Gems from January 2023
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not whither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3.
One day, deep in the forest, we came upon a rock in midstream scooped by the backwash of immemorial waters to a hollow like the palm of a man's hand. Over this rock fell a crystal sheet of water, and through that moving clearness we saw maidenhair fern growing in lovely profusion in the hollow of the hand.
It was not the place where we should have planted a fern; at any moment it might have been tossed, a piteous, crumpled mass, down the shouting river--this is how it seemed to us. But it was safe. The falls flowed over it, not on it. And it was blessed.
When the fern on the bank shrivelled in heat, it was green, for it was watered all the year long by dust of spray. So does our wonderful God turn that which had seemed to be a perpetual threat to a perpetual benediction. Is there anything to fear with such a God? Rose From Briar - Amy Carmichael
Be not dismayed what e'er betide, God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.
Thro' days of toil when heart doth fail, God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail, God will take care of you.
All you may need He will provide, God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will be denied, God will take care of you.
No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one upon, His breast, God will take care of you. C. D. Martin
N.J.Hiebert - 9078
January 1
COVERED by the MOST HIGH
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 8:12
- The beach does not cover itself.
- It is covered by the sea.
- The shore does not change itself.
- It is shaped by the tides.
- The sea edge does not diminish its own size.
- The ocean does this as it sweeps in upon it.
- The alterations and rearrangements of the coast are the eternal work of the eternal tides.
And in my life as one who lies open, exposed and receptive to the action of The Most High, it is He who will cover and conform me to His own pattern of ultimate perfection.
- He does not relent.
- He does not rest.
- He neither slumbers nor sleeps.
It is He who is at work upon my soul and within my spirit both to will and to do according to His own grand designs.
The incoming of Christ by His sublime Sprit always changes the contours of our lives. Once we have been filled with all the fullness of His grace and goodness we are never the same again. His presence can inundate every crevice, can fill every corner of our convoluted lives. Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller
N.J.Hiebert - 9079
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 8:12
- The beach does not cover itself.
- It is covered by the sea.
- The shore does not change itself.
- It is shaped by the tides.
- The sea edge does not diminish its own size.
- The ocean does this as it sweeps in upon it.
- The alterations and rearrangements of the coast are the eternal work of the eternal tides.
And in my life as one who lies open, exposed and receptive to the action of The Most High, it is He who will cover and conform me to His own pattern of ultimate perfection.
- He does not relent.
- He does not rest.
- He neither slumbers nor sleeps.
It is He who is at work upon my soul and within my spirit both to will and to do according to His own grand designs.
The incoming of Christ by His sublime Sprit always changes the contours of our lives. Once we have been filled with all the fullness of His grace and goodness we are never the same again. His presence can inundate every crevice, can fill every corner of our convoluted lives. Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller
N.J.Hiebert - 9079
January 2
THE BIBLE
For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
My Book! my Book! my grand old Book! by inspiration given! There every page from age to age, reveals the path to heaven;
My Lamp of Light! in nature's night, thy un-beclouded ray
Has turned the gloom of death's cold tomb to everlasting day.
My Chart! my Chart! my changeless Chart by thee I guide my bark, A simple child on ocean wild, o'er mountain billows dark;
By thee I steer my safe career, with canvas all unfurled,
And onward sail before the gale, to yonder blissful world.
My Staff! my Staff! my trusty Staff! I'll grasp thee in my hand, As faint and weak on Pisgah's peak, I view the promised land;
Not sadly told, as one of old, to see--but to explore,
My hold I'll keep through Jordan's deep till safe on Canaan's shore.
My Sword! my Sword! my two-edged sword! by thy unerring might, I deal my foe the deadly blow, in faith's unequal fight;
Thy tempered blade, that lent me aid in every conflict past,
Shall make me more than conqueror, through Him who loved, at last.
My Book! my Chart! my Staff! my Sword! heaven speed thee on thy way From pole to pole, as ages roll, the harbinger of day,
Till Christ "the Light," shall banish night from this terrestrial ball,
And earth shall see her Jubilee, and God be all in all.
(Author unknown) Christian Treasury December 1990
N.J. Hiebert - 9080
For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
My Book! my Book! my grand old Book! by inspiration given! There every page from age to age, reveals the path to heaven;
My Lamp of Light! in nature's night, thy un-beclouded ray
Has turned the gloom of death's cold tomb to everlasting day.
My Chart! my Chart! my changeless Chart by thee I guide my bark, A simple child on ocean wild, o'er mountain billows dark;
By thee I steer my safe career, with canvas all unfurled,
And onward sail before the gale, to yonder blissful world.
My Staff! my Staff! my trusty Staff! I'll grasp thee in my hand, As faint and weak on Pisgah's peak, I view the promised land;
Not sadly told, as one of old, to see--but to explore,
My hold I'll keep through Jordan's deep till safe on Canaan's shore.
My Sword! my Sword! my two-edged sword! by thy unerring might, I deal my foe the deadly blow, in faith's unequal fight;
Thy tempered blade, that lent me aid in every conflict past,
Shall make me more than conqueror, through Him who loved, at last.
My Book! my Chart! my Staff! my Sword! heaven speed thee on thy way From pole to pole, as ages roll, the harbinger of day,
Till Christ "the Light," shall banish night from this terrestrial ball,
And earth shall see her Jubilee, and God be all in all.
(Author unknown) Christian Treasury December 1990
N.J. Hiebert - 9080
January 3
INSISTING OR SUFFERING
But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid ... neither be troubled." 1 Peter 3:14 "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished." 2 Peter 2:9
It is recorded that 80% of the town of Meulaboh in Aceh (part of Indonesia) was destroyed by the Tsunami that struck on December 26, 2004. Meulaboh, also lost over 80% of its population--souls instantly swept into eternity in that awful disaster. Though the majority of Meulaboh's residents follow the practices of Islam, among them are 400 professing Christians.
The Christians had wanted to come together on December 25th for an all day 'Christian' celebration. Evidently, religious authorities in Meulaboh forbade such a gathering. The Christians were told that if they wanted to be together for a special celebration on December 25th, they should go outside the city of Meulaboh, climb a rugged mountain where, at the top, they could meet together for the day.
Rather than complaining or going to 'civil' authorities to demand their 'legal' rights, the 400 Christians, submitting to religious persecution, left the city on December 25th and climbed to the mountain top, there spending the day together. Because of the arduous climb, they stayed at the top that night.
On Sunday morning, December 26, 2004, the terrible magnitude 9 earthquake struck, followed by Tsunami waves which are estimated to have taken well over a quarter million lives in that vast area. When the Tsunami struck Meulaboh, most of the city was destroyed and thousands were killed. The 400 Christians, however, who had submitted to religious harassment and persecution were still on the mountain top, safe from the destruction. Not one life was lost.
Our hearts ache for all the suffering caused by this terrible disaster allowed by God. How solemn to think of the vast number of souls swept so suddenly into eternity. God is surely speaking plainly, warning this Christ rejecting world of a far worse, coming judgment. May dear souls take heed (see Acts 17:31, Romans 12:19).
Let us soberly ask ourselves an obvious question. What would have happened to the 400 Christians had they demanded their 'rights' and received permission from the civil authorities to remain in the town of Meulaboh for their December 25th gathering? The Christian Shepherd - Doug Nicolet - March 2007
N.J.Hiebert - 9081
But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid ... neither be troubled." 1 Peter 3:14 "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished." 2 Peter 2:9
It is recorded that 80% of the town of Meulaboh in Aceh (part of Indonesia) was destroyed by the Tsunami that struck on December 26, 2004. Meulaboh, also lost over 80% of its population--souls instantly swept into eternity in that awful disaster. Though the majority of Meulaboh's residents follow the practices of Islam, among them are 400 professing Christians.
The Christians had wanted to come together on December 25th for an all day 'Christian' celebration. Evidently, religious authorities in Meulaboh forbade such a gathering. The Christians were told that if they wanted to be together for a special celebration on December 25th, they should go outside the city of Meulaboh, climb a rugged mountain where, at the top, they could meet together for the day.
Rather than complaining or going to 'civil' authorities to demand their 'legal' rights, the 400 Christians, submitting to religious persecution, left the city on December 25th and climbed to the mountain top, there spending the day together. Because of the arduous climb, they stayed at the top that night.
On Sunday morning, December 26, 2004, the terrible magnitude 9 earthquake struck, followed by Tsunami waves which are estimated to have taken well over a quarter million lives in that vast area. When the Tsunami struck Meulaboh, most of the city was destroyed and thousands were killed. The 400 Christians, however, who had submitted to religious harassment and persecution were still on the mountain top, safe from the destruction. Not one life was lost.
Our hearts ache for all the suffering caused by this terrible disaster allowed by God. How solemn to think of the vast number of souls swept so suddenly into eternity. God is surely speaking plainly, warning this Christ rejecting world of a far worse, coming judgment. May dear souls take heed (see Acts 17:31, Romans 12:19).
Let us soberly ask ourselves an obvious question. What would have happened to the 400 Christians had they demanded their 'rights' and received permission from the civil authorities to remain in the town of Meulaboh for their December 25th gathering? The Christian Shepherd - Doug Nicolet - March 2007
N.J.Hiebert - 9081
January 4
THE BRIDGE BUILDER
And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way. Hebrews 12:13
An old man, going a lone highway,
Came at the evening, cold and gray,
To a chasm vast and deep and wide,
Through which was flowing a raging tide.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim;
The sullen stream had no fears for him;
But he turned when safe on the other side,
And built a bridge to span the tide.
"Old man," said a fellow-pilgrim near,
"You are wasting your strength with building here;
Your journey will end with the closing day;
You never again will pass this way.
You've crossed the chasm deep and wide.
Why build you this bridge at eventide?"
The builder lifted his old gray head.
"Good friend, in the path I have come," he said,
"There followeth after me today
A youth whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm which has been as naught to me,
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be;
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building this bridge for him."
Will Allen Dromgoole
N.J.Hiebert - 9082
And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way. Hebrews 12:13
An old man, going a lone highway,
Came at the evening, cold and gray,
To a chasm vast and deep and wide,
Through which was flowing a raging tide.
The old man crossed in the twilight dim;
The sullen stream had no fears for him;
But he turned when safe on the other side,
And built a bridge to span the tide.
"Old man," said a fellow-pilgrim near,
"You are wasting your strength with building here;
Your journey will end with the closing day;
You never again will pass this way.
You've crossed the chasm deep and wide.
Why build you this bridge at eventide?"
The builder lifted his old gray head.
"Good friend, in the path I have come," he said,
"There followeth after me today
A youth whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm which has been as naught to me,
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be;
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building this bridge for him."
Will Allen Dromgoole
N.J.Hiebert - 9082
January 5
AT THE GATE OF THE YEAR
Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world. Acts 15:18
In December 1939, England was at war. Nazi Germany had invaded Poland, and a dark, threatening cloud hung over all of Europe; an uncertain future lay before the people. King George VI was looking for inspiration as he was about to address the nation on the radio.
Thirteen year old Princess Elizabeth gave her father a poem to read just before he addressed the anxious nation. The original title of the poem, was "God Knows," but it became popularly known as "The Gate of the Year," after the public broadcast by King George.
He began his speech with, "A new year is at hand, we cannot tell what it will bring," and then concluded with the poem. Author, M. Haskins
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: "Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown." And he replied: "Go out into the darkness and put your hand in the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way."
As the king read the poem, it had the desired affect, and a calmness settled upon the nation that continued to the end of the war, Yes, God knows, in fact He knows all things; He knows what He is going to do "from eternity."
Christ taught us that the heavenly Father knows and cares even when a little bird falls to the ground, and that the very hairs of our head are numbered. We are of more value than many sparrows (Matthew 10:29-31). As we stand at "the gate" of this new year, may we also put our hand into the hand of the Father and trust Him for all things. Brian Reynolds
N.J.Hiebert - 9083
Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world. Acts 15:18
In December 1939, England was at war. Nazi Germany had invaded Poland, and a dark, threatening cloud hung over all of Europe; an uncertain future lay before the people. King George VI was looking for inspiration as he was about to address the nation on the radio.
Thirteen year old Princess Elizabeth gave her father a poem to read just before he addressed the anxious nation. The original title of the poem, was "God Knows," but it became popularly known as "The Gate of the Year," after the public broadcast by King George.
He began his speech with, "A new year is at hand, we cannot tell what it will bring," and then concluded with the poem. Author, M. Haskins
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: "Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown." And he replied: "Go out into the darkness and put your hand in the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way."
As the king read the poem, it had the desired affect, and a calmness settled upon the nation that continued to the end of the war, Yes, God knows, in fact He knows all things; He knows what He is going to do "from eternity."
Christ taught us that the heavenly Father knows and cares even when a little bird falls to the ground, and that the very hairs of our head are numbered. We are of more value than many sparrows (Matthew 10:29-31). As we stand at "the gate" of this new year, may we also put our hand into the hand of the Father and trust Him for all things. Brian Reynolds
N.J.Hiebert - 9083
January 6
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered. Joel 2:32
Why do not I call on His name? Why do I run to this neighbour and that when God is so near and will hear my faintest call? Why do I sit down and devise schemes and invent plans? Why not at once roll myself and my burden upon the Lord?
Straightforward is the best runner--why do not I run at once to the living God? In vain shall I look for deliverance anywhere else; but with God I shall find it; for here I have His royal shall to make it sure.
I need not ask whether I may call on Him or not, for that word "Whosoever" is a very wide and comprehensive one. Whosoever means me, for it means anybody and everybody who calls upon God. I will therefore follow the leading of the text, and at once call upon the glorious Lord who has made so large a promise.
My case is urgent, and I do not see how I am to be delivered; but this is no business of mine. He who makes the promise will find ways and means of keeping it. It is mine to obey His commands; it is not mine to direct His counsels. I am His servant, not His solicitor. I call upon Him, and He will deliver. C. H. Spurgeon
N.J.Hiebert - 9084
Why do not I call on His name? Why do I run to this neighbour and that when God is so near and will hear my faintest call? Why do I sit down and devise schemes and invent plans? Why not at once roll myself and my burden upon the Lord?
Straightforward is the best runner--why do not I run at once to the living God? In vain shall I look for deliverance anywhere else; but with God I shall find it; for here I have His royal shall to make it sure.
I need not ask whether I may call on Him or not, for that word "Whosoever" is a very wide and comprehensive one. Whosoever means me, for it means anybody and everybody who calls upon God. I will therefore follow the leading of the text, and at once call upon the glorious Lord who has made so large a promise.
My case is urgent, and I do not see how I am to be delivered; but this is no business of mine. He who makes the promise will find ways and means of keeping it. It is mine to obey His commands; it is not mine to direct His counsels. I am His servant, not His solicitor. I call upon Him, and He will deliver. C. H. Spurgeon
N.J.Hiebert - 9084
January 7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
If we could translate this verse: "Do not let your hearts be filled with care," I think it would give the meaning better. The word translated 'Be careful' (v.6) comes from the word for "care" as we see it in 1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon Him;" or, "the care of this world (Matthew 13:22)," that chokes the Word.
God's way to get rid of this care that so often saps our very life, is to cast it all on Him. In Hebrews 10:35 we are told "Cast not away therefore your confidence." But, as another has put it, too often we 'Cast away our confidence; but carry all our care.' And the way to cast all our care upon Him, so that we are anxious for nothing, is told us in this lovely verse in Philippians 4:6: "in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
Sometimes the load of care seems too heavy to cast it anywhere. Then the Lord invites us to "Commit (Roll) thy way upon the Lord" (Psalm 37:5). When we were children in Canada, in the winter, we would make great snowballs; and when they got too heavy to lift, we still could roll them.
So roll that great load of care on Him, "for He careth for you." (5:7). "because it is a matter of care to Him, concerning you," as the Greek Testament so sweetly puts it. And in the Greek Testament two different words are used here for care. The one is "anxious, harassing care:" the other is God's loving "providential care" over us.
Meditations on Philippians - G.C. Willis
N.J.Hiebert - 9085
If we could translate this verse: "Do not let your hearts be filled with care," I think it would give the meaning better. The word translated 'Be careful' (v.6) comes from the word for "care" as we see it in 1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon Him;" or, "the care of this world (Matthew 13:22)," that chokes the Word.
God's way to get rid of this care that so often saps our very life, is to cast it all on Him. In Hebrews 10:35 we are told "Cast not away therefore your confidence." But, as another has put it, too often we 'Cast away our confidence; but carry all our care.' And the way to cast all our care upon Him, so that we are anxious for nothing, is told us in this lovely verse in Philippians 4:6: "in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
Sometimes the load of care seems too heavy to cast it anywhere. Then the Lord invites us to "Commit (Roll) thy way upon the Lord" (Psalm 37:5). When we were children in Canada, in the winter, we would make great snowballs; and when they got too heavy to lift, we still could roll them.
So roll that great load of care on Him, "for He careth for you." (5:7). "because it is a matter of care to Him, concerning you," as the Greek Testament so sweetly puts it. And in the Greek Testament two different words are used here for care. The one is "anxious, harassing care:" the other is God's loving "providential care" over us.
Meditations on Philippians - G.C. Willis
N.J.Hiebert - 9085
January 8
Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory...thou art this head of gold. Daniel 2:37-38
When Daniel revealed the dream of the great image and its meaning to Nebuchadnezzar...we discover that he had become completely obsessed with this portrayal of himself as the "head of gold."
Accordingly he made a great idol of gold, 90 feet high and 9 feet wide, and set it up in the plains of Dura as an object of worship. It was true that God had said that Nebuchadnezzar was that "head of gold" but he completely distorted truth. Nebuchadnezzar exaggerated it, and made it an idol to be worshipped.
We see this situation duplicated in the conduct of the Pharisees, during the Lord's time here on earth. The law had been given by God, but the Pharisees exaggerated it, expanded it, distorted it and in the end, violated the spirt of the Law.
The Lord said concerning them, "For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers" (Matthew 23:4). The letter of truth had become and end itself. Taken to extremes, it violated the spirit of the letter, thus inflicting untold suffering upon men.
The Pharisees, for example, objected to the Lord and His disciples taking handfuls of grain and rubbing them together for the most basic meal, because it was the Sabbath day. The Pharisees would rather have had them starve than violate the Sabbath. Again, the observance of the Sabbath was more important to them than the healing of a man whose hand was withered (Luke 6). May the Lord enable us to hold the truth, but to do so in love. Daniel - William Burnett
N.J.Hiebert - 9086
When Daniel revealed the dream of the great image and its meaning to Nebuchadnezzar...we discover that he had become completely obsessed with this portrayal of himself as the "head of gold."
Accordingly he made a great idol of gold, 90 feet high and 9 feet wide, and set it up in the plains of Dura as an object of worship. It was true that God had said that Nebuchadnezzar was that "head of gold" but he completely distorted truth. Nebuchadnezzar exaggerated it, and made it an idol to be worshipped.
We see this situation duplicated in the conduct of the Pharisees, during the Lord's time here on earth. The law had been given by God, but the Pharisees exaggerated it, expanded it, distorted it and in the end, violated the spirt of the Law.
The Lord said concerning them, "For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers" (Matthew 23:4). The letter of truth had become and end itself. Taken to extremes, it violated the spirit of the letter, thus inflicting untold suffering upon men.
The Pharisees, for example, objected to the Lord and His disciples taking handfuls of grain and rubbing them together for the most basic meal, because it was the Sabbath day. The Pharisees would rather have had them starve than violate the Sabbath. Again, the observance of the Sabbath was more important to them than the healing of a man whose hand was withered (Luke 6). May the Lord enable us to hold the truth, but to do so in love. Daniel - William Burnett
N.J.Hiebert - 9086
January 9
LIFTED BY WAY OF REMEMBRANCE
O my GOD, my soul is cast down within me.
O my GOD, my soul is cast down within me.
Psalm 42:6
Whenever you say this, add at once, "Therefore will I remember Thee." (v.6) And what then? What comes of thus remembering Him? "My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips." (Psalm 63:5)
What can be a sweeter, fuller promise than this! Our heart's desire fulfilled in abundant satisfaction and joyful power of praise! Yet there is a promise sweeter and more thrilling still to the loving, longing heart.
And so, this very night, as you put away the profitless musings and memories, and remember Him upon your bed, He will keep His word and meet you, for has He not said, "Thou meetest . . . those that remember Thee in Thy ways"? (Isiah 64:5)
The darkness shall be verily the shadow of His wing, for your feeble, yet Spirit-given remembrance, shall be met by His real and actual presence, for "hath He said and shall He not do it?" (Numbers 23:19) Let us pray that this night the desire of our soul may be "to Thy name, and to the remembrance of Thee." (Isiah 26:8)
O sunlight of thanksgiving! Who that knows
Its bright forth-breaking after dreariest days,
Would change the after-thought of woes
For memory's loveliest light that glows,
If so he must forego one note of that sweet praise?
Frances Ridley Havergal
N.J.Hiebert - 9087
Whenever you say this, add at once, "Therefore will I remember Thee." (v.6) And what then? What comes of thus remembering Him? "My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips." (Psalm 63:5)
What can be a sweeter, fuller promise than this! Our heart's desire fulfilled in abundant satisfaction and joyful power of praise! Yet there is a promise sweeter and more thrilling still to the loving, longing heart.
And so, this very night, as you put away the profitless musings and memories, and remember Him upon your bed, He will keep His word and meet you, for has He not said, "Thou meetest . . . those that remember Thee in Thy ways"? (Isiah 64:5)
The darkness shall be verily the shadow of His wing, for your feeble, yet Spirit-given remembrance, shall be met by His real and actual presence, for "hath He said and shall He not do it?" (Numbers 23:19) Let us pray that this night the desire of our soul may be "to Thy name, and to the remembrance of Thee." (Isiah 26:8)
O sunlight of thanksgiving! Who that knows
Its bright forth-breaking after dreariest days,
Would change the after-thought of woes
For memory's loveliest light that glows,
If so he must forego one note of that sweet praise?
Frances Ridley Havergal
N.J.Hiebert - 9087
January 10
Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my souls is well pleased. Matthew 12:18
Come now, and view that manger, the Lord of glory see,
A houseless, homeless Stranger, in this poor world for thee.
Oh, strange, yet fit beginning of all that life of woe,
In which Thy grace was winning poor man his God to know.
Bless'd Babe! who lowly liest in manger cradle there;
Descended from the highest, our sorrows all to share. J.N.D.
Every one found room in the inn save He, but any who wanted to find Him whom angels celebrate must go to the manger.
(Luke 4:4) It is the written Word He ever uses, and Satan is powerless. What amazing importance Jesus gives the scriptures. It was not as an act of divine authority He dismissed Satan, but the enemy is proved unable to grapple with obedience to the Word of God. Jesus does not reason with Satan. A single text silences when used in the power of the Spirit. The whole secret of strength in conflict is using the word of God in the right way.
(Luke 4:16) "And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up"--the low, despised place, but just the place where spiritual power is found. Was it not ever thus? When was it found allied to the great things of this world? God did not despise Nazareth, but man despises Jesus because he came out of Nazareth. Man despises the lowliness to which grace brought Him--wretched man! Christ never worked miracles for Himself, but for others.
(Luke 8:37) The world beseeches Jesus to depart, desiring their own ease, which is more disturbed by the presence and power of God than by a legion of devils. Footprints for Pilgrims - J. N. Darby
N.J.Hiebert - 9088
Come now, and view that manger, the Lord of glory see,
A houseless, homeless Stranger, in this poor world for thee.
Oh, strange, yet fit beginning of all that life of woe,
In which Thy grace was winning poor man his God to know.
Bless'd Babe! who lowly liest in manger cradle there;
Descended from the highest, our sorrows all to share. J.N.D.
Every one found room in the inn save He, but any who wanted to find Him whom angels celebrate must go to the manger.
(Luke 4:4) It is the written Word He ever uses, and Satan is powerless. What amazing importance Jesus gives the scriptures. It was not as an act of divine authority He dismissed Satan, but the enemy is proved unable to grapple with obedience to the Word of God. Jesus does not reason with Satan. A single text silences when used in the power of the Spirit. The whole secret of strength in conflict is using the word of God in the right way.
(Luke 4:16) "And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up"--the low, despised place, but just the place where spiritual power is found. Was it not ever thus? When was it found allied to the great things of this world? God did not despise Nazareth, but man despises Jesus because he came out of Nazareth. Man despises the lowliness to which grace brought Him--wretched man! Christ never worked miracles for Himself, but for others.
(Luke 8:37) The world beseeches Jesus to depart, desiring their own ease, which is more disturbed by the presence and power of God than by a legion of devils. Footprints for Pilgrims - J. N. Darby
N.J.Hiebert - 9088
January 11
Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works. . . . let us labour therefore to enter into that rest. Hebrews 4:10-11.
Labour in Hebrew 4:11 means "make haste." Is the word used to remind us that we shall not drift into rest? There must be the will to enter in. Perhaps what demands most will power is the resolution to cease from our own works, our own busyness, and to stay our minds upon our God.
We pray, and the answer is not what we expect. It seems an answer of loss, and sometimes loss upon loss. We must cease from our own thoughts about it and believe that what He has allowed is the perfect answer for the moment. As we believe, and accept, we enter into rest and the sense of strain passes into peace.
This covers all life: the illness of those we love, mental or spiritual suffering, the unexplained, everything. Let us not lose one hour in needless ineffective distress. Let us hasten by an act of the will to come to Him for rest.
Whispers of His Power - Amy Carmichael
N.J.Hiebert - 9089
For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works. . . . let us labour therefore to enter into that rest. Hebrews 4:10-11.
Labour in Hebrew 4:11 means "make haste." Is the word used to remind us that we shall not drift into rest? There must be the will to enter in. Perhaps what demands most will power is the resolution to cease from our own works, our own busyness, and to stay our minds upon our God.
We pray, and the answer is not what we expect. It seems an answer of loss, and sometimes loss upon loss. We must cease from our own thoughts about it and believe that what He has allowed is the perfect answer for the moment. As we believe, and accept, we enter into rest and the sense of strain passes into peace.
This covers all life: the illness of those we love, mental or spiritual suffering, the unexplained, everything. Let us not lose one hour in needless ineffective distress. Let us hasten by an act of the will to come to Him for rest.
Whispers of His Power - Amy Carmichael
N.J.Hiebert - 9089
January 12
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (mercy-seat) through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. Romans 3:23-25
In the dispensation of His grace, God provides the sinner with an answer to His own demands upon him. He gives him security in the day of His righteous judgment. For He judges sin. Surely He cannot pass it by. Righteousness calls for the judgment of it. But He in grace provides the sinner with an answer and a shelter, and it becomes the duty and the obedience of a sinner to use this shelter--and this using of God's provision is faith.
The Lord in this way provided Noah with an answer to His own righteous and purposed judgment that was coming on the world before the Flood. "Make thee an ark of gopher wood." (Genesis 6:14), said God to him. Noah did so, believing the word both of judgment and of deliverance, and he was safe.
He provided Israel in Egypt against another day of judgment. Israel used this provision, putting the blood upon the lintel, (Genesis 12:7) and was sheltered from the sword of the Angel.
In like manner He made provision for Rahab in the day of the judgment of Canaan, as He had made provision for Israel in the day of the judgment of Egypt; and she escaped, just because she received the word by faith and used God's provisions, hanging the scarlet line out from the window. (Joshua 2:18) And thus it is still. J.G. Bellett
Time is gliding swiftly by, death and judgment both draw nigh,
To the arms of Jesus fly, be in time! William J. Kirkpatrick
N.J.Hiebert - 9090
In the dispensation of His grace, God provides the sinner with an answer to His own demands upon him. He gives him security in the day of His righteous judgment. For He judges sin. Surely He cannot pass it by. Righteousness calls for the judgment of it. But He in grace provides the sinner with an answer and a shelter, and it becomes the duty and the obedience of a sinner to use this shelter--and this using of God's provision is faith.
The Lord in this way provided Noah with an answer to His own righteous and purposed judgment that was coming on the world before the Flood. "Make thee an ark of gopher wood." (Genesis 6:14), said God to him. Noah did so, believing the word both of judgment and of deliverance, and he was safe.
He provided Israel in Egypt against another day of judgment. Israel used this provision, putting the blood upon the lintel, (Genesis 12:7) and was sheltered from the sword of the Angel.
In like manner He made provision for Rahab in the day of the judgment of Canaan, as He had made provision for Israel in the day of the judgment of Egypt; and she escaped, just because she received the word by faith and used God's provisions, hanging the scarlet line out from the window. (Joshua 2:18) And thus it is still. J.G. Bellett
Time is gliding swiftly by, death and judgment both draw nigh,
To the arms of Jesus fly, be in time! William J. Kirkpatrick
N.J.Hiebert - 9090
January 13
THAT ALL MAY KNOW
The Lord knoweth them that are His. 2 Timothy 2:19
We know that we are of God. 1 John 5:19
By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another John 13:35
God knows His own. It is well that He does, for sometimes it would be difficult for us to determine who are His! Heaven will surprise us both ways.
We can know that we are His. The little book of First John is full of "know-so" evidence, to say nothing of plenty more elsewhere.
And others know by the badge of love. Not tongues nor faith nor prophecy nor knowledge nor martyrdom nor philanthropy, but love is the Christian's mark of distinction. How we cultivate all the others and fail here!
All may know, that we are His. God knows, we know, others may know. It is a "Know-so" faith. Day by Day - Vance Havner
N.J.Hiebert - 9091
The Lord knoweth them that are His. 2 Timothy 2:19
We know that we are of God. 1 John 5:19
By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another John 13:35
God knows His own. It is well that He does, for sometimes it would be difficult for us to determine who are His! Heaven will surprise us both ways.
We can know that we are His. The little book of First John is full of "know-so" evidence, to say nothing of plenty more elsewhere.
And others know by the badge of love. Not tongues nor faith nor prophecy nor knowledge nor martyrdom nor philanthropy, but love is the Christian's mark of distinction. How we cultivate all the others and fail here!
All may know, that we are His. God knows, we know, others may know. It is a "Know-so" faith. Day by Day - Vance Havner
N.J.Hiebert - 9091
January 14
And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them and pursued them...and he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people. Genesis 14:14-16
Lot was Abraham's brother after all, and brotherly love must act. "A brother is born for adversity;" (Proverbs17:17) and it often happens that a season of adversity softens the heart, and renders it susceptible of kindness, even from one with whom we have had to part company.
The claims of a brother's trouble are answered by the affections of a brother's heart. This is divine. Genuine faith, while it always renders us independent, never renders us indifferent;--it will never wrap itself up in its fleece while a brother shivers in the cold.
There are three things which faith does,--it "purifies the heart," "it works by love," and it "overcomes the world; and all these results of faith are beautifully exhibited in Abraham on this occasion.
His heart was purified from Sodom's pollutions; he manifested genuine love to Lot, his brother; and, finally, he was completely victorious over the kings. Such are the precious fruits of faith, that heavenly, Christ-honouring principle.
Notes on Genesis - C. H. Mackintosh
N.J.Hiebert - 9092
And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them and pursued them...and he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people. Genesis 14:14-16
Lot was Abraham's brother after all, and brotherly love must act. "A brother is born for adversity;" (Proverbs17:17) and it often happens that a season of adversity softens the heart, and renders it susceptible of kindness, even from one with whom we have had to part company.
The claims of a brother's trouble are answered by the affections of a brother's heart. This is divine. Genuine faith, while it always renders us independent, never renders us indifferent;--it will never wrap itself up in its fleece while a brother shivers in the cold.
There are three things which faith does,--it "purifies the heart," "it works by love," and it "overcomes the world; and all these results of faith are beautifully exhibited in Abraham on this occasion.
His heart was purified from Sodom's pollutions; he manifested genuine love to Lot, his brother; and, finally, he was completely victorious over the kings. Such are the precious fruits of faith, that heavenly, Christ-honouring principle.
Notes on Genesis - C. H. Mackintosh
N.J.Hiebert - 9092
January 15
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
When the flesh or Satan beg time of you, it is to steal time from you. They put you off prayer at one time, to shut you out at last from prayer at any time.
What day in all the year is inconvenient to Satan? What place or company are you in, that he cannot make a snare for your soul?
Satan knows what orders you keep in your house and closet; and though he has not a key to your heart, yet he can stand in the next room to it and lightly hear what is whispered there. If once he but smells which way your heart inclines, he knows how to take the hint; if but one door is unbolted, here is advantage enough. The Christian in Complete Armour - William Gurnall (1616-1679)
Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin;
Each victory will help you some other to win;
Fight faithfully onward, dark passions subdue
Look ever to Jesus, He will cary you through.
Shun evil companions, bad language disdain,
God's name hold in reverence, nor take it in vain;
Be thoughtful and earnest, kind hearted and true,
Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through.
To him that o'er cometh God giveth a crown,
Thro' faith we shall conquer, though often cast down;
He, who is our Saviour, our strength will renew
Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through.
H. R. Palmer
N.J.Hiebert - 9093
When the flesh or Satan beg time of you, it is to steal time from you. They put you off prayer at one time, to shut you out at last from prayer at any time.
What day in all the year is inconvenient to Satan? What place or company are you in, that he cannot make a snare for your soul?
Satan knows what orders you keep in your house and closet; and though he has not a key to your heart, yet he can stand in the next room to it and lightly hear what is whispered there. If once he but smells which way your heart inclines, he knows how to take the hint; if but one door is unbolted, here is advantage enough. The Christian in Complete Armour - William Gurnall (1616-1679)
Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin;
Each victory will help you some other to win;
Fight faithfully onward, dark passions subdue
Look ever to Jesus, He will cary you through.
Shun evil companions, bad language disdain,
God's name hold in reverence, nor take it in vain;
Be thoughtful and earnest, kind hearted and true,
Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through.
To him that o'er cometh God giveth a crown,
Thro' faith we shall conquer, though often cast down;
He, who is our Saviour, our strength will renew
Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through.
H. R. Palmer
N.J.Hiebert - 9093
January 16
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17
As by friction, one iron instrument is sharpened and polished by contact with another, so we may be a help to each other by interesting and profitable communication and exchange of thought. A recluse is always a very one-sided man.
He who would be a blessing to his fellows must mingle with them that he may learn to understand their needs and their sorrows, as well as that he may find gain by what in them is superior to his own knowledge or virtues.
Among Christians, fellowship one with another is precious indeed, and becomes increasingly sweet as the days grow darker. How profitable to a Timothy the association with a Paul! Notes on Proverbs - H. A. Ironside
"But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me." (2 Timothy 3:10,11)
N.J.Hiebert - 9094
As by friction, one iron instrument is sharpened and polished by contact with another, so we may be a help to each other by interesting and profitable communication and exchange of thought. A recluse is always a very one-sided man.
He who would be a blessing to his fellows must mingle with them that he may learn to understand their needs and their sorrows, as well as that he may find gain by what in them is superior to his own knowledge or virtues.
Among Christians, fellowship one with another is precious indeed, and becomes increasingly sweet as the days grow darker. How profitable to a Timothy the association with a Paul! Notes on Proverbs - H. A. Ironside
"But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me." (2 Timothy 3:10,11)
N.J.Hiebert - 9094
January 17
Their father (Jacob) said unto them, Go again, buy us a little food...Judah said...I will be surety for him (v.9)...Take also your brother, and arise, go again unto the man: and God almighty give you mercy before the man..."
(Genesis 43:2-13).
The sin of Joseph's brethren has been recalled; their conscience has been awakened; the fear of God has arisen in their souls. There are, however, other experiences they must pass through before Joseph can reveal himself in all the love of his heart, and ere his brethren can be at perfect ease in his presence.
In the past they had sinned, not only against Joseph, but also against their father. They had been "reckless of a brother's cries and of a father's grief." They had sinned as brethren before their brother, they had sinned as sons before their father. One they had treated with the utmost cruelty, the other with the grossest deception. Both as sons and as brethren they had revealed the evil of their way and the hardness of their hearts.
The time has come when they will be tested, and Joseph will prove how far any real change has been wrought in them. They have said "we are true men." (42:11). Joseph will therefore place them in circumstances that will reveal whether at last they can act as true brothers, and true sons. With the utmost wisdom Joseph will re-enact the past. Once again ten men will have to act in regard to a younger brother. Once again they will have to face an aged father with his great love for the younger son.
Times have changed and circumstances have altered; the setting of the picture is entirely new, but in principle the story of the fields of Dothan (37:17) is to be enacted in the land of Egypt. Will those ten men once again abandon their brother, and invent some story to deceive their father? Has true repentance been wrought in the hearts of those brethren? This is the great question that Joseph will solve in their second visit to Egypt. (Joseph - Hamilton Smith)
Part 1 - To be continued - January 14
N.J.Hiebert - 9095
(Genesis 43:2-13).
The sin of Joseph's brethren has been recalled; their conscience has been awakened; the fear of God has arisen in their souls. There are, however, other experiences they must pass through before Joseph can reveal himself in all the love of his heart, and ere his brethren can be at perfect ease in his presence.
In the past they had sinned, not only against Joseph, but also against their father. They had been "reckless of a brother's cries and of a father's grief." They had sinned as brethren before their brother, they had sinned as sons before their father. One they had treated with the utmost cruelty, the other with the grossest deception. Both as sons and as brethren they had revealed the evil of their way and the hardness of their hearts.
The time has come when they will be tested, and Joseph will prove how far any real change has been wrought in them. They have said "we are true men." (42:11). Joseph will therefore place them in circumstances that will reveal whether at last they can act as true brothers, and true sons. With the utmost wisdom Joseph will re-enact the past. Once again ten men will have to act in regard to a younger brother. Once again they will have to face an aged father with his great love for the younger son.
Times have changed and circumstances have altered; the setting of the picture is entirely new, but in principle the story of the fields of Dothan (37:17) is to be enacted in the land of Egypt. Will those ten men once again abandon their brother, and invent some story to deceive their father? Has true repentance been wrought in the hearts of those brethren? This is the great question that Joseph will solve in their second visit to Egypt. (Joseph - Hamilton Smith)
Part 1 - To be continued - January 14
N.J.Hiebert - 9095
January 18
And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, bring these men home, and slay, and make ready; for these men shall dine with me at noon. Genesis 43:16
The brethren of Joseph proceed to act upon their father's plan only to realize its utter futility. They took the present, they took double money, and Benjamin, rose up and went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph (v.15). Joseph pays not the slightest heed to their gifts, he does not touch their money, he will not accept Benjamin as a ransom. He entirely ignores their plan and commences to act according to his own heart. (v.16).
Is this not an anticipation of that far greater message that God sends to a world of sinners, "Come for all things are now ready"? The purposes of Joseph far transcend the plans of his brethren. Their plan was simply to obtain a blessing from Joseph; his purpose was to bestow a blessing, but a blessing that they should enjoy in his company and in his home.
"These men shall dine with me." (v.16) Like the brethren of Joseph we are equally slow to take in God's thoughts of blessing. We would be content to obtain the forgiveness of sins, and salvation from hell. But how far short of God's thoughts! His thought is to have us with Himself to feast with Him in His home. But we are slow to take in the greatness of God's grace. Even as Joseph's brethren, who "were afraid" (v.18) They could only think they were brought in to be condemned, they could not imagine they were brought in to be feasted. . . .
They looked upon Joseph as against them, as one that must be appeased. They had yet to learn that he is making all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). Instead of judging themselves they are judging Joseph. In all these marks of favour they can only imagine that Joseph is seeking occasion agains them--is going to fall upon them and make them bondmen. (v.17,18). Joseph - Hamilton Smith
N.J.Hiebert - 9096
The brethren of Joseph proceed to act upon their father's plan only to realize its utter futility. They took the present, they took double money, and Benjamin, rose up and went down to Egypt and stood before Joseph (v.15). Joseph pays not the slightest heed to their gifts, he does not touch their money, he will not accept Benjamin as a ransom. He entirely ignores their plan and commences to act according to his own heart. (v.16).
Is this not an anticipation of that far greater message that God sends to a world of sinners, "Come for all things are now ready"? The purposes of Joseph far transcend the plans of his brethren. Their plan was simply to obtain a blessing from Joseph; his purpose was to bestow a blessing, but a blessing that they should enjoy in his company and in his home.
"These men shall dine with me." (v.16) Like the brethren of Joseph we are equally slow to take in God's thoughts of blessing. We would be content to obtain the forgiveness of sins, and salvation from hell. But how far short of God's thoughts! His thought is to have us with Himself to feast with Him in His home. But we are slow to take in the greatness of God's grace. Even as Joseph's brethren, who "were afraid" (v.18) They could only think they were brought in to be condemned, they could not imagine they were brought in to be feasted. . . .
They looked upon Joseph as against them, as one that must be appeased. They had yet to learn that he is making all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). Instead of judging themselves they are judging Joseph. In all these marks of favour they can only imagine that Joseph is seeking occasion agains them--is going to fall upon them and make them bondmen. (v.17,18). Joseph - Hamilton Smith
N.J.Hiebert - 9096
January 19
My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me? why art Thou so far from helping Me, and from the words of My roaring (groaning)? Psalm 22:1
Is it not this side of the suffering of our adorable Lord that we find so wonderfully set before us in Psalm 22? "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" This, the deepest suffering of all, came from God, not from man, though caused by our sins. Some people would tell us that the Lord Jesus only thought that God had forsaken Him, as in Jonah's case: "I am cast out of Thy sight." (Jonah 2:4)
It was, however, very different in the case of our Lord and Saviour. There on the cross, He bore our sins; and with all those mountains of sins upon Him, God must turn away from Him, and it was in very truth that He uttered that awful cry, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"
We may, to some small extent (never fully), enter into what is meant to our pure and holy Saviour to bear those external sufferings and shame and reproach from man; but no human mind can ever fathom the depth of suffering contained in that terrible cry, "Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani?"
Here, indeed, the waters compassed Him about, to the soul. It was then He took that awful cup of the wrath of a holy God against sin (the cup you and I deserved to drink), and drank it to its vey dregs. G. C. Willis
The depths of all Thy suffering no heart can e'er conceive;
The cup of wrath o'er-flowing, for us Thou didst receive. G. W. Frazer
N.J.Hiebert - 9097
Is it not this side of the suffering of our adorable Lord that we find so wonderfully set before us in Psalm 22? "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" This, the deepest suffering of all, came from God, not from man, though caused by our sins. Some people would tell us that the Lord Jesus only thought that God had forsaken Him, as in Jonah's case: "I am cast out of Thy sight." (Jonah 2:4)
It was, however, very different in the case of our Lord and Saviour. There on the cross, He bore our sins; and with all those mountains of sins upon Him, God must turn away from Him, and it was in very truth that He uttered that awful cry, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"
We may, to some small extent (never fully), enter into what is meant to our pure and holy Saviour to bear those external sufferings and shame and reproach from man; but no human mind can ever fathom the depth of suffering contained in that terrible cry, "Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani?"
Here, indeed, the waters compassed Him about, to the soul. It was then He took that awful cup of the wrath of a holy God against sin (the cup you and I deserved to drink), and drank it to its vey dregs. G. C. Willis
The depths of all Thy suffering no heart can e'er conceive;
The cup of wrath o'er-flowing, for us Thou didst receive. G. W. Frazer
N.J.Hiebert - 9097
January 20
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:17
The sorrows of earth will become the gems of glory. Every suffering that Christian martyrs ever bore, every sorrow rightly felt by saints of God, under the hand of their Father, is helping to produce those precious jewels that shall ere long flash in the light of the Lord God Almighty.
If we have to shed tears now, there is a time coming when thy will all be wiped away. (Revelation 7:17) It is said that God will do this. Will you have any to be removed by such a hand? Do not think it hard that you have to shed them now. Think of what it will be for God to wipe them away!
An aged Christian once wrote: "If I had not been called to pass through this trouble, and shed these tears, I should have missed the softness of the hand that wiped them away."
God has numbered the hairs of our head, (Luke 12:7) and He, and no other, will wipe away our tears. Oh, the gladness of that moment! For when God has wiped them away, they will never come again! Our sins are gone for ever, because He has put them away; and our tears will go too, some day, for the same reason, never to return. Need we then be careful and troubled about many things when there is a God Who bids us cast our care upon Him, and tells us that He cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7)
There is a time coming when every riddle will be solved, when infidelity shall for ever be a nightmare of the past, and faith shall reach its pinnacle of triumph; when the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord and become one vast temple to His praise; and then the one universal note of adoring worship upon every lip will surely be this: "AS for God His way is perfect." (Psalm 18:30)
Angels in White - Russell Elliott
N.J.Hiebert - 9098
The sorrows of earth will become the gems of glory. Every suffering that Christian martyrs ever bore, every sorrow rightly felt by saints of God, under the hand of their Father, is helping to produce those precious jewels that shall ere long flash in the light of the Lord God Almighty.
If we have to shed tears now, there is a time coming when thy will all be wiped away. (Revelation 7:17) It is said that God will do this. Will you have any to be removed by such a hand? Do not think it hard that you have to shed them now. Think of what it will be for God to wipe them away!
An aged Christian once wrote: "If I had not been called to pass through this trouble, and shed these tears, I should have missed the softness of the hand that wiped them away."
God has numbered the hairs of our head, (Luke 12:7) and He, and no other, will wipe away our tears. Oh, the gladness of that moment! For when God has wiped them away, they will never come again! Our sins are gone for ever, because He has put them away; and our tears will go too, some day, for the same reason, never to return. Need we then be careful and troubled about many things when there is a God Who bids us cast our care upon Him, and tells us that He cares for us. (1 Peter 5:7)
There is a time coming when every riddle will be solved, when infidelity shall for ever be a nightmare of the past, and faith shall reach its pinnacle of triumph; when the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord and become one vast temple to His praise; and then the one universal note of adoring worship upon every lip will surely be this: "AS for God His way is perfect." (Psalm 18:30)
Angels in White - Russell Elliott
N.J.Hiebert - 9098
January 21
If a man desire the office of a bishop, (overseer) he desireth a good work...he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach...not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil..." 1 Timothy 3:1,6,7
It is one thing to be a child of God; it is quite another to be a servant of Christ. I may love my child very much, yet, if I set him to work in my garden, he may do more harm than good. Why? Is it because he is not a dear child? No; but because he is not a practiced servant. This make all the difference. Relationship and office are distinct things.
Not one of the Queen's children is at present capable of being her prime minister. It is not that all God's children have not something to do, something to suffer, something to learn. Undoubtedly they have; yet it ever holds good, that public service and private discipline are intimately connected in the ways of God.
One who comes forward much in public will need that chastened spirit, that matured judgment, that subdued and mortified mind, that broken will, that mellow tone, which are the sure and beautiful result of God's secret discipline; and it will generally be found that those who take a prominent place without more or less of the above moral qualifications, will sooner or later break down.
Lord Jesus, keep Thy feeble servants very near unto Thine own most blessed Person, and in the hollow of Thine hand! C. H. Mackintosh
N.J.Hiebert - 9099
It is one thing to be a child of God; it is quite another to be a servant of Christ. I may love my child very much, yet, if I set him to work in my garden, he may do more harm than good. Why? Is it because he is not a dear child? No; but because he is not a practiced servant. This make all the difference. Relationship and office are distinct things.
Not one of the Queen's children is at present capable of being her prime minister. It is not that all God's children have not something to do, something to suffer, something to learn. Undoubtedly they have; yet it ever holds good, that public service and private discipline are intimately connected in the ways of God.
One who comes forward much in public will need that chastened spirit, that matured judgment, that subdued and mortified mind, that broken will, that mellow tone, which are the sure and beautiful result of God's secret discipline; and it will generally be found that those who take a prominent place without more or less of the above moral qualifications, will sooner or later break down.
Lord Jesus, keep Thy feeble servants very near unto Thine own most blessed Person, and in the hollow of Thine hand! C. H. Mackintosh
N.J.Hiebert - 9099
January 22
"IN THE POTTER'S HANDS"
Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to Him that formed it, why hast Thou made me thus?
Romans 9:20
When sorrows deep, and burdens, mount.
And tears well up as from a fount,
My child's heart is wont to say
"Wherein has Thou Thy love displayed?"
Thy rod I feel, the pressure builds,
My Potter's hand its strength doth wield,
And I, an unformed lump of clay,
Ask "Why hast Thou formed me this way?"
My Father's heart, how must it ache,
When I His love and grace mistake,
For vengeance or a pleasure vain,
When He doth keenly feel my pain?
How dare I reason--feeble mind!
Or doubt the plan, wise and Divine,
Which, using pressure, fire or flood,
Would form a vessel honouring God?
Bob Short, 2002
N.J.Hiebert - 9100
Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to Him that formed it, why hast Thou made me thus?
Romans 9:20
When sorrows deep, and burdens, mount.
And tears well up as from a fount,
My child's heart is wont to say
"Wherein has Thou Thy love displayed?"
Thy rod I feel, the pressure builds,
My Potter's hand its strength doth wield,
And I, an unformed lump of clay,
Ask "Why hast Thou formed me this way?"
My Father's heart, how must it ache,
When I His love and grace mistake,
For vengeance or a pleasure vain,
When He doth keenly feel my pain?
How dare I reason--feeble mind!
Or doubt the plan, wise and Divine,
Which, using pressure, fire or flood,
Would form a vessel honouring God?
Bob Short, 2002
N.J.Hiebert - 9100
January 23
Ask, and it shall be given to you. Seek, and ye shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Matthew 7:7
Do you know the blessed power and comfort of these wonderful promises? Notice how often the word shall is repeated. What certainty we have here! His promises are sure! Let us lay hold on them by faith. Have your needs ever been greater? So many are unemployed. There is so much turmoil and evil in the world. And there is the ever-present danger of our getting out of communion with the Lord. Surely we need, therefore, to avail ourselves of these precious promises: Ask, Seek, Knock, and ye shall....
Ask: this is the easiest to do. Nothing is too insignificant for Him. Stop in the midst of the rush of life, stop long enough to ask. You cannot weary God by asking, but we do weary Him when we fail to ask. (Isaiah 7:10-13). He desires and delights to bless. "Ye have not because ye ask not.." He tells us.
Seek: your Father delights to have you take Him at His word. As you ask and receive, your faith will increase. You will be stirred to greater energy. You will go out and seek, and in seeking you shall find. It requires more effort to seek than to ask.
Seek to be used in blessing to others. Ours is not to be a selfish life. He gives to us that we might share our gifts with others. In seeking the blessing of others we will find a sweeter, deeper joy filling our souls. It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Knock: and it shall be opened to you. Asking and seeking has now brought you to Him, for He opens to your knock and He will sup with you and you with Him. Again; Ask-- which you may do from where you are--you shall receive. Seek--for which you must go out--you shall find. Knock--you have been brought closer to God--and it shall be opened to you. A richer experience will be yours. P. E. Hall
N.J.Hiebert - 9101
Do you know the blessed power and comfort of these wonderful promises? Notice how often the word shall is repeated. What certainty we have here! His promises are sure! Let us lay hold on them by faith. Have your needs ever been greater? So many are unemployed. There is so much turmoil and evil in the world. And there is the ever-present danger of our getting out of communion with the Lord. Surely we need, therefore, to avail ourselves of these precious promises: Ask, Seek, Knock, and ye shall....
Ask: this is the easiest to do. Nothing is too insignificant for Him. Stop in the midst of the rush of life, stop long enough to ask. You cannot weary God by asking, but we do weary Him when we fail to ask. (Isaiah 7:10-13). He desires and delights to bless. "Ye have not because ye ask not.." He tells us.
Seek: your Father delights to have you take Him at His word. As you ask and receive, your faith will increase. You will be stirred to greater energy. You will go out and seek, and in seeking you shall find. It requires more effort to seek than to ask.
Seek to be used in blessing to others. Ours is not to be a selfish life. He gives to us that we might share our gifts with others. In seeking the blessing of others we will find a sweeter, deeper joy filling our souls. It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Knock: and it shall be opened to you. Asking and seeking has now brought you to Him, for He opens to your knock and He will sup with you and you with Him. Again; Ask-- which you may do from where you are--you shall receive. Seek--for which you must go out--you shall find. Knock--you have been brought closer to God--and it shall be opened to you. A richer experience will be yours. P. E. Hall
N.J.Hiebert - 9101
January 24
ABOUNDING PROVISION
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
These words (I SHALL NOT WANT) are as firmly linked to the clause (The Lord is my Shepherd) which precedes them, as consequence is to cause. With the Shepherd leading on in front of him, and "goodness and mercy", like two faithful sheep-dogs, following hard behind him, David was as certain that he would not want anything here, as he was that he would dwell in the house of the Lord hereafter (compare John 10:4; Psalm 23:1and 6).
Now, if for the moment we regard Psalm 23 as a sweet-toned instrument, and faith as the hand which plays upon it, we shall find that it yields to that touch, music of the most exquisite sweetness. What is it that "I shall not want?" The hand of faith runs over the key-board and brings out twelve distinct notes. Listen to them:
- I shall not want Rest, for He maketh me to lie down.
- I shall not want Refreshment, for He leads me by still waters.
- I shall not want Preservation, for He restoreth my soul.
- I shall not want Guidance, for He leadeth me.
- I shall not want Peace, for I will fear no evil.
- I shall not want Companionship, for Thou art with me.
- I shall not want Comfort, for Thy rod and staff comfort me.
- I shall not want Sustenance, for Thou preparest a table.
- I shall not want Joy, for Thou anointest my head.
- I shall not want Anything, for my cup runneth over.
- I shall not want Happiness now, for goodness and mercy follow me.
- I shall not want Glory hereafter, for I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The Pearl of Psalms - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 9102
The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
These words (I SHALL NOT WANT) are as firmly linked to the clause (The Lord is my Shepherd) which precedes them, as consequence is to cause. With the Shepherd leading on in front of him, and "goodness and mercy", like two faithful sheep-dogs, following hard behind him, David was as certain that he would not want anything here, as he was that he would dwell in the house of the Lord hereafter (compare John 10:4; Psalm 23:1and 6).
Now, if for the moment we regard Psalm 23 as a sweet-toned instrument, and faith as the hand which plays upon it, we shall find that it yields to that touch, music of the most exquisite sweetness. What is it that "I shall not want?" The hand of faith runs over the key-board and brings out twelve distinct notes. Listen to them:
- I shall not want Rest, for He maketh me to lie down.
- I shall not want Refreshment, for He leads me by still waters.
- I shall not want Preservation, for He restoreth my soul.
- I shall not want Guidance, for He leadeth me.
- I shall not want Peace, for I will fear no evil.
- I shall not want Companionship, for Thou art with me.
- I shall not want Comfort, for Thy rod and staff comfort me.
- I shall not want Sustenance, for Thou preparest a table.
- I shall not want Joy, for Thou anointest my head.
- I shall not want Anything, for my cup runneth over.
- I shall not want Happiness now, for goodness and mercy follow me.
- I shall not want Glory hereafter, for I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. The Pearl of Psalms - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 9102
January 25
So we laboured in the work . . . from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared. Nehemiah 4:21
Not "so we loitered" or "talked." They had said, "Let us rise up and build." If a man did not work hard, he was singled our as unusual. "So built we the wall." (v.6).
Among the list of honourable names in chapter 3 there is a little sentence that I am sure the men in question would like to take out of the Bible. But they cannot. They are forever held up to derision and shame. They lost their chance, the great chance of their lives; it never came again. "They put not their necks to the work of their Lord." (3:5).
How glad all the other builders must have been when the wall was joined together; each set of people had done their bit faithfully, "for the people had a mind to work." (4:6). And how astonished they would be to hear that their names were written in a book that would be treasured to the end of time.
A greater than Nehemiah commissions His builders today. He notices whether we labour or loiter. He is pleased when we work faithfully. Let us please Him today. This day will never come again.
Thou Givest They Gather - Amy Carmichael
N.J.Hiebert - 9103
Not "so we loitered" or "talked." They had said, "Let us rise up and build." If a man did not work hard, he was singled our as unusual. "So built we the wall." (v.6).
Among the list of honourable names in chapter 3 there is a little sentence that I am sure the men in question would like to take out of the Bible. But they cannot. They are forever held up to derision and shame. They lost their chance, the great chance of their lives; it never came again. "They put not their necks to the work of their Lord." (3:5).
How glad all the other builders must have been when the wall was joined together; each set of people had done their bit faithfully, "for the people had a mind to work." (4:6). And how astonished they would be to hear that their names were written in a book that would be treasured to the end of time.
A greater than Nehemiah commissions His builders today. He notices whether we labour or loiter. He is pleased when we work faithfully. Let us please Him today. This day will never come again.
Thou Givest They Gather - Amy Carmichael
N.J.Hiebert - 9103
January 26
THINGS SEEN AT THE CROSS
He that spared not His own Son. Romans 8:32
The Lord Jesus, the eternal Son of God, humbled Himself and became Man. He took the lowest place. He was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. What must this have been for the Lord! What must it have been for the Lord when Judas betrayed him with a kiss! (Matthew 26:49) What must it have been for Him to have soldiers spit in His face, to be scourged by them, and to become the object of their rude mockery and scorn!
Yet more, how must it have affected Him to have to carry our sins, to be made sin for us, and then to be judged by a holy God who could not tolerate any sin! Under these circumstances He was surrounded by the world in its various aspects, an object of its mockery and scorn, with the full force of evil rushing upon Him.
Hear Him crying out in the Psalms, looking for pity and finding none, calling to God, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" (Mark 15:34) In these very moments, while suffering unspeakably in obedience to God, He perfectly revealed God, glorifying God to the utmost. God's righteousness was seen when He struck His Son, bringing judgment over Him when He was carrying my sins. God's holiness was seen when the Lord cried, "Why hast Thou forsaken me?" Greater yet, there it was gloriously revealed that "God is love"! (1 John 4:8).
There we see a God who was giving His only begotten Son into death; yes, a God who personally was judging His Son to save guilty lost sinners from that judgment! Never did God look upon His Son with more delight then during these very moments when He had to hide His face from Him because He was bearing my judgment. What must it have been for God to forsake His Son when He was hanging alone upon the cross, surrounded by His enemies. H. L. Heijkoop
N.J.Hiebert - 9104
He that spared not His own Son. Romans 8:32
The Lord Jesus, the eternal Son of God, humbled Himself and became Man. He took the lowest place. He was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. What must this have been for the Lord! What must it have been for the Lord when Judas betrayed him with a kiss! (Matthew 26:49) What must it have been for Him to have soldiers spit in His face, to be scourged by them, and to become the object of their rude mockery and scorn!
Yet more, how must it have affected Him to have to carry our sins, to be made sin for us, and then to be judged by a holy God who could not tolerate any sin! Under these circumstances He was surrounded by the world in its various aspects, an object of its mockery and scorn, with the full force of evil rushing upon Him.
Hear Him crying out in the Psalms, looking for pity and finding none, calling to God, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" (Mark 15:34) In these very moments, while suffering unspeakably in obedience to God, He perfectly revealed God, glorifying God to the utmost. God's righteousness was seen when He struck His Son, bringing judgment over Him when He was carrying my sins. God's holiness was seen when the Lord cried, "Why hast Thou forsaken me?" Greater yet, there it was gloriously revealed that "God is love"! (1 John 4:8).
There we see a God who was giving His only begotten Son into death; yes, a God who personally was judging His Son to save guilty lost sinners from that judgment! Never did God look upon His Son with more delight then during these very moments when He had to hide His face from Him because He was bearing my judgment. What must it have been for God to forsake His Son when He was hanging alone upon the cross, surrounded by His enemies. H. L. Heijkoop
N.J.Hiebert - 9104
January 27
If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:4,5)
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:3
I remember reading a story about a man who was exploring some caves by the seashore. In one of the caves he found an old canvas bag filled with a quantity of hardened clay balls. It appeared that someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake. They didn't appear to have any value, but they intrigued the man and so he took the bag with him.
As he strolled along the beach, to pass the time, he would occasionally throw one of the clay balls as far into the ocean as he was able. He thought little of this activity until he accidentally dropped one of the balls on a rock, cracking open the dry, clay.
The man was startled to find inside what appeared to be a beautiful gemstone. He excitedly broke open the remaining clay balls finding a similar gem in each. A jeweller confirmed the value of the gems he had found. The 20 or so clay balls he still had when finding the the hidden treasure were worth hundreds upon hundreds of dollars. But he had been walking on the beach a long time. Sadly, he estimated that he had thrown some 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure far out into the ocean waves. He realized that his careless actions caused him to throw away a small fortune into the ocean depths.
Must we not admit that too often it is so with us as well when reading the precious Word of God? In Psalms 19:7-11, 'six precious jewels' of the Lord are recorded for our blessing: His law, testimony, statues, commandments, fear and judgments. We learn their value in "More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold...and in of keeping them there is great reward." (vv 10,11)
How can we claim and keep these precious jewels for ourselves apart from diligently reading and meditating on God's Word? Perhaps, at times, we allow the vast oceans of this world's pleasures and occupations to dull our appreciation of the precious treasures of God's Word. How many true riches that our Father would delight to have us enjoy, are thoughtlessly cast away!
The Christian Shepherd - February 2007
N.J. Hiebert - 9105
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 2:3
I remember reading a story about a man who was exploring some caves by the seashore. In one of the caves he found an old canvas bag filled with a quantity of hardened clay balls. It appeared that someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake. They didn't appear to have any value, but they intrigued the man and so he took the bag with him.
As he strolled along the beach, to pass the time, he would occasionally throw one of the clay balls as far into the ocean as he was able. He thought little of this activity until he accidentally dropped one of the balls on a rock, cracking open the dry, clay.
The man was startled to find inside what appeared to be a beautiful gemstone. He excitedly broke open the remaining clay balls finding a similar gem in each. A jeweller confirmed the value of the gems he had found. The 20 or so clay balls he still had when finding the the hidden treasure were worth hundreds upon hundreds of dollars. But he had been walking on the beach a long time. Sadly, he estimated that he had thrown some 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure far out into the ocean waves. He realized that his careless actions caused him to throw away a small fortune into the ocean depths.
Must we not admit that too often it is so with us as well when reading the precious Word of God? In Psalms 19:7-11, 'six precious jewels' of the Lord are recorded for our blessing: His law, testimony, statues, commandments, fear and judgments. We learn their value in "More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold...and in of keeping them there is great reward." (vv 10,11)
How can we claim and keep these precious jewels for ourselves apart from diligently reading and meditating on God's Word? Perhaps, at times, we allow the vast oceans of this world's pleasures and occupations to dull our appreciation of the precious treasures of God's Word. How many true riches that our Father would delight to have us enjoy, are thoughtlessly cast away!
The Christian Shepherd - February 2007
N.J. Hiebert - 9105
January 28
Show me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths. Psalm 25:4
If every matter I am uncertain about were worked out like a mathematical problem and handed to me in a dream, I would walk by sight instead of faith.
If I were suddenly changed into a full-grown Christian character, I would not remain so. For the very struggle and persistence of striving after goodness through the years is what knits together the integrity of a sturdy soul. So now I trust and obey. I do not ask for sign or fleece (Judges 6:37-40) for answers to my problems.
Yet "His grace is sufficient for me," (2 Corinthians 12:5) and as I travel along, the way grows clear and looking back shows me that Wisdom greater than my own has had in mind the journey. I do not know or understand much in the universe around me; only the present I see and both ends fade out of my sight. But I know the threads come from somewhere and go somewhere and that God holds them in His hand.
Help me to obey. and to live my life according to the light I have today. I may learn more tomorrow. But if I did my best according to His light I shall not grieve. Trust and do good. There is enough packed in those four words to keep every moment filled with thought and action.
"Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." (Psalm 37:3) In Tune With Heaven - Vance Havner
Trust and obey for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey J. H. Sammis
N.J.Hiebert - 9106
If every matter I am uncertain about were worked out like a mathematical problem and handed to me in a dream, I would walk by sight instead of faith.
If I were suddenly changed into a full-grown Christian character, I would not remain so. For the very struggle and persistence of striving after goodness through the years is what knits together the integrity of a sturdy soul. So now I trust and obey. I do not ask for sign or fleece (Judges 6:37-40) for answers to my problems.
Yet "His grace is sufficient for me," (2 Corinthians 12:5) and as I travel along, the way grows clear and looking back shows me that Wisdom greater than my own has had in mind the journey. I do not know or understand much in the universe around me; only the present I see and both ends fade out of my sight. But I know the threads come from somewhere and go somewhere and that God holds them in His hand.
Help me to obey. and to live my life according to the light I have today. I may learn more tomorrow. But if I did my best according to His light I shall not grieve. Trust and do good. There is enough packed in those four words to keep every moment filled with thought and action.
"Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." (Psalm 37:3) In Tune With Heaven - Vance Havner
Trust and obey for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey J. H. Sammis
N.J.Hiebert - 9106
January 29
". . . pray for them which despitefully use you . . ." Matthew 5:44
It is so easy to become jealous, to believe false rumours, to form unfair opinions, and to say harsh things about our neighbours and associates. People are so prone to answer such attacks in a like manner.
On one occasion Francis Asbury received an abusive anonymous letter. In his journal he wrote as follows: "I came from my knees to receive the letter, and having read it, I returned whence I came." How can I live this day so that people will say as they said in the early period of the church, "Behold, how the Christians love one another!"
IF I WERE YOU
It is easy to say the quick, sharp word
That will hurt him through and through--
The friend you have always held so dear--
But I wouldn't, if I were you.
It is easy to spread an idle tale
That perhaps may not be true,
And give it wings like the thistledown,
But I wouldn't, if I were you.
To words once spoken, if harsh, unkind,
You must ever bid adieu,
And though you may speak them if you will,
Yet I wouldn't, if I were you.
Florence Jones Hadley
Drop the subject when you cannot agree; there is no need to be bitter because you know you are right. Leave it all quietly with Him!
N.J.Hiebert - 9107
It is so easy to become jealous, to believe false rumours, to form unfair opinions, and to say harsh things about our neighbours and associates. People are so prone to answer such attacks in a like manner.
On one occasion Francis Asbury received an abusive anonymous letter. In his journal he wrote as follows: "I came from my knees to receive the letter, and having read it, I returned whence I came." How can I live this day so that people will say as they said in the early period of the church, "Behold, how the Christians love one another!"
IF I WERE YOU
It is easy to say the quick, sharp word
That will hurt him through and through--
The friend you have always held so dear--
But I wouldn't, if I were you.
It is easy to spread an idle tale
That perhaps may not be true,
And give it wings like the thistledown,
But I wouldn't, if I were you.
To words once spoken, if harsh, unkind,
You must ever bid adieu,
And though you may speak them if you will,
Yet I wouldn't, if I were you.
Florence Jones Hadley
Drop the subject when you cannot agree; there is no need to be bitter because you know you are right. Leave it all quietly with Him!
N.J.Hiebert - 9107
January 30
Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee. Psalm 119:11
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105
Where-with-all shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105
Where-with-all shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word.
Psalm 119:9
How can youth keep its way shining through a dark world? How can you reach the goal--CHRIST? By taking heed thereto, by stepping carefully and guiding your life by what your soul is learning of God in the text of Holy Scripture.
By keeping company with Christ as your best Friend--never ceasing until you are on such terms with Him that you talk to Him more intimately than to wife or child, lover or friend, and He talks with you.
That does not only mean you have a Bible in your pocket--thank God if you have--but it means that you have Christ in your heart.
Harold St. John - A Portrait by His daughter Patricia
N.J.Hiebert - 9108
How can youth keep its way shining through a dark world? How can you reach the goal--CHRIST? By taking heed thereto, by stepping carefully and guiding your life by what your soul is learning of God in the text of Holy Scripture.
By keeping company with Christ as your best Friend--never ceasing until you are on such terms with Him that you talk to Him more intimately than to wife or child, lover or friend, and He talks with you.
That does not only mean you have a Bible in your pocket--thank God if you have--but it means that you have Christ in your heart.
Harold St. John - A Portrait by His daughter Patricia
N.J.Hiebert - 9108
January 31
Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. John 11:5
Jesus does not want all His loved ones to be of one mould or colour. He does not seek uniformity. He will not remove our individuality; He only seeks to glorify it. He loved "Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus."
"Jesus loved Martha." Martha is our Biblical example of a practical woman; "Martha served". In that place is enshrined her character. "And her sister." Mary was contemplative, spending long hours in deep communion with the Lord.
We need the Marys as well as the Marthas--the deep contemplative souls, whose spirits shed a fragrant restfulness over the hard and busy streets. We need the souls who sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His word, and then interpret the sweet gospel to a tired and weary world.
"And Lazarus." what do we know about him? Nothing! Lazarus seems to have been undistinguished and commonplace. Yet Jesus loved him. What a huge multitude come under the category of "nobodies"! Their names are on the register of births, and on the register of deaths, and the space between is a great obscurity.
Thank God for the common place people! They turn our houses into homes; they make life restful and sweet. Jesus loves the common place. Here then is a great, comforting thought: we are all loved-- the brilliant and the commonplace, the dreamy and the practical.
Loved! then the way will not be drear, for One we know is ever near,
Proving it to our hearts so clear that we are loved.
Loved when we sing the glad new song to Christ, for whom we've waited long,
With all the happy ransomed throng--for ever loved.
"Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus." J. H. Howett
N.J.Hiebert - 9109
Jesus does not want all His loved ones to be of one mould or colour. He does not seek uniformity. He will not remove our individuality; He only seeks to glorify it. He loved "Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus."
"Jesus loved Martha." Martha is our Biblical example of a practical woman; "Martha served". In that place is enshrined her character. "And her sister." Mary was contemplative, spending long hours in deep communion with the Lord.
We need the Marys as well as the Marthas--the deep contemplative souls, whose spirits shed a fragrant restfulness over the hard and busy streets. We need the souls who sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His word, and then interpret the sweet gospel to a tired and weary world.
"And Lazarus." what do we know about him? Nothing! Lazarus seems to have been undistinguished and commonplace. Yet Jesus loved him. What a huge multitude come under the category of "nobodies"! Their names are on the register of births, and on the register of deaths, and the space between is a great obscurity.
Thank God for the common place people! They turn our houses into homes; they make life restful and sweet. Jesus loves the common place. Here then is a great, comforting thought: we are all loved-- the brilliant and the commonplace, the dreamy and the practical.
Loved! then the way will not be drear, for One we know is ever near,
Proving it to our hearts so clear that we are loved.
Loved when we sing the glad new song to Christ, for whom we've waited long,
With all the happy ransomed throng--for ever loved.
"Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus." J. H. Howett
N.J.Hiebert - 9109
February 1
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. . . . God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able."
1 Corinthians 10:12,13
What we have to do, whether to Christians, to backsliders, or to sinners, is to maintain the attitude of God towards each of these classes.
He never gives up one of His own, nor diminishes His love, though He does change His manner. As someone has said, we do not cease to love, but we do not caress a naughty child.
The perfection of the christian life is absolute trust in God. All roads lead to this, and the one who reaches it in any measure will never be confounded.
Waiting before the Lord is the sure means of qualification for obedience to His bidding. The fear of God can lift the feeblest and humblest above the fear of man.
Sympathy is the rarest of all ministries, as it is also the sweetest; it makes no show in the world, but it leaves its mark. In praying for the sick I once heard a brother use this expression: "May those who are too weak to pray be able to lean."
Until the soul is at peace and in liberty divine things cannot be communicated. We get rest by a revelation of the Father's love through Christ. . . . There is no pillow like love, and we have the Lord's perfect love to rest upon. E. Dennett
N.J.Hiebert - 9110
What we have to do, whether to Christians, to backsliders, or to sinners, is to maintain the attitude of God towards each of these classes.
He never gives up one of His own, nor diminishes His love, though He does change His manner. As someone has said, we do not cease to love, but we do not caress a naughty child.
The perfection of the christian life is absolute trust in God. All roads lead to this, and the one who reaches it in any measure will never be confounded.
Waiting before the Lord is the sure means of qualification for obedience to His bidding. The fear of God can lift the feeblest and humblest above the fear of man.
Sympathy is the rarest of all ministries, as it is also the sweetest; it makes no show in the world, but it leaves its mark. In praying for the sick I once heard a brother use this expression: "May those who are too weak to pray be able to lean."
Until the soul is at peace and in liberty divine things cannot be communicated. We get rest by a revelation of the Father's love through Christ. . . . There is no pillow like love, and we have the Lord's perfect love to rest upon. E. Dennett
N.J.Hiebert - 9110
February 2
Upon the first day of the week let everyone of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him. 1 Corinthians 16:2
Have you ever wondered why the Lord chose the first day of the week for us to lay aside something? Was it for convenience's sake? Was it because then we could just remember how our income was during the past week and give in relation to that?
The first day of the week, Sunday, or the Lord's Day, is the day when the Lord rose from the dead. The disciples were together that day and the Lord revealed Himself to them. A week later, again on the first day of the week, the disciples being together, again the Lord revealed Himself to them.
It became the practise that the believers met together on the first day of the week, and on that day they remembered the Lord in partaking of the bread and wine in memory of their Lord, and we continue this still today.
As we take the bread and eat of it, we remember the death of the Lord on the cross, His body given as a sacrifice; and as we drink from the cup, we remember that God's holiness and righteousness have been satisfied in the matter of sin because the Lord shed His blood, gave His life, and died in our place.
We remember, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)
As we reflect on His riches and HIs poverty and His great sacrifice, should this not affect our hearts in relation to what we give Him in our offering every first day of the week? Considering Him, our giving will not be a mechanical percentage, it will not be an obligatory custom of putting some money in the collection, but it will be an offering of gratitude, a sweet-smelling savour to God, an act of worship. A. Blok.
N.J.Hiebert - 9111
Have you ever wondered why the Lord chose the first day of the week for us to lay aside something? Was it for convenience's sake? Was it because then we could just remember how our income was during the past week and give in relation to that?
The first day of the week, Sunday, or the Lord's Day, is the day when the Lord rose from the dead. The disciples were together that day and the Lord revealed Himself to them. A week later, again on the first day of the week, the disciples being together, again the Lord revealed Himself to them.
It became the practise that the believers met together on the first day of the week, and on that day they remembered the Lord in partaking of the bread and wine in memory of their Lord, and we continue this still today.
As we take the bread and eat of it, we remember the death of the Lord on the cross, His body given as a sacrifice; and as we drink from the cup, we remember that God's holiness and righteousness have been satisfied in the matter of sin because the Lord shed His blood, gave His life, and died in our place.
We remember, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)
As we reflect on His riches and HIs poverty and His great sacrifice, should this not affect our hearts in relation to what we give Him in our offering every first day of the week? Considering Him, our giving will not be a mechanical percentage, it will not be an obligatory custom of putting some money in the collection, but it will be an offering of gratitude, a sweet-smelling savour to God, an act of worship. A. Blok.
N.J.Hiebert - 9111
February 3
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Matthew 24:35
Bibles are more plentiful today than they ever have been. The words of the Lord Jesus are better known and loved by a greater multitude today than ever before in the history of the world. The Gospels have been handed down by the noblest of earth, through rivers of blood, at the cost of liberty and life, in the history of every nation in Christendom.
Christians have fought by weakness, enemies as diverse as Herod, Pontius Pilate, and the people of Israel, and have always been victorious. The enemy, the devil, in one age, has prepared his weapons in the monasteries of superstition; in another he has conducted his warfare from the colleges of infidelity; but whether Greek or Jew, ignorant or intellectual, every weapon has failed.
Passed away! What has passed away? The kings of earth have passed away. The cruelty of the Inquisition and the scoffings of Voltaire have passed away. Whatever opposition may arise to God and His Word shall surely pass away: for the Son of Man who was the Son of God, said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away."
Let the ages answer. Let history come with the officers to the seat of power and learning. With one voice all will say, "Never man spake like this Man." (John 7:46). The Words of the Lord Jesus were often promises as well as declarations. They were promises that could be tested; promises that have been tested, thousands and thousands of times. Whoever found fault with Matthew 11:28? "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." A Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake
N.J.Hiebert - 9112
Bibles are more plentiful today than they ever have been. The words of the Lord Jesus are better known and loved by a greater multitude today than ever before in the history of the world. The Gospels have been handed down by the noblest of earth, through rivers of blood, at the cost of liberty and life, in the history of every nation in Christendom.
Christians have fought by weakness, enemies as diverse as Herod, Pontius Pilate, and the people of Israel, and have always been victorious. The enemy, the devil, in one age, has prepared his weapons in the monasteries of superstition; in another he has conducted his warfare from the colleges of infidelity; but whether Greek or Jew, ignorant or intellectual, every weapon has failed.
Passed away! What has passed away? The kings of earth have passed away. The cruelty of the Inquisition and the scoffings of Voltaire have passed away. Whatever opposition may arise to God and His Word shall surely pass away: for the Son of Man who was the Son of God, said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away."
Let the ages answer. Let history come with the officers to the seat of power and learning. With one voice all will say, "Never man spake like this Man." (John 7:46). The Words of the Lord Jesus were often promises as well as declarations. They were promises that could be tested; promises that have been tested, thousands and thousands of times. Whoever found fault with Matthew 11:28? "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." A Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake
N.J.Hiebert - 9112
February 4
posted by soundwords at
January 01, 2023
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