Gems from April 2023
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing. John 15:5
How forgetful we are of that! The preacher goes out to face his audience to whom he has preached so frequently through the years, perhaps often from the very same passage of Scripture. He goes out with self-confidence, forgetting the need of prayer, of being before God for a time of heart searching lest anything, any root of bitterness, might have come up which might hinder the work of the Spirit of God.
He rushes to the platform and delivers his message--but his message had no power because he was not consciously abiding in the living Vine. A young preacher had been called to preach and had much confidence in his own ability. The people were watching him as he entered.
He read his text, but his whole message went from him. He read the text again, and still he could not recall. He tried the third time, "I want to read my text again," hoping his message would come back. But all was blank so far as the message was concerned, and looking at the audience he said, "I am sorry; but I can't speak to you this morning."
Down the stairs he went with bowed head and broken step. At the close an old man came to him and said, "Laddie, if you had gone up the way you came down, you might have come down the way you went up!"
It is so easy to be self-confident and to believe that because we have done it before, of course we can do it again, and so we forget the need of constantly abiding, of ever being before Him in communion. And it is the same in every detail of Christian life.
"Abide in Me and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me." (John 15:4.) Gospel of John - H. A. Ironside
N.J.Hiebert - 9168
April 1
OVERCOMING FAITH
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4
The storms of life come and go. The winter weather is but for a short season. The dark squalls and gusting winds are passing phenomena. When they are gone, the rainbow of God's blessing and reassurance reminds us of His presence. The unique peace which He alone can provide for His people pervades our spirits.
And the rest He promises us endures as our legacy. All of us have winter weather. We face those formidable interludes in life when everything looks dark and depressing.
We all have times when our days are strewn with the apparent wreckage of wrong choices and derelict decisions. The best of men and women know what it is to be stripped down to the bedrock of sheer survival.
Yet amid all such storms what a consolation to know our Father has His strong hand upon us for our own good. What an assurance to recognize that Christ can be counted on to control the final outcome of our apparent calamities. What a strength to see His gracious Spirit bring great glory and beauty out of what to us may have seemed only disastrous! Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller
N.J.Hiebert - 9169
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4
The storms of life come and go. The winter weather is but for a short season. The dark squalls and gusting winds are passing phenomena. When they are gone, the rainbow of God's blessing and reassurance reminds us of His presence. The unique peace which He alone can provide for His people pervades our spirits.
And the rest He promises us endures as our legacy. All of us have winter weather. We face those formidable interludes in life when everything looks dark and depressing.
We all have times when our days are strewn with the apparent wreckage of wrong choices and derelict decisions. The best of men and women know what it is to be stripped down to the bedrock of sheer survival.
Yet amid all such storms what a consolation to know our Father has His strong hand upon us for our own good. What an assurance to recognize that Christ can be counted on to control the final outcome of our apparent calamities. What a strength to see His gracious Spirit bring great glory and beauty out of what to us may have seemed only disastrous! Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller
N.J.Hiebert - 9169
April 2
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according His purpose. Romans 8:28
It is one of the greatest triumphs of God that He has given the knowledge of His perfect goodness to many a frail man, so that the most difficult circumstances, the deepest bereavement of sorrow or suffering, cannot shake His confidence. Even Job said, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him." (Job 13:15)
But we are permitted to go a step further. We know that whatever is brought upon the believer by God is not merely the product of divine goodness, but the positive plannings of divine love. However severe the trial and deep the pain and trying the exercise, it does but the more convince us of that clear, warm love that makes no mistakes.
This love is so deeply concerned that the divine purpose should be worked out in us that it will not shrink from adopting means that may at the moment bring the tear to the eye and make the whole frame wince and quiver. "Nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." (Hebrews 12:11).
Ask that dying saint, racked with pain, lying, it may be, in a damp cottage with no earthly comfort; ask that bereaved one, out of whose life has passed forever with the silence of death the object of deepest affection; and each will answer, with brightening eye and kindling voice "The Lord is good." Nahum 1:7
A. J. Pollock
We cannot always trace the way where Thou our gracious Lord, dost move;
But we can always surely say, that God is love.
When clouds hang o'er our darkened path, We'll check our dread, each doubt reprove; For here each saint sweet comfort hath, that God is love. J. Bowring
N.J.Hiebert - 9170
It is one of the greatest triumphs of God that He has given the knowledge of His perfect goodness to many a frail man, so that the most difficult circumstances, the deepest bereavement of sorrow or suffering, cannot shake His confidence. Even Job said, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him." (Job 13:15)
But we are permitted to go a step further. We know that whatever is brought upon the believer by God is not merely the product of divine goodness, but the positive plannings of divine love. However severe the trial and deep the pain and trying the exercise, it does but the more convince us of that clear, warm love that makes no mistakes.
This love is so deeply concerned that the divine purpose should be worked out in us that it will not shrink from adopting means that may at the moment bring the tear to the eye and make the whole frame wince and quiver. "Nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." (Hebrews 12:11).
Ask that dying saint, racked with pain, lying, it may be, in a damp cottage with no earthly comfort; ask that bereaved one, out of whose life has passed forever with the silence of death the object of deepest affection; and each will answer, with brightening eye and kindling voice "The Lord is good." Nahum 1:7
A. J. Pollock
We cannot always trace the way where Thou our gracious Lord, dost move;
But we can always surely say, that God is love.
When clouds hang o'er our darkened path, We'll check our dread, each doubt reprove; For here each saint sweet comfort hath, that God is love. J. Bowring
N.J.Hiebert - 9170
April 3
Uriah the Hittite is dead.
Then David said unto the messengers...
Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well as the another...
When the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband.
And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord." 2 Samuel 11:24-27
The story, instead of ending, only is beginning at this point. At the end of this chapter, so full of corruption and shame, we find a little expression, the only thing David had not thought of and the only one he ought to have remembered. "But the thing that David had done displeased (was evil in the sight of) the Lord." (v.27)
Let us take heed to our ways. It takes only an instant to fall, but to avoid falling we must constantly be on the alert in all that precedes the incident.
Yes, we must watch daily to avoid walking in "any grievous way". Lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:24). In this path all is peace for our souls; this is the path of life that leads to unclouded rejoicing in God's presence: "Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." (Psalm 16:11).
2 Samuel - H. L. Rossier
N.J.Hiebert - 9171
Then David said unto the messengers...
Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well as the another...
When the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband.
And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord." 2 Samuel 11:24-27
The story, instead of ending, only is beginning at this point. At the end of this chapter, so full of corruption and shame, we find a little expression, the only thing David had not thought of and the only one he ought to have remembered. "But the thing that David had done displeased (was evil in the sight of) the Lord." (v.27)
Let us take heed to our ways. It takes only an instant to fall, but to avoid falling we must constantly be on the alert in all that precedes the incident.
Yes, we must watch daily to avoid walking in "any grievous way". Lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:24). In this path all is peace for our souls; this is the path of life that leads to unclouded rejoicing in God's presence: "Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." (Psalm 16:11).
2 Samuel - H. L. Rossier
N.J.Hiebert - 9171
April 4
IF THE LORD TARRY (delay)
Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get again: ...For what ye ought to say, if the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
(James 4:13,15).
I question the use of the phrase "If the Lord tarry". It seems, however, to have become an expression with many Christians who, I feel assured, desire to speak and act according to the direct teaching of the Holy Scripture.
I would not, for a moment, even seem to weaken in any heart the sense of the nearness of the Lord's coming--that most blessed hope. Far be the thought! That hope abides and in no wise depends on using or not using any form of words.
But, supposing I say, "if the Lord tarry, I mean to go to London next week." I make my going to London dependant upon the Lord's tarrying, whereas, He may tarry and yet it may not be His will that I should go at all. I ought to place all my movements, all my actions, all my plans, under the commanding influence of my Lord's will. Is this not in direct accordance with the Scripture? Scripture gives us, "If the Lord wills."
In conclusion, may I just add that whether we say, "If the Lord tarry," or "if the Lord will," we should ever seek, most earnestly, to be in the present power of the words we use, and thus avoid anything bordering in the most remote degree, upon mere empty phraseology or religious cant. May the Lord make us very real in all our words and ways. C. H. Mackintosh
His wisdom ever waketh, His sight is never dim:
He knows the way He taketh, and I will walk with Him. S. C. G. Küster
N.J.Hiebert - 9172
Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get again: ...For what ye ought to say, if the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
(James 4:13,15).
I question the use of the phrase "If the Lord tarry". It seems, however, to have become an expression with many Christians who, I feel assured, desire to speak and act according to the direct teaching of the Holy Scripture.
I would not, for a moment, even seem to weaken in any heart the sense of the nearness of the Lord's coming--that most blessed hope. Far be the thought! That hope abides and in no wise depends on using or not using any form of words.
But, supposing I say, "if the Lord tarry, I mean to go to London next week." I make my going to London dependant upon the Lord's tarrying, whereas, He may tarry and yet it may not be His will that I should go at all. I ought to place all my movements, all my actions, all my plans, under the commanding influence of my Lord's will. Is this not in direct accordance with the Scripture? Scripture gives us, "If the Lord wills."
In conclusion, may I just add that whether we say, "If the Lord tarry," or "if the Lord will," we should ever seek, most earnestly, to be in the present power of the words we use, and thus avoid anything bordering in the most remote degree, upon mere empty phraseology or religious cant. May the Lord make us very real in all our words and ways. C. H. Mackintosh
His wisdom ever waketh, His sight is never dim:
He knows the way He taketh, and I will walk with Him. S. C. G. Küster
N.J.Hiebert - 9172
April 5
By Myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing . . . in blessing I will bless thee. Genesis 22:16-17
Let us set ourselves to obey God today. Whether the thing He asks of us is great, or so small that we would be ashamed to let anyone know that it cost us anything, let us yield it to Him as obediently as Abraham yielded Isaac.
The way of obedience is the way of joy. It leads to a blessing that is beyond our understanding, even as the blessing of Genesis 22:17-18 was beyond Abraham's. It results in blessing for others as well as ourselves.
Is there any word of my Lord to me which I am refusing to obey? Perhaps I am arguing about it, or trying to smother and forget it, because I do not want to obey. Obey it--then in blessing I will bless thee is His promise.
Whisper of His Power - Amy Carmicael
N.J.Hiebert - 9173
Let us set ourselves to obey God today. Whether the thing He asks of us is great, or so small that we would be ashamed to let anyone know that it cost us anything, let us yield it to Him as obediently as Abraham yielded Isaac.
The way of obedience is the way of joy. It leads to a blessing that is beyond our understanding, even as the blessing of Genesis 22:17-18 was beyond Abraham's. It results in blessing for others as well as ourselves.
Is there any word of my Lord to me which I am refusing to obey? Perhaps I am arguing about it, or trying to smother and forget it, because I do not want to obey. Obey it--then in blessing I will bless thee is His promise.
Whisper of His Power - Amy Carmicael
N.J.Hiebert - 9173
April 6
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen 2 Peter 3:18
In our verse above we have the apostle Peter's closing words to the flock of God. How striking that he exhorts believers to grow in two different ways.
(1) We are to grow in grace. Grace is God providing for us according to His own heart of love. Our hearts are so slow to realize the fullness of the grace of God. We want to still think that we can do something, or must do something for God to accept us. No, we are accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6), and that altogether apart from anything we have done. We need to grow in realizing how great this grace is that saved us, sustains us, restores us--as Peter well knew--and provides for us.
(2) We are also to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. There is a blessed Man (who is also God) at the right hand of God who communicates this grace to us. He is our Lord, which means He has authority over us. We see an illustration of this in Pharaoh setting Joseph over the land of Egypt. Joseph was given absolute authority. He used this authority for blessing (Genesis 41:43-44). In like manner, the Lord Jesus has absolute authority today (Ephesians 1:20-22), but He uses it for the blessing of His people.
Let us obey Him! He is also our Saviour. How much it cost Him to be our Saviour! He suffered the judgment of God for us in those three hours of darkness. This is what we deserved. But He endured it in our place in order to save us. As we contemplate His sufferings, may we gladly submit with responsive hearts to His authority as Lord.
One day He will be honoured publicly in this world. While we wait for that day, may we already give Him glory by growing in grace and in the knowledge of Him! Kevin Quartell
N.J.Hiebert - 9174
In our verse above we have the apostle Peter's closing words to the flock of God. How striking that he exhorts believers to grow in two different ways.
(1) We are to grow in grace. Grace is God providing for us according to His own heart of love. Our hearts are so slow to realize the fullness of the grace of God. We want to still think that we can do something, or must do something for God to accept us. No, we are accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6), and that altogether apart from anything we have done. We need to grow in realizing how great this grace is that saved us, sustains us, restores us--as Peter well knew--and provides for us.
(2) We are also to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. There is a blessed Man (who is also God) at the right hand of God who communicates this grace to us. He is our Lord, which means He has authority over us. We see an illustration of this in Pharaoh setting Joseph over the land of Egypt. Joseph was given absolute authority. He used this authority for blessing (Genesis 41:43-44). In like manner, the Lord Jesus has absolute authority today (Ephesians 1:20-22), but He uses it for the blessing of His people.
Let us obey Him! He is also our Saviour. How much it cost Him to be our Saviour! He suffered the judgment of God for us in those three hours of darkness. This is what we deserved. But He endured it in our place in order to save us. As we contemplate His sufferings, may we gladly submit with responsive hearts to His authority as Lord.
One day He will be honoured publicly in this world. While we wait for that day, may we already give Him glory by growing in grace and in the knowledge of Him! Kevin Quartell
N.J.Hiebert - 9174
April 7
Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
What a gracious word of a gracious Saviour on which the soul may confidingly repose and be at peace forever. This rest of grace is a present rest as well as the rest of glory.
Have you found this blessed repose in the blood and work of Immanuel? Have you been long going about "seeking rest and not finding any"? All other peace is counterfeit, shadowy, unreal.
The eagle spurns the gilded cage as a poor equivalent for his free-born soarings. The soul's immortal aspirations can be satisfied with nothing short of the possession of God's favour and love that is found through Jesus. How unqualified is the invitation! All alike are qualified and welcome. For the weak, the weary, the sin-burdened soul, there is an open door of grace.
Let the sweet cadence of this "word of Jesus" steal on you amid the disquietudes of earth. Sheltered in Him, you are safe for time, safe for eternity. There may be, and will be, temporary tossings and misgivings, but these will only be like the surface heavings of the ocean while underneath there can be a deep settled calm. The person who is saved can sing to God, "Thou wilt keep Him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee." (Isaiah 26:3).
And if the foretaste of this rest be precious, what must be the glorious consummation? We shall awake in immortality's morning with the unique frame of earth past forever. Faith will give way to sight and hope to fruition. There will be no more tendency to sin, no more latent principles of evil to disturb the spirit's everlasting tranquility. The trembling heart will repose where alone it can confidently and permanently rest in the enjoyment of the infinite God.
J. R. Macduff
N.J.Hiebert - 9175
What a gracious word of a gracious Saviour on which the soul may confidingly repose and be at peace forever. This rest of grace is a present rest as well as the rest of glory.
Have you found this blessed repose in the blood and work of Immanuel? Have you been long going about "seeking rest and not finding any"? All other peace is counterfeit, shadowy, unreal.
The eagle spurns the gilded cage as a poor equivalent for his free-born soarings. The soul's immortal aspirations can be satisfied with nothing short of the possession of God's favour and love that is found through Jesus. How unqualified is the invitation! All alike are qualified and welcome. For the weak, the weary, the sin-burdened soul, there is an open door of grace.
Let the sweet cadence of this "word of Jesus" steal on you amid the disquietudes of earth. Sheltered in Him, you are safe for time, safe for eternity. There may be, and will be, temporary tossings and misgivings, but these will only be like the surface heavings of the ocean while underneath there can be a deep settled calm. The person who is saved can sing to God, "Thou wilt keep Him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee." (Isaiah 26:3).
And if the foretaste of this rest be precious, what must be the glorious consummation? We shall awake in immortality's morning with the unique frame of earth past forever. Faith will give way to sight and hope to fruition. There will be no more tendency to sin, no more latent principles of evil to disturb the spirit's everlasting tranquility. The trembling heart will repose where alone it can confidently and permanently rest in the enjoyment of the infinite God.
J. R. Macduff
N.J.Hiebert - 9175
April 8
"To all the saints." Philippians 1:1
The Spirit of God seems to delight to use this little word "all." We find it again and again in this Epistle. I think the Greek word "all" occurs some 34 times. We can think of Lydia and her household; of the jailor and his household. Two sisters who had a quarrel are also included: and many others, whose names are in the Book of Life. And may we not include ourselves also?
If we cannot come in with Lydia or the Jailor, perhaps we can with Euodias and Syntache. I doubt not the Spirit of God has given us this little Book for the express purpose of putting our names, also, into that little word "all." May the sweet and solemn sentences that flow from it, sink down deep into each of our hearts!
But I think there is another lesson for us in these words. How often we forget "all the saints." How often our thoughts and prayers include only the saints in one little group, that is of special interest to us. Let us remember that God's heart, God's thought, goes out to "all the saints." When I was a child, every night and morning my father would pray for "the whole Church of God."
This is as it should be: and if we are walking down here as Christ would have us walk, we will not be content that our hearts should take in any smaller circle than "all the saints." We may not be able to walk with them all, in the paths they have chosen, but we may love them, and pray for them, all. Before the Assembly at Ephesus had left their first love (Revelation 2:4): Paul could write of their "love unto all the saints." (Ephesians 1:15).
And there is another thing that little word "all" makes us think of: Suppose the Postmaster got a letter to deliver, addressed: To, All the saints in Christ Jesus which are in Toronto, or London, or New York, or Hong King. How puzzled he would be to know what to do with it! And yet that is the way this letter was addressed: and that is the way the Lord would still have His people: "That they all may be one." (John 17,11,21,22) G. C. Willis - Philippians
N.J.Hiebert - 9176
The Spirit of God seems to delight to use this little word "all." We find it again and again in this Epistle. I think the Greek word "all" occurs some 34 times. We can think of Lydia and her household; of the jailor and his household. Two sisters who had a quarrel are also included: and many others, whose names are in the Book of Life. And may we not include ourselves also?
If we cannot come in with Lydia or the Jailor, perhaps we can with Euodias and Syntache. I doubt not the Spirit of God has given us this little Book for the express purpose of putting our names, also, into that little word "all." May the sweet and solemn sentences that flow from it, sink down deep into each of our hearts!
But I think there is another lesson for us in these words. How often we forget "all the saints." How often our thoughts and prayers include only the saints in one little group, that is of special interest to us. Let us remember that God's heart, God's thought, goes out to "all the saints." When I was a child, every night and morning my father would pray for "the whole Church of God."
This is as it should be: and if we are walking down here as Christ would have us walk, we will not be content that our hearts should take in any smaller circle than "all the saints." We may not be able to walk with them all, in the paths they have chosen, but we may love them, and pray for them, all. Before the Assembly at Ephesus had left their first love (Revelation 2:4): Paul could write of their "love unto all the saints." (Ephesians 1:15).
And there is another thing that little word "all" makes us think of: Suppose the Postmaster got a letter to deliver, addressed: To, All the saints in Christ Jesus which are in Toronto, or London, or New York, or Hong King. How puzzled he would be to know what to do with it! And yet that is the way this letter was addressed: and that is the way the Lord would still have His people: "That they all may be one." (John 17,11,21,22) G. C. Willis - Philippians
N.J.Hiebert - 9176
April 9
Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. (Ephesians 2:19)
But who is a saint? Lydia (Acts 16: 14-40) was a saint: the jailor was a saint: Euodias was a saint, and also Syntache (Philippian 4:2). A saint means a holy person, a person separated to God. A person who is a saint should live "as becometh saints. (Ephesians 5:3). A saint should live a holy life, and walk in a way that pleases God.
Yet that is not what makes a person a saint in God's eyes, for we find the Spirit of God calls the Corinthians saints, "saints by calling", (1 Corinthians 1:2) and they were behaving very badly indeed, so the Spirit of God spends most of two long Epistles finding fault with them: but He begins by calling them "saints."
What, then, is a saint? Every true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is a saint. Every person bought with His precious blood is a saint: these are all separated from the world, because they are bought with that blood. In Ephesians 2:19 the Spirit writes to men and women who once were without God, separated from God, (That is the meaning), but now they are separated to God; they are "saints."
He calls them "fellow-citizens with the saints"; citizens of heaven: holy men: saints. If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ: if you are washed in His precious blood: if you are born again, and have eternal life: then you are a saint: just as truly a saint as the saints in Philippi, or just as truly as the apostles Peter or Paul themselves.
But the word saint should make us think especially of God's people, separated, or, consecrated, to God: set apart for Him.
Philippians - G. C. Willis
N.J.Hiebert - 9177
But who is a saint? Lydia (Acts 16: 14-40) was a saint: the jailor was a saint: Euodias was a saint, and also Syntache (Philippian 4:2). A saint means a holy person, a person separated to God. A person who is a saint should live "as becometh saints. (Ephesians 5:3). A saint should live a holy life, and walk in a way that pleases God.
Yet that is not what makes a person a saint in God's eyes, for we find the Spirit of God calls the Corinthians saints, "saints by calling", (1 Corinthians 1:2) and they were behaving very badly indeed, so the Spirit of God spends most of two long Epistles finding fault with them: but He begins by calling them "saints."
What, then, is a saint? Every true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is a saint. Every person bought with His precious blood is a saint: these are all separated from the world, because they are bought with that blood. In Ephesians 2:19 the Spirit writes to men and women who once were without God, separated from God, (That is the meaning), but now they are separated to God; they are "saints."
He calls them "fellow-citizens with the saints"; citizens of heaven: holy men: saints. If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ: if you are washed in His precious blood: if you are born again, and have eternal life: then you are a saint: just as truly a saint as the saints in Philippi, or just as truly as the apostles Peter or Paul themselves.
But the word saint should make us think especially of God's people, separated, or, consecrated, to God: set apart for Him.
Philippians - G. C. Willis
N.J.Hiebert - 9177
April 10
SERVANTS AND SERVICE
He that hath My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord. Jeremiah 23:28
Preach the truth. Take heed of giving your own dreams and fancies in God's name. All is chaff except the pure Word of God. O stamp not God's image on your own coin! We live in high-flown times: many people are not content with truths that lie plainly in the Scriptures; and some, to please their wanton palates, have refined their notions so high, that they have flown out of the sight of the Scripture, and unawares run themselves, with others, into dangerous errors.
Make not experiments upon the souls of people, by delivering what is doubtful. Better feed people with sound doctrine though it be a plain meal, than that you should with an outlandish dish, light on a wild gourd, that brings death into their pot. (2 Kings 4:40)
Preach with the fear of God. A little bread, with God's blessing, may make a meal for a multitude, and great provision may soon shrink to nothing, if God help not in the breaking of it. It is not your sermon in your head, or notes in your book, that will enable you to preach, except God open your mouth. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5). The swelling of the heart, as well as of the wall, goes before a fall.
How much may it provoke God, when you go to the pulpit and pass by His door in the way, without calling for His assistance?... not only the preparation of the heart, but the answer of the tongue, both are from the Lord. (Proverbs 16:1) God keeps the key of the mouth as, well of the heart; not a word can be uttered, until God opens the door of the lips to give it a free exit. (Numbers 22:28-31).
The Christian in Complete Armour - W Gurnall (1617-1679)
N.J.Hiebert - 9178
He that hath My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord. Jeremiah 23:28
Preach the truth. Take heed of giving your own dreams and fancies in God's name. All is chaff except the pure Word of God. O stamp not God's image on your own coin! We live in high-flown times: many people are not content with truths that lie plainly in the Scriptures; and some, to please their wanton palates, have refined their notions so high, that they have flown out of the sight of the Scripture, and unawares run themselves, with others, into dangerous errors.
Make not experiments upon the souls of people, by delivering what is doubtful. Better feed people with sound doctrine though it be a plain meal, than that you should with an outlandish dish, light on a wild gourd, that brings death into their pot. (2 Kings 4:40)
Preach with the fear of God. A little bread, with God's blessing, may make a meal for a multitude, and great provision may soon shrink to nothing, if God help not in the breaking of it. It is not your sermon in your head, or notes in your book, that will enable you to preach, except God open your mouth. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5). The swelling of the heart, as well as of the wall, goes before a fall.
How much may it provoke God, when you go to the pulpit and pass by His door in the way, without calling for His assistance?... not only the preparation of the heart, but the answer of the tongue, both are from the Lord. (Proverbs 16:1) God keeps the key of the mouth as, well of the heart; not a word can be uttered, until God opens the door of the lips to give it a free exit. (Numbers 22:28-31).
The Christian in Complete Armour - W Gurnall (1617-1679)
N.J.Hiebert - 9178
April 11
The Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before Me, and be thou perfect." Genesis 17:1
POWER No person in a position of authority and power ever got there without God granting it. People love power. They think it gives them control over the behaviour of others, and many authority figures think they can even control those souls. We do need leaders, but we all want them to be benevolent - a rare combination.
Most leaders believe their personal survival in their position of power depends upon their performance, and therefore, will do anything to secure their position. This is clearly abuse of power, but all too common. Such power-mad people fail to even admit there is a HIGHER POWER, God, who orders everything in this world, even to the extent of letting evil permeate society for a time.
It's easy to identify powerful leaders around the world who have risen up for all the wrong reasons, but there is One who is in such a position for all the right reasons; and that is God's only Son, the Man Christ Jesus. God has anointed Him with power from on high; power over the entire universe and everything in it. The world doesn't see that yet, but it will. Be assured that the day is coming, and soon, when the Lord Jesus will be gloriously displayed to every one on earth as all-powerful. The Bible says in Psalm 72:11, "Yea, all kings shall fall down before Him: all nations shall serve Him".
Where will you be then? The end-time events may start within your lifetime or soon after, but the book of Revelation gives us a picture of what's coming - world-wide judgment and personal judgment.
"As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:27,28) Lorne Perry for Vision 2020
N.J.Hiebert - 9179 (To be continued)
POWER No person in a position of authority and power ever got there without God granting it. People love power. They think it gives them control over the behaviour of others, and many authority figures think they can even control those souls. We do need leaders, but we all want them to be benevolent - a rare combination.
Most leaders believe their personal survival in their position of power depends upon their performance, and therefore, will do anything to secure their position. This is clearly abuse of power, but all too common. Such power-mad people fail to even admit there is a HIGHER POWER, God, who orders everything in this world, even to the extent of letting evil permeate society for a time.
It's easy to identify powerful leaders around the world who have risen up for all the wrong reasons, but there is One who is in such a position for all the right reasons; and that is God's only Son, the Man Christ Jesus. God has anointed Him with power from on high; power over the entire universe and everything in it. The world doesn't see that yet, but it will. Be assured that the day is coming, and soon, when the Lord Jesus will be gloriously displayed to every one on earth as all-powerful. The Bible says in Psalm 72:11, "Yea, all kings shall fall down before Him: all nations shall serve Him".
Where will you be then? The end-time events may start within your lifetime or soon after, but the book of Revelation gives us a picture of what's coming - world-wide judgment and personal judgment.
"As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:27,28) Lorne Perry for Vision 2020
N.J.Hiebert - 9179 (To be continued)
April 12
Where will you be then? (Part 2)
And as It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)
The end-time events may start within your lifetime or soon after, but the book of Revelation gives us a picture of what is coming - world-wide judgment and personal judgment. (Revelation 20:11-12)
Let's face it, everyone's "works" are bad when placed against God's standard of perfection. God gave you a free will, permitting you to obey and worship Him because you chose to. But instead, from Adam and Eve on down we have chosen to follow our own will.
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way." (Isaiah 53:6).
There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 14:12)
Only one rescue plan.
There is just one way to escape the holy judgment of God upon your sins, and that is to lay hold of God's free offer, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and Thou shalt be saved." (Acts 16:31). It's a short step in order to have peace with God, but it means declaring before Him you are guilty and hopeless, believing on Jesus Christ as the only possible Saviour, and trusting completely in all He accomplished at Calvary, when His blood was shed.
Instantly, you will have eternal life. Your sins will all be gone from God's sight - erased from the record books. You will escape the coming judgment, and have an assured place with Jesus in heaven. You are offered this wonderful position only while you are still alive. "Now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2) You dare not put it off! Lorne Perry for Vision in 2020 in 2023.
N.J.Hiebert - 9180
And as It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)
The end-time events may start within your lifetime or soon after, but the book of Revelation gives us a picture of what is coming - world-wide judgment and personal judgment. (Revelation 20:11-12)
Let's face it, everyone's "works" are bad when placed against God's standard of perfection. God gave you a free will, permitting you to obey and worship Him because you chose to. But instead, from Adam and Eve on down we have chosen to follow our own will.
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way." (Isaiah 53:6).
There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 14:12)
Only one rescue plan.
There is just one way to escape the holy judgment of God upon your sins, and that is to lay hold of God's free offer, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and Thou shalt be saved." (Acts 16:31). It's a short step in order to have peace with God, but it means declaring before Him you are guilty and hopeless, believing on Jesus Christ as the only possible Saviour, and trusting completely in all He accomplished at Calvary, when His blood was shed.
Instantly, you will have eternal life. Your sins will all be gone from God's sight - erased from the record books. You will escape the coming judgment, and have an assured place with Jesus in heaven. You are offered this wonderful position only while you are still alive. "Now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2) You dare not put it off! Lorne Perry for Vision in 2020 in 2023.
N.J.Hiebert - 9180
April 13
Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring Him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in Him. . . Behold the man! . . .Behold your King! John 19:4-5,14.
Little did the pagan Roman Governor know that he was not only quoting scripture, but was actually fulfilling it. Three times he calls attention to the Saviour and uses almost the exact words of the prophet.
Zechariah (3:8; 6:12; 9:9) The hearts of all men are in the hands of the sovereign Lord and He uses whom He will to fulfil His purpose. Jim Flanigan
God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines of never-failing skill,
He treasures up His bright designs, and works His sovereign will.
[Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, the clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace:
Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.]
His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err, and scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter, and He will make it plain. (William Cowper, 1779)
N.J.Hiebert - 9181
Little did the pagan Roman Governor know that he was not only quoting scripture, but was actually fulfilling it. Three times he calls attention to the Saviour and uses almost the exact words of the prophet.
Zechariah (3:8; 6:12; 9:9) The hearts of all men are in the hands of the sovereign Lord and He uses whom He will to fulfil His purpose. Jim Flanigan
God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines of never-failing skill,
He treasures up His bright designs, and works His sovereign will.
[Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, the clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace:
Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.]
His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err, and scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter, and He will make it plain. (William Cowper, 1779)
N.J.Hiebert - 9181
April 14
WITHOUT ME -- NOTHING
"Without Me ye can do nothing." John 15:5
The starting point to "all things" is to learn that we are nothing. "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing" (Romans 7:18). "For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." (Galatians 6:3). What a self-deceived generation, then is ours!
"It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." (Jeremiah 10:23). We do not have what it takes. Start with your nothingness-- "Just as I am, without one plea"-- (Charlotte Elliott) and you are on your way to His "all things."
Let our debts be what they may, however great or small;
As soon as we have naught to pay, our Lord forgives us all.
'Tis perfect poverty alone that sets the soul at large;
While we can call one mite our own, we have no full discharge. (Joseph Hart)
We can never be blessed until we learn that we can bring nothing to Christ but our need. "All the fitness He requireth is to feel your need of Him." (Joseph Hart)
Day by Day with Vance Havner
N.J.Hiebert - 9182
"Without Me ye can do nothing." John 15:5
The starting point to "all things" is to learn that we are nothing. "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing" (Romans 7:18). "For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." (Galatians 6:3). What a self-deceived generation, then is ours!
"It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." (Jeremiah 10:23). We do not have what it takes. Start with your nothingness-- "Just as I am, without one plea"-- (Charlotte Elliott) and you are on your way to His "all things."
Let our debts be what they may, however great or small;
As soon as we have naught to pay, our Lord forgives us all.
'Tis perfect poverty alone that sets the soul at large;
While we can call one mite our own, we have no full discharge. (Joseph Hart)
We can never be blessed until we learn that we can bring nothing to Christ but our need. "All the fitness He requireth is to feel your need of Him." (Joseph Hart)
Day by Day with Vance Havner
N.J.Hiebert - 9182
April 15
"Charity (Love) suffereth long, and is kind...doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth." 1 Corinthians 13:4-6
These indicate that love never bears any malice. An outstanding illustration of this occurred in England many years ago. When William Ewart Gladstone was Chancellor of the Exchequer, he sent down to the Treasury for certain statistics upon which to base his budget proposals.
The statistician made a mistake. But Gladstone was so sure of this man's accuracy that he did not take time to verify his figures. He went before the Hose of Commons and made his speech, basing his appeal on the incorrect figures that had been given him. His speech was no sooner published than the newspapers exposed its glaring inaccuracies.
Mr Gladstone was naturally overwhelmed with embarrassment. He went to his office and sent at once for the statistician who was responsible for his humiliating situation. The man came full of fear and shame, certain that he was going to lose his position. But, instead, Gladstone said: "I know how much you must be disturbed over what has happened, and I have sent for you to put you at your ease.
For a long time you have been engaged in handling the intricacies of the national accounts, and this is the first mistake that you have made. I want to congratulate you, and express to you my keen appreciation."
It took a big man to do that, big with the bigness of the truly merciful. The worst of men do not so much need our forgiveness, as the best of men need the forgiveness of God; and one would have thought that the wonderful mercy shown to us by our gracious Father, would make the forgiving of our brother man for any injury he may have done to us, a very simple matter. Winsome Christianity - Henry Durbanville
These indicate that love never bears any malice. An outstanding illustration of this occurred in England many years ago. When William Ewart Gladstone was Chancellor of the Exchequer, he sent down to the Treasury for certain statistics upon which to base his budget proposals.
The statistician made a mistake. But Gladstone was so sure of this man's accuracy that he did not take time to verify his figures. He went before the Hose of Commons and made his speech, basing his appeal on the incorrect figures that had been given him. His speech was no sooner published than the newspapers exposed its glaring inaccuracies.
Mr Gladstone was naturally overwhelmed with embarrassment. He went to his office and sent at once for the statistician who was responsible for his humiliating situation. The man came full of fear and shame, certain that he was going to lose his position. But, instead, Gladstone said: "I know how much you must be disturbed over what has happened, and I have sent for you to put you at your ease.
For a long time you have been engaged in handling the intricacies of the national accounts, and this is the first mistake that you have made. I want to congratulate you, and express to you my keen appreciation."
It took a big man to do that, big with the bigness of the truly merciful. The worst of men do not so much need our forgiveness, as the best of men need the forgiveness of God; and one would have thought that the wonderful mercy shown to us by our gracious Father, would make the forgiving of our brother man for any injury he may have done to us, a very simple matter. Winsome Christianity - Henry Durbanville
N.J.Hiebert - 9183
April 16
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Romans 15:4
It has been said that the Bible is the Holy Spirit's chief "medicine" for healing broken hearts. The world tells us to "pull up our own socks" or to "hang in there!" But simple cliches like these do not have the power to encourage our hearts. It is the Word of God that has power to lift up our spirits and encourage us to go on. When we read, meditate, and depend on the Bible, it gives us enlightenment, endurance, and encouragement.
People today are looking for something to give them hope and to help them go forward in life. It is easy to fall into the snare of telling people what we think they want to hear. It is equally easy to share stories or personal experiences that might for the moment seem to give help.
But it is only the Word of God that is "quick and powerful" [living and operative - margin] (Hebrews 4:12) and has power to change lives. Even the apostle Paul, was told "if ye have any word of exhortation [encouragement] for the people, say on." (Acts 13:15).
It is important for us to know that no matter how sincere or how loving our words may be we do not have the power to penetrate the heart as the words that are [God-breathed] (2 Timothy 3:16). If we want to be an encouragement to God's people, we must saturate ourselves with the Word of God so that we may be able to bring out verses that will be a help in the time of need!
Paul told the assembly at Thessalonica, "to comfort one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Paul also told Timothy, to "Preach the Word." (2 Timothy 4:2). This is what we need if we are going to be an encouragement to the Lord's people today! The Lord is near - T. P. Hadley
N.J.Hiebert - 9184
It has been said that the Bible is the Holy Spirit's chief "medicine" for healing broken hearts. The world tells us to "pull up our own socks" or to "hang in there!" But simple cliches like these do not have the power to encourage our hearts. It is the Word of God that has power to lift up our spirits and encourage us to go on. When we read, meditate, and depend on the Bible, it gives us enlightenment, endurance, and encouragement.
People today are looking for something to give them hope and to help them go forward in life. It is easy to fall into the snare of telling people what we think they want to hear. It is equally easy to share stories or personal experiences that might for the moment seem to give help.
But it is only the Word of God that is "quick and powerful" [living and operative - margin] (Hebrews 4:12) and has power to change lives. Even the apostle Paul, was told "if ye have any word of exhortation [encouragement] for the people, say on." (Acts 13:15).
It is important for us to know that no matter how sincere or how loving our words may be we do not have the power to penetrate the heart as the words that are [God-breathed] (2 Timothy 3:16). If we want to be an encouragement to God's people, we must saturate ourselves with the Word of God so that we may be able to bring out verses that will be a help in the time of need!
Paul told the assembly at Thessalonica, "to comfort one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Paul also told Timothy, to "Preach the Word." (2 Timothy 4:2). This is what we need if we are going to be an encouragement to the Lord's people today! The Lord is near - T. P. Hadley
N.J.Hiebert - 9184
April 17
And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show to you today. Exodus 14:13
Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. How difficult it is to focus our vision clearly and distinctly when we are busy running here and there, overly concerned about our personal welfare. The people of Israel were not on the move here but were encamped by the sea.
Yet at this very point Moses has to say to them: "Stand still." Why? Though not on the march, their hearts were troubled, agitated like the troubled sea before which they were encamped. They were emotionally in turmoil.
With the sea in front of them, hemmed in on ether side by mountains, and with the formidable chariots of the army of Egypt pursuing them, they figured it was better to serve Egypt (a type of the world), with all its bondage and hard labour, than to die in the wilderness.
Would it not be better to die in the wilderness, separated unto Christ, than to serve this world's system which is under Satan's influence?
But notice, God does not want us to serve the world or die in the wilderness. We must learn to stand still so that we can properly focus our vision on our great God, the supreme, all-powerful One. There come those moments in our lives when we have to realize our utter helplessness to do anything about the circumstances that are beyond our control. God allows them.
He had directed Israel to camp at this very spot. When we are where He wants us to be, He would have us stand still so that we may better see His overall plan, so as to get our eyes above the things of this world with its strife and turmoil.
Stand still! God would have us emotionally calm so that we might better see the working out of His salvation which is of His providing. P. E. Hall
N.J.Hiebert - 9185
Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. How difficult it is to focus our vision clearly and distinctly when we are busy running here and there, overly concerned about our personal welfare. The people of Israel were not on the move here but were encamped by the sea.
Yet at this very point Moses has to say to them: "Stand still." Why? Though not on the march, their hearts were troubled, agitated like the troubled sea before which they were encamped. They were emotionally in turmoil.
With the sea in front of them, hemmed in on ether side by mountains, and with the formidable chariots of the army of Egypt pursuing them, they figured it was better to serve Egypt (a type of the world), with all its bondage and hard labour, than to die in the wilderness.
Would it not be better to die in the wilderness, separated unto Christ, than to serve this world's system which is under Satan's influence?
But notice, God does not want us to serve the world or die in the wilderness. We must learn to stand still so that we can properly focus our vision on our great God, the supreme, all-powerful One. There come those moments in our lives when we have to realize our utter helplessness to do anything about the circumstances that are beyond our control. God allows them.
He had directed Israel to camp at this very spot. When we are where He wants us to be, He would have us stand still so that we may better see His overall plan, so as to get our eyes above the things of this world with its strife and turmoil.
Stand still! God would have us emotionally calm so that we might better see the working out of His salvation which is of His providing. P. E. Hall
N.J.Hiebert - 9185
April 18
If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth. Ecclesiastes 11:3
Why, then, do we dread the clouds which now darken our sky? True, for a while they hide the sun, but the sun is not quenched; it will be out again before long. Meanwhile those black clouds are filled with rain; and the blacker they are, the more likely they will yield plentiful showers.
How can we have rain without clouds? Our troubles have always brought us blessings, and they always will. They are the dark chariots of bright grace. These clouds will empty themselves before long, and every tender herb will be gladder for the shower. Our God may drench us with grief, but He will refresh us with mercy.
Our Lord's love-letters often come to us in black-edged envelopes. His wagons rumble, but they are loaded with benefits. His rod blossoms with sweet flowers and nourishing fruits. Let us not worry about the clouds, but sing because May flowers are brought to us through the April clouds and showers.
O Lord, the clouds are the dust of Thy feet! How near Thou art in the cloudy and dark day! Love beholds Thee, and is glad. Faith sees the clouds emptying themselves and making the little hills rejoice on every side. C. H. Spurgeon
"What seems so dark to thy dim sight may be a shadow, seen aright
Making some brightness doubly bright.
The flash that struck thy tree--no more to shelter thee--lets heaven's
blue floor shine where it never shone before.
The cry wrung from thy spirit's pain may echo on some far-off plain,
and guide a wanderer home again."
"The blue of heaven is larger than the clouds."
N.J.Hiebert - 9186
Why, then, do we dread the clouds which now darken our sky? True, for a while they hide the sun, but the sun is not quenched; it will be out again before long. Meanwhile those black clouds are filled with rain; and the blacker they are, the more likely they will yield plentiful showers.
How can we have rain without clouds? Our troubles have always brought us blessings, and they always will. They are the dark chariots of bright grace. These clouds will empty themselves before long, and every tender herb will be gladder for the shower. Our God may drench us with grief, but He will refresh us with mercy.
Our Lord's love-letters often come to us in black-edged envelopes. His wagons rumble, but they are loaded with benefits. His rod blossoms with sweet flowers and nourishing fruits. Let us not worry about the clouds, but sing because May flowers are brought to us through the April clouds and showers.
O Lord, the clouds are the dust of Thy feet! How near Thou art in the cloudy and dark day! Love beholds Thee, and is glad. Faith sees the clouds emptying themselves and making the little hills rejoice on every side. C. H. Spurgeon
"What seems so dark to thy dim sight may be a shadow, seen aright
Making some brightness doubly bright.
The flash that struck thy tree--no more to shelter thee--lets heaven's
blue floor shine where it never shone before.
The cry wrung from thy spirit's pain may echo on some far-off plain,
and guide a wanderer home again."
"The blue of heaven is larger than the clouds."
N.J.Hiebert - 9186
April 19
Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright...afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. Hebrews 12:16,17
The natural heart places no value on the things of God. To it, God's promise is a vague, valueless, powerless thing, simply because God is not known. Hence it is that present things carry such weight and influence in man's estimation. Anything that man can see, he values, because he is governed by sight and not by faith. To him, the present is everything; the future is a mere un-influential thing--a matter of the merest uncertainty.
Thus it was with Esau. Hear his flawed reasoning,--"Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?" (Genesis 25:32) What strange reasoning!--The present is slipping from beneath my feet, I will therefore despise and entirely let go the future!--Time is fading from my view, I will therefore abandon all interest in eternity!
"Thus Esau despised his birthright:" "thus Israel despised the pleasant land (Psalm 106:24); thus they despised Christ (Zechariah 11:13): those who were bidden to the marriage despised the invitation (Matthew 22:5). Man has no heart for the things of God. The present is everything to him. A mess of pottage is better than a title to Canaan.
Hence, the very reason why Esau made light of the birthright was the very reason why he ought to have grasped it with the greater intensity. The more clearly I see the vanity of man's present, the more I shall cleave to God's future. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hastening unto the coming of the day of God..." (2 Peter 3:11-13) Genesis - C. H. Mackintosh
N.J.Hiebert - 9187
The natural heart places no value on the things of God. To it, God's promise is a vague, valueless, powerless thing, simply because God is not known. Hence it is that present things carry such weight and influence in man's estimation. Anything that man can see, he values, because he is governed by sight and not by faith. To him, the present is everything; the future is a mere un-influential thing--a matter of the merest uncertainty.
Thus it was with Esau. Hear his flawed reasoning,--"Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?" (Genesis 25:32) What strange reasoning!--The present is slipping from beneath my feet, I will therefore despise and entirely let go the future!--Time is fading from my view, I will therefore abandon all interest in eternity!
"Thus Esau despised his birthright:" "thus Israel despised the pleasant land (Psalm 106:24); thus they despised Christ (Zechariah 11:13): those who were bidden to the marriage despised the invitation (Matthew 22:5). Man has no heart for the things of God. The present is everything to him. A mess of pottage is better than a title to Canaan.
Hence, the very reason why Esau made light of the birthright was the very reason why he ought to have grasped it with the greater intensity. The more clearly I see the vanity of man's present, the more I shall cleave to God's future. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hastening unto the coming of the day of God..." (2 Peter 3:11-13) Genesis - C. H. Mackintosh
N.J.Hiebert - 9187
April 20
And, behold, there talked with Him two men, which were Moses and Elias: who appeared in glory, and spake of His decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem. (Luke 9:30,31)
They talked of His decease which He was to accomplish: three precious and important words. They tell us of the intimacy, the personal intimacy, that there is between the Lord and the elect in the realms of glory. As it was in the Garden of Eden at the beginning, and then among the patriarchs, and then with the disciples and their divine Master, so will it be in the ages of glory. There will be personal intimacy between the Lord and His people, as signified by the word talk.
But we have also the subject of their conversation; it was His decease--a theme most worthy to engage the glorified hosts. We may well speak of it on every Lord's Day in the light of the resurrection, since the ransomed in the heavens speak of it in the light of the glory. For that great fact or mystery will be celebrated forever, as it is the great fact that is to prove itself the pillars of eternity, the pillars of the creation of God.
And again, they will let us learn a very weighty matter connected with this subject--it was a decease that was to to be accomplished--a word which suggests the full, finished, perfected character of the way in which that great mystery, the death of the Lamb of God at Jerusalem, was to be conducted. All due solemnity was to mark it, that nothing might be left unaffected, un-produced, or unsecured, which it was purposed to do.
And what a comfort to us sinners! The sacrifice of the Lamb of God was the precious eternal secret that was to give us blessed eternal peace. J. G. Bellett
N.J.Hiebert - 9188
They talked of His decease which He was to accomplish: three precious and important words. They tell us of the intimacy, the personal intimacy, that there is between the Lord and the elect in the realms of glory. As it was in the Garden of Eden at the beginning, and then among the patriarchs, and then with the disciples and their divine Master, so will it be in the ages of glory. There will be personal intimacy between the Lord and His people, as signified by the word talk.
But we have also the subject of their conversation; it was His decease--a theme most worthy to engage the glorified hosts. We may well speak of it on every Lord's Day in the light of the resurrection, since the ransomed in the heavens speak of it in the light of the glory. For that great fact or mystery will be celebrated forever, as it is the great fact that is to prove itself the pillars of eternity, the pillars of the creation of God.
And again, they will let us learn a very weighty matter connected with this subject--it was a decease that was to to be accomplished--a word which suggests the full, finished, perfected character of the way in which that great mystery, the death of the Lamb of God at Jerusalem, was to be conducted. All due solemnity was to mark it, that nothing might be left unaffected, un-produced, or unsecured, which it was purposed to do.
And what a comfort to us sinners! The sacrifice of the Lamb of God was the precious eternal secret that was to give us blessed eternal peace. J. G. Bellett
N.J.Hiebert - 9188
April 21
NO, NOT ONE!
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends. . . . (John 15:15)
- He became poor that we might become rich (James 2:5).
- He was born that we might be born again (John 1:14).
- He became a servant that we might become sons (Galatians 4:4-5).
- He had no home that we might have a home in heaven (Matthew 8:20).
- He was made sin that we might be made righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21).
- He died that we might live (John 5:24-25).
There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends. . . . (John 15:15)
- He became poor that we might become rich (James 2:5).
- He was born that we might be born again (John 1:14).
- He became a servant that we might become sons (Galatians 4:4-5).
- He had no home that we might have a home in heaven (Matthew 8:20).
- He was made sin that we might be made righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21).
- He died that we might live (John 5:24-25).
There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus,
No, not one! no, not one!
None else could heal all your soul's diseases,
None else could heal all your soul's diseases,
No, not one! no, not one!
No friend like Him is so high and holy,
No, not one! no, not one!
And yet no friend is so meek and lowly,
And yet no friend is so meek and lowly,
No, not one! no, not one!
There's not an hour that He is not near us,
No, not one! no, not one!
No night so dark but His love can cheer us,
No night so dark but His love can cheer us,
No, not one! no, not one!
Did ever saint find this Friend forsake him?
No, not one! no, not one!
Or sinner find that He would not take him?
Or sinner find that He would not take him?
No, not one! no, not one!
Was e'er a gift like the Saviour given?
No, not one! No, not one!
Will He refuse us a home in heaven?
Will He refuse us a home in heaven?
No, not one! No, not one!
Chorus:
Jesus knows all about our struggles, He will guide till the day is done.
There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus, No, not one! no, not one!
George C. Huggs, 1848-1907
N.J.Hiebert - 9189
Chorus:
Jesus knows all about our struggles, He will guide till the day is done.
There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus, No, not one! no, not one!
George C. Huggs, 1848-1907
N.J.Hiebert - 9189
April 22
But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, (saved) ye endured a great fight of of afflictions.
Hebrews 10:32.
Have you ever wondered how it is that just after you have been "illuminated" in some way, perhaps specially comforted or strengthened, "a great fight of afflictions" has followed? We are not told why this is so, but the words tell us that we are not the first to experience this test of faith.
This morning these words came to me with piercing power: "That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto." (1 Thessalonians 3:3) I think that we are often inclined to be surprised when things are difficult or painful.
We entirely forget that we "are appointed thereunto." Let us lay hold on these words appointed thereunto, and we shall not expect the way of the Cross to be like a lovely forest path. But remember this: these afflictions, temptations, trials of the flesh or spirit . . . "the sufferings of this present time, are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18). Take courage. Thou Givest...They Gather - Amy Carmichael
N.J.Hiebert - 9190
Hebrews 10:32.
Have you ever wondered how it is that just after you have been "illuminated" in some way, perhaps specially comforted or strengthened, "a great fight of afflictions" has followed? We are not told why this is so, but the words tell us that we are not the first to experience this test of faith.
This morning these words came to me with piercing power: "That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto." (1 Thessalonians 3:3) I think that we are often inclined to be surprised when things are difficult or painful.
We entirely forget that we "are appointed thereunto." Let us lay hold on these words appointed thereunto, and we shall not expect the way of the Cross to be like a lovely forest path. But remember this: these afflictions, temptations, trials of the flesh or spirit . . . "the sufferings of this present time, are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18). Take courage. Thou Givest...They Gather - Amy Carmichael
N.J.Hiebert - 9190
April 23
THE REASSURANCE OF LOVE
And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence."
And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence."
Genesis 45:3
That they did fear is evident enough. Joseph, however, draws them to himself with the cords of love; "Come near to me," he says. "And they came near." And having drawn them to himself, he seeks to remove every fear by reminding them he is still their brother, "I am Joseph your brother" (v.4). He says, I know full well how you treated me in the days that are past, you hated me, you spurned me, you sold me, but fear not, for though I am supreme I am Joseph your brother.
THE REMEMBRANCE OF THE PAST
Moreover, as to the past, Joseph cannot allow that any regrets should rise up to mar their enjoyment of his love. "Now therefore," says Joseph, "be not grieved nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither" (v.5). The sin had been confessed, and Joseph will not only forgive, but he will remove all lingering regrets and self-reproaches.
He will assure them that behind their sin, yea, by means of their sin, God was working out His purposes of blessing. It is true, "you sold me hither," (v.8) Joseph has to say, but he adds, "God sent me before you to save your lives by a great deliverance." (v.7) Thus he delivers his brethren from occupation with themselves by engaging their thoughts and affections with himself, his glories, and the blessings that flow to them through his exaltation.
THE RELIEF FROM ANXIETY
Then as to the future no care or anxiety need cloud their horizon, for Joseph can say, in the message he sends to his father, "Thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near to me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and all that thou hast, and there will I nourish thee" (v.10) Joseph - Hamilton Smith
N.J.Hiebert - 9191
That they did fear is evident enough. Joseph, however, draws them to himself with the cords of love; "Come near to me," he says. "And they came near." And having drawn them to himself, he seeks to remove every fear by reminding them he is still their brother, "I am Joseph your brother" (v.4). He says, I know full well how you treated me in the days that are past, you hated me, you spurned me, you sold me, but fear not, for though I am supreme I am Joseph your brother.
THE REMEMBRANCE OF THE PAST
Moreover, as to the past, Joseph cannot allow that any regrets should rise up to mar their enjoyment of his love. "Now therefore," says Joseph, "be not grieved nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither" (v.5). The sin had been confessed, and Joseph will not only forgive, but he will remove all lingering regrets and self-reproaches.
He will assure them that behind their sin, yea, by means of their sin, God was working out His purposes of blessing. It is true, "you sold me hither," (v.8) Joseph has to say, but he adds, "God sent me before you to save your lives by a great deliverance." (v.7) Thus he delivers his brethren from occupation with themselves by engaging their thoughts and affections with himself, his glories, and the blessings that flow to them through his exaltation.
THE RELIEF FROM ANXIETY
Then as to the future no care or anxiety need cloud their horizon, for Joseph can say, in the message he sends to his father, "Thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near to me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and all that thou hast, and there will I nourish thee" (v.10) Joseph - Hamilton Smith
N.J.Hiebert - 9191
April 24
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Proverbs 4:23
Here is displayed a scientific knowledge and accuracy far beyond the times in which Solomon wrote. The great discovery of Harvey, the circulation of the blood, which revolutionized medical thought, is here calmly taken for granted, and used to set forth, or illustrate, a spiritual truth.
Just as the heart is the centre of the physical system, from where flow the issues of life, so, in a moral and spiritual sense, the heart, used as a synonym for the soul, is that which must be jealously guarded, that so may go forth that which is for the upbuilding of the child of God.
"Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. (v.24)
As it is out of the heart's abundance that the mouth speaks, mouth and heart are here intimately connected. A froward mouth and perverse lips imply one who is not in subjection to God. Where His Word has its place in the soul, the lips manifest it. Notes on Proverbs - H. A. Ironside
N.J.Hiebert - 9192
Proverbs 4:23
Here is displayed a scientific knowledge and accuracy far beyond the times in which Solomon wrote. The great discovery of Harvey, the circulation of the blood, which revolutionized medical thought, is here calmly taken for granted, and used to set forth, or illustrate, a spiritual truth.
Just as the heart is the centre of the physical system, from where flow the issues of life, so, in a moral and spiritual sense, the heart, used as a synonym for the soul, is that which must be jealously guarded, that so may go forth that which is for the upbuilding of the child of God.
"Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. (v.24)
As it is out of the heart's abundance that the mouth speaks, mouth and heart are here intimately connected. A froward mouth and perverse lips imply one who is not in subjection to God. Where His Word has its place in the soul, the lips manifest it. Notes on Proverbs - H. A. Ironside
N.J.Hiebert - 9192
April 25
Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him. And the Lord called Samuel again the third time...Speak; for Thy servant heareth. (1 Samuel 3:7-10)
God reveals Himself personally to Samuel and makes him the depository of His word. This young boy is raised to the dignity of a friend of God and, like the man of experience and of faith which Abraham was, God hides nothing from Samuel of what He was about to do. Until that moment Eli's teaching had instructed Samuel concerning the way to enter into communication with God (v.9); now Samuel is in direct relationship with the Lord who is entrusting His secrets to him.
In chapter 1, Eli lacked discernment; in chapter 2, he lacked the moral courage to separate himself from evil; here, his eyes are dim and he cannot see, and nevertheless the lamp of God had not yet gone out--a striking image of his moral condition. And what is more, Eli, this leader of the simple, proves himself to be dull of understanding. Samuel was simply ignorant, which is a thousand times better. When there is godliness, God remedies ignorance. If the new-born babe desires "the sincere milk of the word," he will not be refused.
Here on earth we know only in part (1 Corinthians 13:9) and we will never know otherwise than only in part. That, we are not responsible for; but it is a question of growth: "That ye may grow" (1 Peter 2:2), and our responsibility is to seek, to this end, spiritual food.
"The iniquity which he (Eli) hath known because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not."(v.13). Eli knew the evil, and he had authority to repress it in his sons, but he did not use it. What profit was it to him that this authority had been entrusted to him by God? He displayed a sad forgetfulness of what was due to the Lord's holiness.
1 Samuel - Dr. Henri L. Rossiere
N.J.Hiebert - 9193
God reveals Himself personally to Samuel and makes him the depository of His word. This young boy is raised to the dignity of a friend of God and, like the man of experience and of faith which Abraham was, God hides nothing from Samuel of what He was about to do. Until that moment Eli's teaching had instructed Samuel concerning the way to enter into communication with God (v.9); now Samuel is in direct relationship with the Lord who is entrusting His secrets to him.
In chapter 1, Eli lacked discernment; in chapter 2, he lacked the moral courage to separate himself from evil; here, his eyes are dim and he cannot see, and nevertheless the lamp of God had not yet gone out--a striking image of his moral condition. And what is more, Eli, this leader of the simple, proves himself to be dull of understanding. Samuel was simply ignorant, which is a thousand times better. When there is godliness, God remedies ignorance. If the new-born babe desires "the sincere milk of the word," he will not be refused.
Here on earth we know only in part (1 Corinthians 13:9) and we will never know otherwise than only in part. That, we are not responsible for; but it is a question of growth: "That ye may grow" (1 Peter 2:2), and our responsibility is to seek, to this end, spiritual food.
"The iniquity which he (Eli) hath known because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not."(v.13). Eli knew the evil, and he had authority to repress it in his sons, but he did not use it. What profit was it to him that this authority had been entrusted to him by God? He displayed a sad forgetfulness of what was due to the Lord's holiness.
1 Samuel - Dr. Henri L. Rossiere
N.J.Hiebert - 9193
April 26
There shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
2 Peter 3:3,4
It is always when people want to follow their own lusts that they begin to scoff. But man, without God, wants to be independent, to gratify himself, and therefore he thinks he must get rid of God, get rid of His authority; and he would be glad to get rid of God out of the scene altogether if he could.
These scoffers say, the only thing that is durable and abiding is creation. It began far away in remote space; how it came we do not know exactly, but it came, and it goes on, and as for the promise of the coming of the Son of God, it is absurd. "Where is the promise of His coming?" (v.6) they say scoffingly. Judging by appearances, they say that there is no change since the beginning. This is false.
The eye of man may not have detected any change, but the Word of God assures us that there has been. But if they scoff at the Lord's coming, they are obliged to let in creation, and if creation comes in there must be the Creator, and who is the Creator? There they are silenced.
"For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the Word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water. Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished." (v.5,6)
There are some of the wise men of this world who tell you that you must not believe in the flood. They will tell you it is impossible, and that to believe is a great mistake. If you admit the flood, you admit the judgment of God upon wickedness, and if you admit the judgment of God upon wickedness once, then it is more than probable He will judge a second time. So men will not have it. Simon Peter - W. T. P. Wolston, M.D.
N.J.Hiebert - 9194
It is always when people want to follow their own lusts that they begin to scoff. But man, without God, wants to be independent, to gratify himself, and therefore he thinks he must get rid of God, get rid of His authority; and he would be glad to get rid of God out of the scene altogether if he could.
These scoffers say, the only thing that is durable and abiding is creation. It began far away in remote space; how it came we do not know exactly, but it came, and it goes on, and as for the promise of the coming of the Son of God, it is absurd. "Where is the promise of His coming?" (v.6) they say scoffingly. Judging by appearances, they say that there is no change since the beginning. This is false.
The eye of man may not have detected any change, but the Word of God assures us that there has been. But if they scoff at the Lord's coming, they are obliged to let in creation, and if creation comes in there must be the Creator, and who is the Creator? There they are silenced.
"For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the Word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water. Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished." (v.5,6)
There are some of the wise men of this world who tell you that you must not believe in the flood. They will tell you it is impossible, and that to believe is a great mistake. If you admit the flood, you admit the judgment of God upon wickedness, and if you admit the judgment of God upon wickedness once, then it is more than probable He will judge a second time. So men will not have it. Simon Peter - W. T. P. Wolston, M.D.
N.J.Hiebert - 9194
April 27
Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, this cup is the new testament in My blood, which is shed for you. Luke 22:20
What is this "new covenant" about? Well, the old covenant was dedicated, or inaugurated, with blood (Hebrews 9:18-21). So, the new covenant must be inaugurated with blood likewise, and the blood required for the new covenant is the blood of Christ. When the Lord Jesus shed His blood at Calvary He took away our sins, but He did much more than that. The blood which has taken away our sins is also the blood upon which the new covenant will be established in a coming day with Israel.
Our relationship with God is not on a covenant basis, but some of the blessings of that new covenant are ours today. One of them is, "Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more" (Hebrews 10:17). That perfect sin offering is the basis of the future blessing of Israel, but it is also the means of of our eternal blessing today. Our "sins and iniquities" will never be brought up again.
You say, "Yes, but what if I sin again tomorrow?" How many sins had you committed when the Lord died? They were all future, and so when He took our sins He took them all. The prophet Micah says, "Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." (Micah 7:19). When you say that you know that you are saved, it is not that you are exceptionally good or better than anyone else. Our salvation rests, not on what we have done, but on what Christ has done.
He is the perfect sin offering; It is His blood that has met God's requirements, and it is His acceptance that is now our acceptance before God. "Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." This is God's statement to all those who have obtained, by faith, the Lord Jesus Christ as their perfect Sin Offering. Jacob Redekop
N.J.Hiebert - 9195
What is this "new covenant" about? Well, the old covenant was dedicated, or inaugurated, with blood (Hebrews 9:18-21). So, the new covenant must be inaugurated with blood likewise, and the blood required for the new covenant is the blood of Christ. When the Lord Jesus shed His blood at Calvary He took away our sins, but He did much more than that. The blood which has taken away our sins is also the blood upon which the new covenant will be established in a coming day with Israel.
Our relationship with God is not on a covenant basis, but some of the blessings of that new covenant are ours today. One of them is, "Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more" (Hebrews 10:17). That perfect sin offering is the basis of the future blessing of Israel, but it is also the means of of our eternal blessing today. Our "sins and iniquities" will never be brought up again.
You say, "Yes, but what if I sin again tomorrow?" How many sins had you committed when the Lord died? They were all future, and so when He took our sins He took them all. The prophet Micah says, "Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." (Micah 7:19). When you say that you know that you are saved, it is not that you are exceptionally good or better than anyone else. Our salvation rests, not on what we have done, but on what Christ has done.
He is the perfect sin offering; It is His blood that has met God's requirements, and it is His acceptance that is now our acceptance before God. "Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." This is God's statement to all those who have obtained, by faith, the Lord Jesus Christ as their perfect Sin Offering. Jacob Redekop
N.J.Hiebert - 9195
April 28
For Thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for Thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. Psalm 31:3
Guide us, O Thou gracious Saviour,
Pilgrims through this barren land;
We are weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold us with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven!
Feed us now and evermore.
While we tread this vale of sorrow,
May we in Thy love abide:
Keep us ever, gracious Saviour,
Cleaving closely to Thy side,
Still relying
On the Father's changeless love.
Saviour, come, we long to see Thee,
Long to dwell with Thee above,
And to know in full communion
All the sweetness of Thy love.
Come, Lord Jesus,
Take Thy waiting people home.
W. Williams - 1774
N.J.Hiebert - 9196
Guide us, O Thou gracious Saviour,
Pilgrims through this barren land;
We are weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold us with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven!
Feed us now and evermore.
While we tread this vale of sorrow,
May we in Thy love abide:
Keep us ever, gracious Saviour,
Cleaving closely to Thy side,
Still relying
On the Father's changeless love.
Saviour, come, we long to see Thee,
Long to dwell with Thee above,
And to know in full communion
All the sweetness of Thy love.
Come, Lord Jesus,
Take Thy waiting people home.
W. Williams - 1774
N.J.Hiebert - 9196
April 29
For every man shall bear his own burden (load). Galatians 6:5
In the second verse (6:2) we are exhorted to bear one another's burdens. But I am not to expect that my brother should bear my burden for me, whatever I may do for him: "For everyone shall bear his own load." The word for "bear" is just the same as in the second verse, but the word for load is quite different.
The word in verse 2 means a heavy burden; it is used of troubles, of faults, and of responsibilities in ordinary Greek, and if it refers to the sin of the brother who had a fall in verse 1, then we know that every sin and every fall must be a very heavy burden, when we come to realize what we have done. The load in verse 5 is the same word as the light burden that Christ speaks of in (Matthew 11:30).
It really means "something carried," whether it be heavy or light, and it is often used for a soldier's "pack". You know in an army each soldier has his own pack, and he himself is responsible to carry that. Perhaps here, the Apostle is thinking of those individual packs which he had so often seen the Roman soldiers carrying; so he says, the Christian soldier also has his own pack, and we must each one of us carry that.
Some soldiers put their own private things into their packs and make them heavy, but Christ's pack that He gives to each one of us is light. If we fill it up with gold, books or even the heavy, heavy burden of anxiety (Philippians 4:7), or some other thing that in our eyes is quite innocent and harmless, we will soon find that our "load" has become very heavy. One Christian soldier that I knew used to say: my life motto is: "travel light!"
Do not put anything in that pack except what the Captain of our salvation has put in it, and then we may be sure our load will be as He promised, (light). Meditations on Galatians - G. C. Willis
N.J.Hiebert - 9197
In the second verse (6:2) we are exhorted to bear one another's burdens. But I am not to expect that my brother should bear my burden for me, whatever I may do for him: "For everyone shall bear his own load." The word for "bear" is just the same as in the second verse, but the word for load is quite different.
The word in verse 2 means a heavy burden; it is used of troubles, of faults, and of responsibilities in ordinary Greek, and if it refers to the sin of the brother who had a fall in verse 1, then we know that every sin and every fall must be a very heavy burden, when we come to realize what we have done. The load in verse 5 is the same word as the light burden that Christ speaks of in (Matthew 11:30).
It really means "something carried," whether it be heavy or light, and it is often used for a soldier's "pack". You know in an army each soldier has his own pack, and he himself is responsible to carry that. Perhaps here, the Apostle is thinking of those individual packs which he had so often seen the Roman soldiers carrying; so he says, the Christian soldier also has his own pack, and we must each one of us carry that.
Some soldiers put their own private things into their packs and make them heavy, but Christ's pack that He gives to each one of us is light. If we fill it up with gold, books or even the heavy, heavy burden of anxiety (Philippians 4:7), or some other thing that in our eyes is quite innocent and harmless, we will soon find that our "load" has become very heavy. One Christian soldier that I knew used to say: my life motto is: "travel light!"
Do not put anything in that pack except what the Captain of our salvation has put in it, and then we may be sure our load will be as He promised, (light). Meditations on Galatians - G. C. Willis
N.J.Hiebert - 9197
April 30
Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and, let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1
There are weights which are not sins in themselves, but which become distractions and stumbling blocks in our Christian progress. One of the worst of these is despondency. The heavy heart is indeed a weight that will surely drag us down in our holiness and usefulness.
The failure of Israel to enter the land of promise began in murmuring, or, as the text in Numbers literally puts it, "as it were murmured." (Numbers 14:2) Just a faint desire to complain and be discontented. This led on until it blossomed and ripened into rebellion and ruin. Let us give ourselves no liberty ever to doubt God or His love and faithfulness to us in everything and forever.
We can set our will against doubt just as we do against any other sin; and as we stand firm and refuse to doubt, the Holy Spirit will come to our aid and give us the faith of God and crown us with victory.
It is very easy to fall into the habit of doubting, fretting, and wondering if God has forsaken us and if after all our hopes are to end in failure. Let us refuse to be discouraged. Let us refuse to be unhappy. Let us "count it all joy" (James 1:2) when we cannot feel one emotion of happiness. Let us rejoice by faith, by resolution, by reckoning, and we shall surely find that God will make the reckoning real. Selected
N.J.Hiebert - 9198
There are weights which are not sins in themselves, but which become distractions and stumbling blocks in our Christian progress. One of the worst of these is despondency. The heavy heart is indeed a weight that will surely drag us down in our holiness and usefulness.
The failure of Israel to enter the land of promise began in murmuring, or, as the text in Numbers literally puts it, "as it were murmured." (Numbers 14:2) Just a faint desire to complain and be discontented. This led on until it blossomed and ripened into rebellion and ruin. Let us give ourselves no liberty ever to doubt God or His love and faithfulness to us in everything and forever.
We can set our will against doubt just as we do against any other sin; and as we stand firm and refuse to doubt, the Holy Spirit will come to our aid and give us the faith of God and crown us with victory.
It is very easy to fall into the habit of doubting, fretting, and wondering if God has forsaken us and if after all our hopes are to end in failure. Let us refuse to be discouraged. Let us refuse to be unhappy. Let us "count it all joy" (James 1:2) when we cannot feel one emotion of happiness. Let us rejoice by faith, by resolution, by reckoning, and we shall surely find that God will make the reckoning real. Selected
N.J.Hiebert - 9198
May 1
Yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry (delay). Hebrews 10:37
Self-sacrifice is always joy where there is grace in it. There is no such joy as self-devotedness.
The soul is tested by afflictions as to how far self-will is active. . . . God searches us. By this means we learn on the one hand what we are, and on the other what God is for us in His faithfulness and daily care. We are weaned from the world, and our eyes become better able to discern and appreciate what is heavenly.
All that makes heaven a home to Christ will make it a home to me. O come, Lord Jesus!
Christ's perfection was not to act, but to suffer; in suffering there was a more entire surrender of Himself.
In His eternal presence, how shall we feel that all our little sorrows and separations were but little drops by the way, to make us feel that we were not with Him, and when with Him what it is to be there.
Footprints for Pilgrims - J. N. Darby
We sing of the realms of the blest, that country so bright and so fair,
The glorious mansions of rest--but what must it be to be there?
We tell of its freedom from sin, from sorrow, temptation, and care,
From trials without and within--but what must it be to be there?
Do Thou, Lord, 'midst pleasure and woe, still for heaven our spirits prepare;
And shortly we also shall know and feel what it is to be there. Mrs. E. Mills - 1829
N.J.Hiebert - 9199
Self-sacrifice is always joy where there is grace in it. There is no such joy as self-devotedness.
The soul is tested by afflictions as to how far self-will is active. . . . God searches us. By this means we learn on the one hand what we are, and on the other what God is for us in His faithfulness and daily care. We are weaned from the world, and our eyes become better able to discern and appreciate what is heavenly.
All that makes heaven a home to Christ will make it a home to me. O come, Lord Jesus!
Christ's perfection was not to act, but to suffer; in suffering there was a more entire surrender of Himself.
In His eternal presence, how shall we feel that all our little sorrows and separations were but little drops by the way, to make us feel that we were not with Him, and when with Him what it is to be there.
Footprints for Pilgrims - J. N. Darby
We sing of the realms of the blest, that country so bright and so fair,
The glorious mansions of rest--but what must it be to be there?
We tell of its freedom from sin, from sorrow, temptation, and care,
From trials without and within--but what must it be to be there?
Do Thou, Lord, 'midst pleasure and woe, still for heaven our spirits prepare;
And shortly we also shall know and feel what it is to be there. Mrs. E. Mills - 1829
N.J.Hiebert - 9199
May 2
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23,24
JOHN RUSKIN, in his Ethics of the Dust, answers the question, "What can mud become when God takes it in hand?" He replies, "Well, what is mud? First of all, mud is clay and sand, and usually soot and a little water."
Then he says, "When God takes it in hand He transforms the clay into a sapphire, for a sapphire is just that; and the sand into an opal, for that is the analysis of an opal; and the soot into a diamond, for a diamond is just carbon which has been transformed by God; and the soiled water into a bright snow crystal, for that is what the crystals are when God takes the water up into the heaven and sends it back again."
Let God have your life. He can do more with it than you can. D. L. Moody
DIAMONDS
Diamonds are only chunks of coal that stuck to their jobs, you see;
If they'd petered out, as most of us do, where would the diamonds be?
It isn't the fact of making a start, it's the sticking that counts. I'll say,
It's the fellow that knows not the meaning of fall, but hammers and hammers away.
Whenever you think you've come to the end, and you're beaten as bad as can be,
Remember that diamonds are chunks of coal, that stuck to their jobs, you see.
Virginia Call
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. ( 2 Corinthians 5:17)
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and do of HIs good pleasure. (Phil. 2:13)
N.J.Hiebert - 9200
JOHN RUSKIN, in his Ethics of the Dust, answers the question, "What can mud become when God takes it in hand?" He replies, "Well, what is mud? First of all, mud is clay and sand, and usually soot and a little water."
Then he says, "When God takes it in hand He transforms the clay into a sapphire, for a sapphire is just that; and the sand into an opal, for that is the analysis of an opal; and the soot into a diamond, for a diamond is just carbon which has been transformed by God; and the soiled water into a bright snow crystal, for that is what the crystals are when God takes the water up into the heaven and sends it back again."
Let God have your life. He can do more with it than you can. D. L. Moody
DIAMONDS
Diamonds are only chunks of coal that stuck to their jobs, you see;
If they'd petered out, as most of us do, where would the diamonds be?
It isn't the fact of making a start, it's the sticking that counts. I'll say,
It's the fellow that knows not the meaning of fall, but hammers and hammers away.
Whenever you think you've come to the end, and you're beaten as bad as can be,
Remember that diamonds are chunks of coal, that stuck to their jobs, you see.
Virginia Call
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. ( 2 Corinthians 5:17)
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and do of HIs good pleasure. (Phil. 2:13)
N.J.Hiebert - 9200
May 3
Consecrate yourselves to day to the Lord . . . that He may bestow upon you a blessing this day.
Exodus 32:29
Not a long time hence, not even tomorrow, but "this day." Do you not want a blessing? Is not your answer to your Father's "What wilt thou?" the same as Achsah's "Give me a blessing!" (Joshua 15:16-19) Here is His promise of just what you so want; will you not gladly fulfill His condition?
A blessing shall immediately follow. He does not specify what it shall be; He waits to reveal it. You will find it such a blessing as you had not supposed could be for you--a blessing that shall verily make you rich, with no sorrow added--a blessing this day. (Proverbs 10:22)
One the channel, deep and broad,
From the Fountain of the Throne,
Christ the Saviour, Son of God,
Blessings flow through Him alone.
He, the Faithful and the True,
Brings us mercies ever new:
Till we reach His home on high,
God shall all your need supply.
Francis Ridley Havergal
N.J.Hiebert - 9201
Not a long time hence, not even tomorrow, but "this day." Do you not want a blessing? Is not your answer to your Father's "What wilt thou?" the same as Achsah's "Give me a blessing!" (Joshua 15:16-19) Here is His promise of just what you so want; will you not gladly fulfill His condition?
A blessing shall immediately follow. He does not specify what it shall be; He waits to reveal it. You will find it such a blessing as you had not supposed could be for you--a blessing that shall verily make you rich, with no sorrow added--a blessing this day. (Proverbs 10:22)
One the channel, deep and broad,
From the Fountain of the Throne,
Christ the Saviour, Son of God,
Blessings flow through Him alone.
He, the Faithful and the True,
Brings us mercies ever new:
Till we reach His home on high,
God shall all your need supply.
Francis Ridley Havergal
N.J.Hiebert - 9201
May 4
posted by soundwords at
April 01, 2023
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