan's lie; he is much more afraid of our prayer than of our work. (This is proved by the immense difficulties we always find when we set ourselves to pray. They are much greater than those we meet when we set ourselves to work.)
(c) The application of God's sure promises to meet our need. (Isaiah 44:22, 40:29-31,45:19, Psalm 27:8) "Whereunto I also labour, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily." (Colossians 1:29) "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4).
Let us count on the greatness of God. Edges of His ways - Amy Carmichael
N.J. Hiebert - 9026
November 10
CHRIST ENTERED OUR SORROWS
Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.
Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.
Psalm 69:20
There is no comfort like the thought that Jesus has entered into all our sorrows. This is the very way God has met the need, and want, and wretchedness of our nature. Supposing that Adam had never fallen, we could not speak of God with the comfort that we now can, since He has come in sympathy to us, through the means of the incarnation of our blessed Lord.
The Lord Jesus having become a man is the source of all comfort. The Lord has entered into all the depths of sorrow, so as to give us all the depths of comfort, in order that we may know that God knows the very secret of our case.
He lets us see the feeling of Jesus in entering into it, and in the expression of His thoughts and feelings while in this place; so we come to see how He entered into all our sorrows. And this is the channel for all His love to flow into our souls. J. N. Darby - The Lord is Near
We think of Thy devotion, Thy blest obedience rare;
Thy holy, deep emotion, Thy grief that none could share. G. A. Lucas
N.J. Hiebert - 9027
There is no comfort like the thought that Jesus has entered into all our sorrows. This is the very way God has met the need, and want, and wretchedness of our nature. Supposing that Adam had never fallen, we could not speak of God with the comfort that we now can, since He has come in sympathy to us, through the means of the incarnation of our blessed Lord.
The Lord Jesus having become a man is the source of all comfort. The Lord has entered into all the depths of sorrow, so as to give us all the depths of comfort, in order that we may know that God knows the very secret of our case.
He lets us see the feeling of Jesus in entering into it, and in the expression of His thoughts and feelings while in this place; so we come to see how He entered into all our sorrows. And this is the channel for all His love to flow into our souls. J. N. Darby - The Lord is Near
We think of Thy devotion, Thy blest obedience rare;
Thy holy, deep emotion, Thy grief that none could share. G. A. Lucas
N.J. Hiebert - 9027
November 11
THE OLD TESTAMENT PREPARES FOR THE NEW TESTAMENT
O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:25-27
Yes, we are all "slow of heart to believe." If God had wished, He could have made no preparation before sending His Son into the world to be the Redeemer. To see how God did prepare for the advent of His Son was a very great help to me when I was struggling to get a firm foundation for my soul.
How patient God is! How considerate! Do you remember what the Lord said to the two doubting disciples as they took that never-to-be-forgotten journey to Emmaus. They were dubious of His divine mission. They did not know of His resurrection, and "their eyes were holden" (v.16) as He walked by their side.
It is a very big thing indeed that we are called upon to believe in the Scriptures. First, that the record is inspired. Second, that Jesus is the Son of God; Who became man, dying on the cross to be the world's Redeemer, and that He is risen from the dead, and ascended to glory, and coming again to reign over the earth.
I am profoundly thankful for the patience of God in teaching us these wonderful things. For about four thousand years He was patiently preparing the minds of men to receive the revelation of Himself in Christ, and the necessity and meaning of Christ's sacrificial death on the cross of Calvary.
Why I Believe the Bible - A. J. Pollock
N.J. Hiebert - 9028
O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:25-27
Yes, we are all "slow of heart to believe." If God had wished, He could have made no preparation before sending His Son into the world to be the Redeemer. To see how God did prepare for the advent of His Son was a very great help to me when I was struggling to get a firm foundation for my soul.
How patient God is! How considerate! Do you remember what the Lord said to the two doubting disciples as they took that never-to-be-forgotten journey to Emmaus. They were dubious of His divine mission. They did not know of His resurrection, and "their eyes were holden" (v.16) as He walked by their side.
It is a very big thing indeed that we are called upon to believe in the Scriptures. First, that the record is inspired. Second, that Jesus is the Son of God; Who became man, dying on the cross to be the world's Redeemer, and that He is risen from the dead, and ascended to glory, and coming again to reign over the earth.
I am profoundly thankful for the patience of God in teaching us these wonderful things. For about four thousand years He was patiently preparing the minds of men to receive the revelation of Himself in Christ, and the necessity and meaning of Christ's sacrificial death on the cross of Calvary.
Why I Believe the Bible - A. J. Pollock
N.J. Hiebert - 9028
November 12
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
Bible biographies are intensely human. There, you have set before you, not flawless saints, not sinners without a redeeming quality, but creatures of clay like ourselves. It tells of men who could scale the highest heights of devotional aspiration on the one hand but who, at other times, fell into the depths of sin.
For this reason we shall find, as we examine them, warnings as well as example, admonition as well as instruction.
- Thus we have the story of the duplicity of the upright man, Abraham;
- Of the weakness of the mot powerful man, Samson;
- Of the cowardice of the bravest man, Elijah;
- Of the sensuality of the most devoted man, David;
- Of the folly of the wisest man, Solomon;
- Of the vindictiveness of the loving-hearted man, John;
- And of the instability of the rock-like man, Peter.
Verily, Scripture is Nature's sternest painter, and its best.
The Wonderful Word - George Henderson
N.J.Hiebert - 9029
Bible biographies are intensely human. There, you have set before you, not flawless saints, not sinners without a redeeming quality, but creatures of clay like ourselves. It tells of men who could scale the highest heights of devotional aspiration on the one hand but who, at other times, fell into the depths of sin.
For this reason we shall find, as we examine them, warnings as well as example, admonition as well as instruction.
- Thus we have the story of the duplicity of the upright man, Abraham;
- Of the weakness of the mot powerful man, Samson;
- Of the cowardice of the bravest man, Elijah;
- Of the sensuality of the most devoted man, David;
- Of the folly of the wisest man, Solomon;
- Of the vindictiveness of the loving-hearted man, John;
- And of the instability of the rock-like man, Peter.
Verily, Scripture is Nature's sternest painter, and its best.
The Wonderful Word - George Henderson
N.J.Hiebert - 9029
November 13
The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. Psalm 16:6
It matters not where "the lines" fall; for, in the judgment of faith, they always fall "in pleasant places," just because God casts them there. The man of faith can easily afford to allow the man of sight to take his choice. He can say, "If thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left." (Genesis 13:9)
What beautiful disinterestedness and moral elevation we have here! and yet what security! It is certain that, let nature range where it will, let it take its most comprehensive grasp--its boldest and highest flight, there is never the slightest danger of its laying its hand upon faith's treasure. It will seek its portion in quite an opposite direction.
Faith lays up its treasure in a place which nature would never dream of examining; and as to its approaching thereto, it could not if it would, and it would not if it could. Hence, therefore, faith is perfectly safe, as well as beautifully disinterested, in allowing nature to take its choice.
What, then, did Lot choose, when he got his choice? He chose Sodom,--the very place that was about to be judged. But how was this? Why select such a spot? Because he looked at the outward appearance, and not at the intrinsic character and future destiny. (Genesis 13:5-18)
Genesis - C. H. Mackintosh
N.J. Hiebert - 9030
It matters not where "the lines" fall; for, in the judgment of faith, they always fall "in pleasant places," just because God casts them there. The man of faith can easily afford to allow the man of sight to take his choice. He can say, "If thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left." (Genesis 13:9)
What beautiful disinterestedness and moral elevation we have here! and yet what security! It is certain that, let nature range where it will, let it take its most comprehensive grasp--its boldest and highest flight, there is never the slightest danger of its laying its hand upon faith's treasure. It will seek its portion in quite an opposite direction.
Faith lays up its treasure in a place which nature would never dream of examining; and as to its approaching thereto, it could not if it would, and it would not if it could. Hence, therefore, faith is perfectly safe, as well as beautifully disinterested, in allowing nature to take its choice.
What, then, did Lot choose, when he got his choice? He chose Sodom,--the very place that was about to be judged. But how was this? Why select such a spot? Because he looked at the outward appearance, and not at the intrinsic character and future destiny. (Genesis 13:5-18)
Genesis - C. H. Mackintosh
N.J. Hiebert - 9030
November 14
Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow.
Mark 4:3
The sower soweth the Word. Mark 4:14
A beautiful picture of evangelism is presented to us in this description of a sower sowing seed. Undoubtedly he experienced long days of patient toil, taking a handful of seed and scattering it in every direction. Often it was a lonely task as he endured the heat or cold of the day.
Brother, sister, keep scattering the Word whether verbally or in literature, telling others about the Saviour. Plant a seed in some poor sinner today by a kindly word or deed. Jim Paul
We cannot all be preachers and sway with voice and pen,
As strong winds sway the forest, the minds and hearts of men,
But we can be evangels to souls within our reach,
There's always love's own gospel for loving hearts to preach.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness,
Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eves:
Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Sowing in the sunshine, sowing in the shadows,
Fearing neither clouds not winter's chilling breeze;
By and by the harvest, and the labour ended,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Going forth with weeping, sowing for the Master,
Though the loss sustained our spirit often grieves;
When our weeping's over, He will bid us welcome,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves. Knowles Shaw (1874)
N.J. Hiebert - 9031
The sower soweth the Word. Mark 4:14
A beautiful picture of evangelism is presented to us in this description of a sower sowing seed. Undoubtedly he experienced long days of patient toil, taking a handful of seed and scattering it in every direction. Often it was a lonely task as he endured the heat or cold of the day.
Brother, sister, keep scattering the Word whether verbally or in literature, telling others about the Saviour. Plant a seed in some poor sinner today by a kindly word or deed. Jim Paul
We cannot all be preachers and sway with voice and pen,
As strong winds sway the forest, the minds and hearts of men,
But we can be evangels to souls within our reach,
There's always love's own gospel for loving hearts to preach.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness,
Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eves:
Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Sowing in the sunshine, sowing in the shadows,
Fearing neither clouds not winter's chilling breeze;
By and by the harvest, and the labour ended,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Going forth with weeping, sowing for the Master,
Though the loss sustained our spirit often grieves;
When our weeping's over, He will bid us welcome,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves. Knowles Shaw (1874)
N.J. Hiebert - 9031
November 15
...Isaac his father...said, The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau. And he discerned him not... (Genesis 27:22-23). For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? (1 Corinthians 14:8)
The story is told of an explorer who became lost in the jungle. Using all his skill and knowledge, the man sought desperately, but unsuccessfully, to find his way to safety. Hours stretched into days, the explorer's supplies of food and water ran out and he realized his strength was ebbing fast.
Suddenly, in the distance, he heard a welcome sound!--the sound of a bell tolling. Thinking that civilization with a church must be nearby, he began following the sound with renewed hope. But it was not long before the lost and helpless explorer realized that he was not drawing any closer to the source of the bell. Finally, totally exhausted, the explorer fell to the ground to rise no more. The uncanny mimicked noise of the South American bellbird's call (which sounds like the reverberating "toll," of a bell) had, instead of leading the weary one to safety, lured him to his death.
Satan, the enemy of our souls, is a skilled noise-maker and well able to disguise the awful reality of sin by mimicking wickedness and death with false, harmless sounding noises. As an angel of light he cloaks his evil ways with an innumerable variety of sounds, all calculated to draw the attention of each helpless soul away from the path to eternal safety. Using what often seems innocent and alluring--music, laughter, emotional appeals, apparent sincerity, etc.--he leads weary, undiscerning souls to eventual destruction.
In Shadrach, Mesach and Abednego's day, forced worship of the golden idol was initiated by the sounds of different musical instruments and all kinds of music (Daniel 3:1-15). How deceitfully the enemy cloaks sin and death under such appealing, sweet sounds! What is the antidote for such deceptively deadly poison?
Familiarity with the voice of the Good Shepherd! Dear souls may not always be able to understand or discern the exact kind of evil that they are hearing but if the blessed Saviour's voice is a loved and familiar sound to them, "a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers" (John 10:5) The Christian Shepherd - April 2006
N.J.Hiebert - 9032
The story is told of an explorer who became lost in the jungle. Using all his skill and knowledge, the man sought desperately, but unsuccessfully, to find his way to safety. Hours stretched into days, the explorer's supplies of food and water ran out and he realized his strength was ebbing fast.
Suddenly, in the distance, he heard a welcome sound!--the sound of a bell tolling. Thinking that civilization with a church must be nearby, he began following the sound with renewed hope. But it was not long before the lost and helpless explorer realized that he was not drawing any closer to the source of the bell. Finally, totally exhausted, the explorer fell to the ground to rise no more. The uncanny mimicked noise of the South American bellbird's call (which sounds like the reverberating "toll," of a bell) had, instead of leading the weary one to safety, lured him to his death.
Satan, the enemy of our souls, is a skilled noise-maker and well able to disguise the awful reality of sin by mimicking wickedness and death with false, harmless sounding noises. As an angel of light he cloaks his evil ways with an innumerable variety of sounds, all calculated to draw the attention of each helpless soul away from the path to eternal safety. Using what often seems innocent and alluring--music, laughter, emotional appeals, apparent sincerity, etc.--he leads weary, undiscerning souls to eventual destruction.
In Shadrach, Mesach and Abednego's day, forced worship of the golden idol was initiated by the sounds of different musical instruments and all kinds of music (Daniel 3:1-15). How deceitfully the enemy cloaks sin and death under such appealing, sweet sounds! What is the antidote for such deceptively deadly poison?
Familiarity with the voice of the Good Shepherd! Dear souls may not always be able to understand or discern the exact kind of evil that they are hearing but if the blessed Saviour's voice is a loved and familiar sound to them, "a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers" (John 10:5) The Christian Shepherd - April 2006
N.J.Hiebert - 9032
November 16
Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans10:17
Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain...having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better. Philippians 1:21,23
Nature dealt the final blow, faith assures it is not so.
Nature never sees thee more, faith but sees thee gone before.
Nature tells a dismal story; faith has visions full of glory.
Nature views the change with sadness; faith contemplates it with gladness;
Nature sorrows faith gives meekness; "strength is perfected in weakness."
Nature weeps, and dreads the rod, faith looks up and blesses God.
Sense looks downward, faith above; that sees harshness, this sees love
Oh, let faith victorious be, let it reign triumphantly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Faith is a very simple thing, though little understood;
It frees the soul from death's dread sting, by resting on the blood.
It looks not on the things around, nor on the things within;
It takes its flight to scenes above, beyond the sphere of sin.
It sees upon the throne of God a victim that was slain;
It rests its all on His shed blood, and says , "I'm born again."
Faith is not what we see or feel; it is a simple trust
In what the God of love has said of Jesus as the Just. Asa Hull
N.J.Hiebert - 9033
Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain...having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better. Philippians 1:21,23
Nature dealt the final blow, faith assures it is not so.
Nature never sees thee more, faith but sees thee gone before.
Nature tells a dismal story; faith has visions full of glory.
Nature views the change with sadness; faith contemplates it with gladness;
Nature sorrows faith gives meekness; "strength is perfected in weakness."
Nature weeps, and dreads the rod, faith looks up and blesses God.
Sense looks downward, faith above; that sees harshness, this sees love
Oh, let faith victorious be, let it reign triumphantly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Faith is a very simple thing, though little understood;
It frees the soul from death's dread sting, by resting on the blood.
It looks not on the things around, nor on the things within;
It takes its flight to scenes above, beyond the sphere of sin.
It sees upon the throne of God a victim that was slain;
It rests its all on His shed blood, and says , "I'm born again."
Faith is not what we see or feel; it is a simple trust
In what the God of love has said of Jesus as the Just. Asa Hull
N.J.Hiebert - 9033
November 17
Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, and said unto them, what will ye give me, and I will deliver HIM unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. Matthew 26:14,15.
It was the utter lack of appreciation of the worth and work of the Shepherd that caused the loss to Israel of all that was lovely toward God, and of all that was so good and pleasant among His people. "So they weighed for My price thirty pieces of silver!" (Zechariah 11:12)
Thirty pieces of silver, for the Lord of life they gave;
Thirty pieces of silver--only the price of a slave! (William Blane)
Yes, thirty pieces of silver was the stipulated compensation for a slave (Exodus 21:32). This was the very least value that could be set on the head of a human being. This act of callous blindness, putting the lowest price on the priceless love and service of the Best of heaven, was the calm and unnoticed act that blighted every beauty and every blessing of the favoured people.
A choice that is made with little thought or exercise often manifests where the heart is. Judas thought so little of the thirty pieces of silver that he could actually kiss his Master with them already in his bag. It was these thirty pieces of silver marked Judas out as a despiser of God's Christ, and a traitor. Accept the price of a slave for the Shepherd of the Sheep? Judas did it. The merest speck of true love would have scorned such a valuation.
It was the price of His worth in the minds of the priests as well. The stirring of indignation is readily seen in the holy sarcasm of the words, "A goodly price that I was prized at of them." (Zechariah 11:13) The loathing of the money is seen in casting the pieces to the potter in the house of the Lord. Let the potter put the silver of the wretched bargain with the shards of his broken and worthless vessels. This was done with the price of blood, the price of His blood. Mathew 27:3-10 A Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake
N.J.Hiebert - 9034
It was the utter lack of appreciation of the worth and work of the Shepherd that caused the loss to Israel of all that was lovely toward God, and of all that was so good and pleasant among His people. "So they weighed for My price thirty pieces of silver!" (Zechariah 11:12)
Thirty pieces of silver, for the Lord of life they gave;
Thirty pieces of silver--only the price of a slave! (William Blane)
Yes, thirty pieces of silver was the stipulated compensation for a slave (Exodus 21:32). This was the very least value that could be set on the head of a human being. This act of callous blindness, putting the lowest price on the priceless love and service of the Best of heaven, was the calm and unnoticed act that blighted every beauty and every blessing of the favoured people.
A choice that is made with little thought or exercise often manifests where the heart is. Judas thought so little of the thirty pieces of silver that he could actually kiss his Master with them already in his bag. It was these thirty pieces of silver marked Judas out as a despiser of God's Christ, and a traitor. Accept the price of a slave for the Shepherd of the Sheep? Judas did it. The merest speck of true love would have scorned such a valuation.
It was the price of His worth in the minds of the priests as well. The stirring of indignation is readily seen in the holy sarcasm of the words, "A goodly price that I was prized at of them." (Zechariah 11:13) The loathing of the money is seen in casting the pieces to the potter in the house of the Lord. Let the potter put the silver of the wretched bargain with the shards of his broken and worthless vessels. This was done with the price of blood, the price of His blood. Mathew 27:3-10 A Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake
N.J.Hiebert - 9034
November 18
THE BLESSEDNESS OF OLD AGE - ITS LIMITATIONS
And even to your old age I am He; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. Isaiah 46:4 .
One may no longer be equal to the heavy physical tasks once undertaken so easily. The eye may have become dim, the ear dull, the breathe short, the heart faint, the hand unsteady, and the golden bowl of life seem nigh to breaking.
But what distresses even more than these, perhaps, is the failing of the memory: one cannot remember even the promises or the precepts which, in one's younger days, one could repeat so easily. A Christian once complained to an aged man, that he was much discouraged in reading the Scriptures, because he could not fasten on his memory what he had read.
The older friend bade him take a pitcher and fill it with water. This being done, he bade him empty it out and wipe the pitcher. The other wondered to what this tended, "Now," said the older man, "though no water remains in it, yet the pitcher is cleaner than it was before; and though your memory retains not what you read, yet your heart is the cleaner for God's Word having passed through it."
There is, however, a much more comforting reflection than even that one and it is this, namely, that if we forget the promises, God never forgets them.
Heaven's Cure for Earth's Care.
N.J.Hiebert - 9035
And even to your old age I am He; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. Isaiah 46:4 .
One may no longer be equal to the heavy physical tasks once undertaken so easily. The eye may have become dim, the ear dull, the breathe short, the heart faint, the hand unsteady, and the golden bowl of life seem nigh to breaking.
But what distresses even more than these, perhaps, is the failing of the memory: one cannot remember even the promises or the precepts which, in one's younger days, one could repeat so easily. A Christian once complained to an aged man, that he was much discouraged in reading the Scriptures, because he could not fasten on his memory what he had read.
The older friend bade him take a pitcher and fill it with water. This being done, he bade him empty it out and wipe the pitcher. The other wondered to what this tended, "Now," said the older man, "though no water remains in it, yet the pitcher is cleaner than it was before; and though your memory retains not what you read, yet your heart is the cleaner for God's Word having passed through it."
There is, however, a much more comforting reflection than even that one and it is this, namely, that if we forget the promises, God never forgets them.
Heaven's Cure for Earth's Care.
N.J.Hiebert - 9035
November 19
COME AND SEE
Come and see. John 1:39
The Lord Jesus said it first. He said it to the two disciples of John who heard that He was the Lamb of God. They knew very little about Him, but they followed Him. Perhaps they would not even have ventured to speak, but "Jesus turned, and saw them following," (v.38) and spoke to them. Then they asked Him where He dwelt, and He said, "Come and see!"
Philip said it next. He had found Christ himself, and at once he told his friend Nathaniel about it, "Come and see,!" Is it not said still? Oh, "come and see!" Look into the Saviour's glorious and loving face, and see what a lovely and precious Saviour He is! Come and see how ready He is to receive you, and to bless you. Come and see what He has done for you; see how He loved you and and gave Himself for you; how He lived and suffered and bled and died for you!
Come and see what gifts He has for you--forgiveness and peace, His Spirit and His grace, His joy and His love! Come and see where He dwelleth--see that He is ready to come in and dwell with you, to make your heart His own dwelling-place. Oh, if I could but persuade you to "come and see!" There is no other sight so glorious and beautiful.
Will you not come? When you have come, when you can say, like Philip, "We have found Him!" and like Paul, "We see Jesus," will you not say to someone else, "Come and see!" You will wish every one else to come to Him, and you have His word to bid you try to bring them: "Let him that heareth say, come!" (Revelation 22:17) Opened Treasures - Francis Ridley Havergal
N.J.Hiebert - 9036
Come and see. John 1:39
The Lord Jesus said it first. He said it to the two disciples of John who heard that He was the Lamb of God. They knew very little about Him, but they followed Him. Perhaps they would not even have ventured to speak, but "Jesus turned, and saw them following," (v.38) and spoke to them. Then they asked Him where He dwelt, and He said, "Come and see!"
Philip said it next. He had found Christ himself, and at once he told his friend Nathaniel about it, "Come and see,!" Is it not said still? Oh, "come and see!" Look into the Saviour's glorious and loving face, and see what a lovely and precious Saviour He is! Come and see how ready He is to receive you, and to bless you. Come and see what He has done for you; see how He loved you and and gave Himself for you; how He lived and suffered and bled and died for you!
Come and see what gifts He has for you--forgiveness and peace, His Spirit and His grace, His joy and His love! Come and see where He dwelleth--see that He is ready to come in and dwell with you, to make your heart His own dwelling-place. Oh, if I could but persuade you to "come and see!" There is no other sight so glorious and beautiful.
Will you not come? When you have come, when you can say, like Philip, "We have found Him!" and like Paul, "We see Jesus," will you not say to someone else, "Come and see!" You will wish every one else to come to Him, and you have His word to bid you try to bring them: "Let him that heareth say, come!" (Revelation 22:17) Opened Treasures - Francis Ridley Havergal
N.J.Hiebert - 9036
November 20
And Jesus said unto the centurion, go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.
Matthew 8:13
Christ is our life and according to the faith we have we are to trust Him to sustain even out bodies and rest assured that He will keep us here as long as He wants us in this world. "We are immortal until our work is done." (David Livingstone)
Guidance. "In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:6) It is easier to preach about guidance than to be sure of it in some cases. Sometimes we expect the Lord to make it plainer than He does. By the Word, prayer, meditation, circumstances, sometimes the advice of true Christian friends, by steps and by stops, "God leads His dear children along."
Calls, results, funds. I have found it best to let the Lord open doors without any effort on my part. Sometimes I have become too anxious when there was no visible response to my preaching and unduly elated when there was. "The wind bloweth where it listeth [wishes]" John 3:8. It is not possible to determine fully which meeting is the greater defeat or victory.
"Our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20) "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20). I am a citizen of heaven so-journeying on earth, not a citizen of earth journeying to heaven. God help me never to lose my pilgrim character. It is so easy to drive down our tent-pegs in this world.
That I May Know Him - Vance Havner
N.J.Hiebert - 9037
Christ is our life and according to the faith we have we are to trust Him to sustain even out bodies and rest assured that He will keep us here as long as He wants us in this world. "We are immortal until our work is done." (David Livingstone)
Guidance. "In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:6) It is easier to preach about guidance than to be sure of it in some cases. Sometimes we expect the Lord to make it plainer than He does. By the Word, prayer, meditation, circumstances, sometimes the advice of true Christian friends, by steps and by stops, "God leads His dear children along."
Calls, results, funds. I have found it best to let the Lord open doors without any effort on my part. Sometimes I have become too anxious when there was no visible response to my preaching and unduly elated when there was. "The wind bloweth where it listeth [wishes]" John 3:8. It is not possible to determine fully which meeting is the greater defeat or victory.
"Our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20) "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20). I am a citizen of heaven so-journeying on earth, not a citizen of earth journeying to heaven. God help me never to lose my pilgrim character. It is so easy to drive down our tent-pegs in this world.
That I May Know Him - Vance Havner
N.J.Hiebert - 9037
November 21
And they (Joseph's brethren) sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying...Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. Genesis 50:16-17
Jacob was dead and now his brethren were trying to convince Joseph to forgive them. But he had long since forgiven them for the evil they had done to him. For seventeen years they had been living under the care of Joseph without realizing that he had completely forgiven them!
Do we realize that our forgiveness was a once and for all act and we are safe and under Christ's love and care? Is the Lord grieved with our lack of understanding of our security in Him? Ray Jones
The work which His goodness began, the arm of His strength will complete; His promise is Yea and Amen, and never was forfeited yet; Things future, nor things that are now, nor all things below nor above, Can make Him His purpose forgo, or sever our souls from His love.
Our names from the palms of His hands, eternity will not erase: Impressed on His heart they remain, in marks of indelible grace: And we to the end shall endure, as sure as the earnest is given; More happy, but not more secure, the spirits departed to heaven.
August M. Toplady
N.J.Hiebert - 9038
Jacob was dead and now his brethren were trying to convince Joseph to forgive them. But he had long since forgiven them for the evil they had done to him. For seventeen years they had been living under the care of Joseph without realizing that he had completely forgiven them!
Do we realize that our forgiveness was a once and for all act and we are safe and under Christ's love and care? Is the Lord grieved with our lack of understanding of our security in Him? Ray Jones
The work which His goodness began, the arm of His strength will complete; His promise is Yea and Amen, and never was forfeited yet; Things future, nor things that are now, nor all things below nor above, Can make Him His purpose forgo, or sever our souls from His love.
Our names from the palms of His hands, eternity will not erase: Impressed on His heart they remain, in marks of indelible grace: And we to the end shall endure, as sure as the earnest is given; More happy, but not more secure, the spirits departed to heaven.
August M. Toplady
N.J.Hiebert - 9038
November 22
JESUS LOVES EVEN ME
As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love. John 15:9
The wonder of Jesus' deep love for each of us has been expressed in this text in beautiful but childlike language by the noted musician of early gospel music, Philip P. Bliss. After attending a service where the hymn "O How I Love Jesus" was sung repeatedly, Bliss thought, "Have I not been singing enough about my poor love for Jesus and shall I not rather sing of His great love for me?"
Soon he completed both the words and music of one of the all-time favourite children's hymns, which is widely sung and enjoyed by adults as well. There has been no writer of verse since his time who has shown such a grasp of the fundamental truths of the gospel, or such a gift for putting them into a poetic and singable form.
The third stanza of this simple but very appealing hymn is especially meaningful when we realize that Philip Bliss died suddenly at the age of thirty-eight in a tragic train accident. His many stirring hymns, however, have lived on. They all focus clearly on important biblical truths, but none is more moving than the reminder in this text that Jesus loves even me.
I am so glad that our Father in heaven tells of His love in the book He has given; wonderful things in the Bible I see--this is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.
Tho I forget Him and wander away, still He doth love me wherever I stray; back to His dear loving arms would I flee, when I remember that Jesus loves me.
O if there's only one song I can sing when in His beauty I see the great King, this shall my song in eternity be: "O what a wonder that Jesus loves me!"
CHORUS: I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me; I am so glad that Jesus loves; Jesus loves even me. Philip P. Bliss
N.J.Hiebert - 9039
As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love. John 15:9
The wonder of Jesus' deep love for each of us has been expressed in this text in beautiful but childlike language by the noted musician of early gospel music, Philip P. Bliss. After attending a service where the hymn "O How I Love Jesus" was sung repeatedly, Bliss thought, "Have I not been singing enough about my poor love for Jesus and shall I not rather sing of His great love for me?"
Soon he completed both the words and music of one of the all-time favourite children's hymns, which is widely sung and enjoyed by adults as well. There has been no writer of verse since his time who has shown such a grasp of the fundamental truths of the gospel, or such a gift for putting them into a poetic and singable form.
The third stanza of this simple but very appealing hymn is especially meaningful when we realize that Philip Bliss died suddenly at the age of thirty-eight in a tragic train accident. His many stirring hymns, however, have lived on. They all focus clearly on important biblical truths, but none is more moving than the reminder in this text that Jesus loves even me.
I am so glad that our Father in heaven tells of His love in the book He has given; wonderful things in the Bible I see--this is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.
Tho I forget Him and wander away, still He doth love me wherever I stray; back to His dear loving arms would I flee, when I remember that Jesus loves me.
O if there's only one song I can sing when in His beauty I see the great King, this shall my song in eternity be: "O what a wonder that Jesus loves me!"
CHORUS: I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me; I am so glad that Jesus loves; Jesus loves even me. Philip P. Bliss
N.J.Hiebert - 9039
November 23
When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto Thee, into Thine holy temple. Jonah 2:7
In the days of his prosperity, his pride and his self will, Jonah had forgotten Jehovah, or perhaps we should say, had disregarded Jehovah, but now, when the billows and the breakers were going over him, the waters encompassing him, even to the soul; now when he was down at the bottoms of the mountains, when he was utterly without hope, he said, "the bars of the earth closed about me forever." (Jonah 2:6)
Now, his soul fainted. He had no resource, no hope in man, there was not one to whom he could turn. Now, he remembered Jehovah, and he prayed. There was no other hope, no other way, nothing else he could do, so he prayed. Not only did he pray, but faith rose from that strange "prayer room," and by faith he could see right into "Thy holy temple," (Jonah 2:7) towards which he had looked, and saw that his prayer had entered in, right inside the veil, to the very presence of God.
Perhaps we all have tasted a bit of this experience of Jonah. Which of us has not tried to manage our own affairs, and when everything went wrong, and we were at our wits' end; when our soul fainted within us, and we had no way, no hope, no plan, then we "remembered Jehovah." (Jonah 2:7). Then we prayed.
We did not deserve to get a hearing for our prayer when it was forced from us in such extremities, but, thank God, we have found, like Jonah, that even then, it "came in unto Thee, into Thy holy temple." (Jonah 2:7).
Lessons From Jonah the Prophet - G. C. Willis
N.J.Hiebert - 9040
In the days of his prosperity, his pride and his self will, Jonah had forgotten Jehovah, or perhaps we should say, had disregarded Jehovah, but now, when the billows and the breakers were going over him, the waters encompassing him, even to the soul; now when he was down at the bottoms of the mountains, when he was utterly without hope, he said, "the bars of the earth closed about me forever." (Jonah 2:6)
Now, his soul fainted. He had no resource, no hope in man, there was not one to whom he could turn. Now, he remembered Jehovah, and he prayed. There was no other hope, no other way, nothing else he could do, so he prayed. Not only did he pray, but faith rose from that strange "prayer room," and by faith he could see right into "Thy holy temple," (Jonah 2:7) towards which he had looked, and saw that his prayer had entered in, right inside the veil, to the very presence of God.
Perhaps we all have tasted a bit of this experience of Jonah. Which of us has not tried to manage our own affairs, and when everything went wrong, and we were at our wits' end; when our soul fainted within us, and we had no way, no hope, no plan, then we "remembered Jehovah." (Jonah 2:7). Then we prayed.
We did not deserve to get a hearing for our prayer when it was forced from us in such extremities, but, thank God, we have found, like Jonah, that even then, it "came in unto Thee, into Thy holy temple." (Jonah 2:7).
Lessons From Jonah the Prophet - G. C. Willis
N.J.Hiebert - 9040
November 24
They found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. Luke 24:2
Did not our hearts burn within us...while He opened to us the Scriptures? (v.32)
And their eyes were opened and they knew Him. (v.31)
Then opened He their understanding. (v.45)
This resurrection chapter is full of open things: an open tomb; open Scriptures; open eyes; and open understanding. Each carries a responsibility.
An empty tomb calls us to a relationship with a living Saviour. Knowledge of Him is found in the opened Scriptures and with opened understanding, our hearts should burn to love Him more fully and serve Him more faithfully. S. McEachern
The Lord is risen indeed, and all His work performed!
The captive Surety now is freed, and death, our foe, disarmed.
The Lord is risen indeed: He lives--to die no more;
He lives--His people's cause to plead, whose curse and shame He bore.
The Lord is risen indeed: and death has lost its prey:
And with Him all the ransomed seed shall reign in endless day. T. Kelly
N.J.Hiebert - 9041
Did not our hearts burn within us...while He opened to us the Scriptures? (v.32)
And their eyes were opened and they knew Him. (v.31)
Then opened He their understanding. (v.45)
This resurrection chapter is full of open things: an open tomb; open Scriptures; open eyes; and open understanding. Each carries a responsibility.
An empty tomb calls us to a relationship with a living Saviour. Knowledge of Him is found in the opened Scriptures and with opened understanding, our hearts should burn to love Him more fully and serve Him more faithfully. S. McEachern
The Lord is risen indeed, and all His work performed!
The captive Surety now is freed, and death, our foe, disarmed.
The Lord is risen indeed: He lives--to die no more;
He lives--His people's cause to plead, whose curse and shame He bore.
The Lord is risen indeed: and death has lost its prey:
And with Him all the ransomed seed shall reign in endless day. T. Kelly
N.J.Hiebert - 9041
November 25
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8
What a most awfully solemn word! Instead of a blessing, a twice-repeated curse! How these words should make every one of us stop and think!
If I have the happy privilege, and the solemn responsibility of announcing God's good news, how earnestly I should seek to see to it, that what I announce is in very truth God's good news, and not my own thoughts or ideas; else it may be that solemn word may come to me: "Cursed be he!"
Sad to say, there are tens of thousands today who preach the law, without the least idea that they are putting themselves under this terrible curse. But so it is. It would seem as though the one who was specially doing this wicked work in Galatia, may have been a man of distinction.
The words that Paul uses, "Even if we, or an angel out of heaven, should announce good news to you beside what we preached, cursed be he!" would seem to indicate he was a great man. Also in Galatians 5:10, "whoever he be," would seem to give us the same meaning.
Today there are men who hold high positions in the churches of men, who may have many degrees after their names, but they are cursed of God because they preach a different good news, which is not another. It is Christianity with something added. That is exactly what these false teachers brought to the Galatians.
If anyone tells me I must keep the law for salvation, this is not good news. It is just the opposite. It is very, very bad news, for I never can keep the law, and I must perish. Galatians - G. C. Willis
N.J.Hiebert - 9042
What a most awfully solemn word! Instead of a blessing, a twice-repeated curse! How these words should make every one of us stop and think!
If I have the happy privilege, and the solemn responsibility of announcing God's good news, how earnestly I should seek to see to it, that what I announce is in very truth God's good news, and not my own thoughts or ideas; else it may be that solemn word may come to me: "Cursed be he!"
Sad to say, there are tens of thousands today who preach the law, without the least idea that they are putting themselves under this terrible curse. But so it is. It would seem as though the one who was specially doing this wicked work in Galatia, may have been a man of distinction.
The words that Paul uses, "Even if we, or an angel out of heaven, should announce good news to you beside what we preached, cursed be he!" would seem to indicate he was a great man. Also in Galatians 5:10, "whoever he be," would seem to give us the same meaning.
Today there are men who hold high positions in the churches of men, who may have many degrees after their names, but they are cursed of God because they preach a different good news, which is not another. It is Christianity with something added. That is exactly what these false teachers brought to the Galatians.
If anyone tells me I must keep the law for salvation, this is not good news. It is just the opposite. It is very, very bad news, for I never can keep the law, and I must perish. Galatians - G. C. Willis
N.J.Hiebert - 9042
November 26
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.
Isaiah 26:3
"Quiet tension is not trust. It is simply compressed anxiety". Too often we think we are trusting when we are merely controlling our panic. True faith gives not only a calm exterior but a quiet heart.
Miss Amy Carmichael gives a beautiful illustration from nature of this kind of trust. The sun bird, one of the tiniest of birds, a native of India, builds a pendant nest, hanging it by four frail threads, generally from a spray of the vallaris plant. It is a delicate work of art, with its roof and tiny porch, which a splash of water or a child's touch might destroy.
Miss Carmichael tells how she saw a little sun bird building such a nest just before the monsoon season, and felt that for once bird wisdom had failed; for how could such a delicate structure, in such an exposed situation, weather the winds and the torrential rains? The monsoon broke, and from her window she watched the nest swaying with the branches in the wind.
Then she perceived that the nest had been so placed that the leaves immediately above it formed little gutters which carried the water away from the nest. There sat the sun bird, with its tiny head resting on her little porch, and whenever a drop of water fell on her long, curved beak, she sucked it in as if it were nectar. The storm raged furiously, but the sun bird sat, quiet and unafraid, hatching her tiny eggs.
We have a more substantial rest for head and heart than the sun bird's porch! We have the promises of God. They are enough, however terrifying the storm. J. C. Macaulay.
N.J. Hiebert - 9043
"Quiet tension is not trust. It is simply compressed anxiety". Too often we think we are trusting when we are merely controlling our panic. True faith gives not only a calm exterior but a quiet heart.
Miss Amy Carmichael gives a beautiful illustration from nature of this kind of trust. The sun bird, one of the tiniest of birds, a native of India, builds a pendant nest, hanging it by four frail threads, generally from a spray of the vallaris plant. It is a delicate work of art, with its roof and tiny porch, which a splash of water or a child's touch might destroy.
Miss Carmichael tells how she saw a little sun bird building such a nest just before the monsoon season, and felt that for once bird wisdom had failed; for how could such a delicate structure, in such an exposed situation, weather the winds and the torrential rains? The monsoon broke, and from her window she watched the nest swaying with the branches in the wind.
Then she perceived that the nest had been so placed that the leaves immediately above it formed little gutters which carried the water away from the nest. There sat the sun bird, with its tiny head resting on her little porch, and whenever a drop of water fell on her long, curved beak, she sucked it in as if it were nectar. The storm raged furiously, but the sun bird sat, quiet and unafraid, hatching her tiny eggs.
We have a more substantial rest for head and heart than the sun bird's porch! We have the promises of God. They are enough, however terrifying the storm. J. C. Macaulay.
N.J. Hiebert - 9043
November 27
And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, the Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. 2 Samuel 12:13
It might well seem to us at this point that David was indeed beyond redemption. Certainly for the casual reader with little if any spiritual understanding this episode in the king's life removes him from any further possibility of human respect.
The inescapable verdict would seem to be one of absolute abhorrence--especially for one who claimed to honour the Most High. Certainly David's duplicity has brought endless reproach upon the man, and upon all of God's people, across the ensuing centuries.
Only the grace of God and the unfailing faithfulness of His Spirit, still at work in David's life, could ever lift him again from the deep and terrible pit of evil in which he was mired.
Only, only, only the redemptive mercy, the incredible pity, the eternal generosity of a compassionate, caring, loving, merciful God could possibly forgive his offences.
- This David saw!
- This he now knew!
- This he understood as his only hope!
He was utterly silent, subdued, smitten before Nathan. And it was at this point that God worked a miracle of redemption in his life. He can do the same for us at the low points in our lives."Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; thought they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18 Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7
Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller
N.J.Hiebert - 9044
It might well seem to us at this point that David was indeed beyond redemption. Certainly for the casual reader with little if any spiritual understanding this episode in the king's life removes him from any further possibility of human respect.
The inescapable verdict would seem to be one of absolute abhorrence--especially for one who claimed to honour the Most High. Certainly David's duplicity has brought endless reproach upon the man, and upon all of God's people, across the ensuing centuries.
Only the grace of God and the unfailing faithfulness of His Spirit, still at work in David's life, could ever lift him again from the deep and terrible pit of evil in which he was mired.
Only, only, only the redemptive mercy, the incredible pity, the eternal generosity of a compassionate, caring, loving, merciful God could possibly forgive his offences.
- This David saw!
- This he now knew!
- This he understood as his only hope!
He was utterly silent, subdued, smitten before Nathan. And it was at this point that God worked a miracle of redemption in his life. He can do the same for us at the low points in our lives."Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; thought they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18 Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7
Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller
N.J.Hiebert - 9044
November 28
I go away, and come again unto you. John 14:28
These words refer to the parting, before our Lord Jesus would come again and receive His disciples unto Himself, never to be parted from Him again.
But can one thought, however rich, ever exhaust the meaning in His words? These special words, I go away and come again unto you, cast light on Isaiah 48:21: "They thirsted not when He led them through the deserts."
He who never really leaves us does at times appear to do so. We all know what desert times are, what it means not to see Him clearly, not to hear His voice, not to feel His presence.
But "there is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of one little glowworm." This word of cheer is far more unquenchable than any light of earth. Does it seem as though He has gone away?
He has not, but does it sometimes seem so? Then let His word do its loving will in our hearts. "I will not stay away. I go away, and come again unto you." Whispers of His ways - Amy Carmichael
N.J.Hiebert - 9045
These words refer to the parting, before our Lord Jesus would come again and receive His disciples unto Himself, never to be parted from Him again.
But can one thought, however rich, ever exhaust the meaning in His words? These special words, I go away and come again unto you, cast light on Isaiah 48:21: "They thirsted not when He led them through the deserts."
He who never really leaves us does at times appear to do so. We all know what desert times are, what it means not to see Him clearly, not to hear His voice, not to feel His presence.
But "there is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of one little glowworm." This word of cheer is far more unquenchable than any light of earth. Does it seem as though He has gone away?
He has not, but does it sometimes seem so? Then let His word do its loving will in our hearts. "I will not stay away. I go away, and come again unto you." Whispers of His ways - Amy Carmichael
N.J.Hiebert - 9045
November 29
Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury...and he commanded the most mighty men that were in His army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. Daniel 3:19-20.
Even the men stoking the furnace were killed by its heat...and wonder of wonders, Nebuchadnezzar saw them walking around with their bonds loosed, and and One "like the Son of God" (v.25) was with them in the midst of the flames. This had a salutary effect on Nebuchadnezzar and his attitude completely changed. He called the three martyrs "ye servants of the most high God" (v.26) and gave complete freedom of worship to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
He also threatened his own people with death and destruction if they dared speak a word against these men or against their God. He then makes the amazing statement, "There is no other God that can deliver after this sort" (v.29) Many of God's dear people are called upon to pass through the fire from time to time. It is in the fire that they come to know the intimate presence of the Lord in a way they have never known before, and they find that the fire is not as harmful as they had supposed.
Like the men in the furnace, it removes much that has been a bondage. The Lord will never leave us in the fire alone. Think of the precious promise that Jehovah brings to us His redeemed people "Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee" (Isaiah 43:1-2).
Peter takes up this theme writing, "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter1:7). Could it be that some dear reader is passing through a fiery trial of some kind or another? Remember that He has said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5) In the final analysis, the fire will only consume the dross, bringing forth the fine gold to the glory of our God. Daniel - William Burnett
N.J.Hiebert - 9046
Even the men stoking the furnace were killed by its heat...and wonder of wonders, Nebuchadnezzar saw them walking around with their bonds loosed, and and One "like the Son of God" (v.25) was with them in the midst of the flames. This had a salutary effect on Nebuchadnezzar and his attitude completely changed. He called the three martyrs "ye servants of the most high God" (v.26) and gave complete freedom of worship to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
He also threatened his own people with death and destruction if they dared speak a word against these men or against their God. He then makes the amazing statement, "There is no other God that can deliver after this sort" (v.29) Many of God's dear people are called upon to pass through the fire from time to time. It is in the fire that they come to know the intimate presence of the Lord in a way they have never known before, and they find that the fire is not as harmful as they had supposed.
Like the men in the furnace, it removes much that has been a bondage. The Lord will never leave us in the fire alone. Think of the precious promise that Jehovah brings to us His redeemed people "Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee" (Isaiah 43:1-2).
Peter takes up this theme writing, "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter1:7). Could it be that some dear reader is passing through a fiery trial of some kind or another? Remember that He has said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5) In the final analysis, the fire will only consume the dross, bringing forth the fine gold to the glory of our God. Daniel - William Burnett
N.J.Hiebert - 9046
November 30
Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 2 Timothy 1:11
The faithful in this day may indeed be a small and insignificant minority, even as the Apostle Paul and the few who were associated with him at the close of his life; nevertheless, in "that day" it will be found to be far better to have been with the despised few than with the unfaithful mass.
The vanity of the flesh likes to be popular and self important and make itself prominent before the world and the saints, but in view of that day it is better to take a lowly place in self-effacement rather than a pubic place in self-advertisement, for then it will be found that many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
We may indeed suffer for our own failure, and this should humble us. Nevertheless, with the example of the Apostle before us, we do well to remember that had we walked in absolute faithfulness we should have suffered still more, for it ever remains true that "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (3:12).
If we are faithful to the light that God has given us, and seek to walk in separation from all that is a denial of the truth, we shall find, in our little measure that we shall have to face persecution and opposition, and, in its most painful forms, from our fellow-Christians.
Well for us, when the trial comes, if we can, like Paul, commit all to the Lord, and wait for His vindication in that day. Too often we are fretful and impatient in the presence of wrongs and seek to have them righted in this day instead of waiting for "that day". If, in the faith of our souls, the glory of that day shines before us, instead of being tempted to rebel at the insults and wrongs that may be allowed, we shall "rejoice and be exceeding glad" for, says the Lord, "great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:12) Hamilton Smith
N.J.Hiebert - 9047
The faithful in this day may indeed be a small and insignificant minority, even as the Apostle Paul and the few who were associated with him at the close of his life; nevertheless, in "that day" it will be found to be far better to have been with the despised few than with the unfaithful mass.
The vanity of the flesh likes to be popular and self important and make itself prominent before the world and the saints, but in view of that day it is better to take a lowly place in self-effacement rather than a pubic place in self-advertisement, for then it will be found that many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
We may indeed suffer for our own failure, and this should humble us. Nevertheless, with the example of the Apostle before us, we do well to remember that had we walked in absolute faithfulness we should have suffered still more, for it ever remains true that "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (3:12).
If we are faithful to the light that God has given us, and seek to walk in separation from all that is a denial of the truth, we shall find, in our little measure that we shall have to face persecution and opposition, and, in its most painful forms, from our fellow-Christians.
Well for us, when the trial comes, if we can, like Paul, commit all to the Lord, and wait for His vindication in that day. Too often we are fretful and impatient in the presence of wrongs and seek to have them righted in this day instead of waiting for "that day". If, in the faith of our souls, the glory of that day shines before us, instead of being tempted to rebel at the insults and wrongs that may be allowed, we shall "rejoice and be exceeding glad" for, says the Lord, "great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:12) Hamilton Smith
N.J.Hiebert - 9047
December 1
But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, they hated me without a cause. John 15:25
We love Him, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19
He who was hated without a cause loved without a cause. In fact His love without cause both preceded and will outlast the hatred expressed toward Him. The Lord never states the reason for His love, but He always gives the reason for His judgment.
It is the wonder of all wonders that He loved us when we were unlovable and so much so that He gave His Son to die for us. Gary W. Seale
When I know that for me He the anguish bore,
That from sin He might set me free,
Oh, I know that I'll love Him forever more,
When I think of His love for me. Louis Paul Lehman, Jr.
The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell.
Though guilty we, yet on the tree God gave His Son to win;
All who believe are reconciled, and pardoned from their sin.
Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky.
Fredrick Martin Lehman
N.J.Hiebert - 9048
We love Him, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19
He who was hated without a cause loved without a cause. In fact His love without cause both preceded and will outlast the hatred expressed toward Him. The Lord never states the reason for His love, but He always gives the reason for His judgment.
It is the wonder of all wonders that He loved us when we were unlovable and so much so that He gave His Son to die for us. Gary W. Seale
When I know that for me He the anguish bore,
That from sin He might set me free,
Oh, I know that I'll love Him forever more,
When I think of His love for me. Louis Paul Lehman, Jr.
The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell.
Though guilty we, yet on the tree God gave His Son to win;
All who believe are reconciled, and pardoned from their sin.
Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky.
Fredrick Martin Lehman
N.J.Hiebert - 9048
December 2
Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee. Psalm 119:11
When we speak on that verse to the little people, we tell them that there you have the right word- Thy Word; in the right place--my heart; for the right purpose--that I might not sin against God. We older folk are the children of eternity; we, too, need to hide our Father's Word in our hearts; and so I pass on a few suggestions that may enable rightly to divide the Word of truth.
- When you are in sorrow, read John 14.
- When men fail you, read Psalm 27.
- When you have sinned, read Psalm 51.
- When you are worried, read Matthew 6.
- When God seems far away, read Psalm 139.
- When you are discouraged, read Isaiah 40.
- If you want to be fruitful, read John 15.
- To recount your blessings, read Psalm 103.
- When your faith is weak, read Hebrews 11.
- When you want courage, read Joshua 1.
- When feeling down and out, read Romans 8.
- When loved ones pass on, read Psalm 90.
- When inclined to be critical, read 1 Corinthians 13.
- Before undertaking a journey, read Psalm 121. Henry Durbanville
N.J.Hiebert - 9049
When we speak on that verse to the little people, we tell them that there you have the right word- Thy Word; in the right place--my heart; for the right purpose--that I might not sin against God. We older folk are the children of eternity; we, too, need to hide our Father's Word in our hearts; and so I pass on a few suggestions that may enable rightly to divide the Word of truth.
- When you are in sorrow, read John 14.
- When men fail you, read Psalm 27.
- When you have sinned, read Psalm 51.
- When you are worried, read Matthew 6.
- When God seems far away, read Psalm 139.
- When you are discouraged, read Isaiah 40.
- If you want to be fruitful, read John 15.
- To recount your blessings, read Psalm 103.
- When your faith is weak, read Hebrews 11.
- When you want courage, read Joshua 1.
- When feeling down and out, read Romans 8.
- When loved ones pass on, read Psalm 90.
- When inclined to be critical, read 1 Corinthians 13.
- Before undertaking a journey, read Psalm 121. Henry Durbanville
N.J.Hiebert - 9049
December 3
BEING WHERE GOD WANTS US TO BE
And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land. Jonah 2:10
Initially, Jonah refused to do what he knew to be the will of God. Has that not been true of all of us? But God brought Jonah to his senses and delivered him! Jonah came up from the depths of the sea humbled and chastened, but scarcely broken, for the concluding chapter of his book shows that he still had much to learn. But he had experienced the power of God to lay low those who rise up against His will, and he was also assured that, come what may, God will never cast off His own.
We need not suppose that the great fish remained stationary during Jonah's imprisonment; the eye of the Creator was upon it, and it was guided to drop the prophet just where the Lord wanted him. The obedience of the humblest creatures, as recorded in Scripture, is deeply instructive. The Lord Jesus, when on earth, wanted a fish which possessed a shekel, and to have that particular fish--and no other--caught on Peter's hook (Matthew 17:27).
The colt upon which no man ever sat, an untamed novice for work, obediently carried the Lord through the streets of Jerusalem (Matthew 21:7). In like manner, this sea monster was at the appointed place when Jonah was cast out of the ship; it took care of him for the divinely appointed period, and then released him in God's time, and in the place where God required him. Alas that man, the most gifted of all earthy creatures, should be the arch rebel of this planet!
We are of the most use to God when we are where He wants us to be. God wanted Jonah to be in Nineveh. Where does He want you? Even when we are in the right place at the right time, we need the guidance of the Spirit constantly as to what we should say or do. We may know this truth, but it is essential that we put it into practice! W. W. Feredy
N.J.Hiebert - 9050
And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land. Jonah 2:10
Initially, Jonah refused to do what he knew to be the will of God. Has that not been true of all of us? But God brought Jonah to his senses and delivered him! Jonah came up from the depths of the sea humbled and chastened, but scarcely broken, for the concluding chapter of his book shows that he still had much to learn. But he had experienced the power of God to lay low those who rise up against His will, and he was also assured that, come what may, God will never cast off His own.
We need not suppose that the great fish remained stationary during Jonah's imprisonment; the eye of the Creator was upon it, and it was guided to drop the prophet just where the Lord wanted him. The obedience of the humblest creatures, as recorded in Scripture, is deeply instructive. The Lord Jesus, when on earth, wanted a fish which possessed a shekel, and to have that particular fish--and no other--caught on Peter's hook (Matthew 17:27).
The colt upon which no man ever sat, an untamed novice for work, obediently carried the Lord through the streets of Jerusalem (Matthew 21:7). In like manner, this sea monster was at the appointed place when Jonah was cast out of the ship; it took care of him for the divinely appointed period, and then released him in God's time, and in the place where God required him. Alas that man, the most gifted of all earthy creatures, should be the arch rebel of this planet!
We are of the most use to God when we are where He wants us to be. God wanted Jonah to be in Nineveh. Where does He want you? Even when we are in the right place at the right time, we need the guidance of the Spirit constantly as to what we should say or do. We may know this truth, but it is essential that we put it into practice! W. W. Feredy
N.J.Hiebert - 9050
December 4
posted by soundwords at
November 01, 2022
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