W O R D S F O R T H E W O R R I E D
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth
thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies.
Psalm 103:4
Does hope seem dead and buried? Does the outlook on life seem dreary? Have its flowers
and fruits, the presence of which gave you much happiness, disappeared?
Remember the words as quoted above from Psalm 103:4.
When the ground in London was cleared of the old buildings to make the New Kingsway, it
lay for a year exposed to the light and air. A strange sight drew naturalists to the ruins.
In some cases the soil had not felt the touch of Spring since the day when the Romans
sailed up the Thames, and beached upon its shore. When the sunlight poured its
life upon this uncovered soil, a host of flowers sprang up. Some were unknown
in England. They were plants the Romans had brought with them.
Hidden away in the darkness, lying dormant under the mass of bricks and mortar,
they seemed to have died. But under the new conditions, obeying the law
of life, they escaped from death and blossomed into a new beauty.
So may it be with every life, however crushed and bruised by sorrow, however
blighted by sin. It needs only to be laid open to the breath of God’s Spirit,
the sunshine of His love, and the healing atmosphere of His grace in
Christ Jesus, and a new life, with new possibilities and new beauties,
will arise, however desolate at present the scene may appear.
Thus ever on through life we find to trust, O Lord, is best,
Who serve Thee with a quiet mind find in Thy service rest.
Their outward troubles may not cease, but this their joy will be-
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee.
(Angels in White - Russell Elliott)
N.J. Hiebert - 7572
September 12
O continue Thy loving-kindness unto them that know Thee;
and Thy righteousness to the upright in heart.
Psalm 36:10
How great is His goodness, and how great is His beauty!
Zechariah 9:17
Jesus, Thou alone art worthy ceaseless praises to receive;
For Thy love and grace and goodness rise o’er all our thoughts conceive.
Rise our hearts, and bless the Father, ceaseless song e’en here begun,
Endless praise and adoration to the Father and the Son.
Mrs. J. A Trench
N.J. Hiebert - 7573
September 13
. . . Keep thyself pure. 1 Timothy 5:22
Does the judge know the story of the spotless fur that lines his robes of state? Does the society leader realize the sacrifice which makes possible the lovely ermine wrap which lies so gracefully about her shoulders?
Do they know that the little animal whose coat they now wear, as he roamed the forest of Asia
was as proud as they—aye, inordinately proud of his beautiful snowy coat?
And we do not wonder, for it is the most beautiful fur to be found
in all the markets of the world!
Such pride does the little carnivore take in his spotless coat that nothing is permitted to soil it in the
slightest degree. Hunters are well acquainted with this fact and take very unsportsmanlike
advantage of this knowledge. No traps are set for him.
No, indeed! Instead, they seek out his home—a tree stump, or rocky cleft, and then—be it said to their everlasting shame—they daub filth within and around the entrance. As the dogs are loosed and the chase begins, the little animal naturally turns to his one place of refuge. Reaching it, rather than enter such a place of uncleanness, he turns to face the yelping dogs. Better to be stained by blood than sully his white coat!
Only a white coat, little ermine, but how your act condemns us! “Made in the image and likeness of God,” with minds and immortal spirits; and yet, how often, in order to obtain something we desire, our character is sacrificed on the altars of worldly pleasure, greed, selfishness!
Everything is lost when purity is gone—purity, which has been called the soul of character. Keep thyself pure: every thought, every word, every deed, even the motive behind the deed—all, ermine-pure!
THE DAUGHTERS OF THE KING
“Princesses still, in ermine, white, like wool,
cleansed by the King’s own touch from spot or stain;
cleansed by the King’s own touch from spot or stain;
Emptied of self; of His own life so full, that overflowing on a world in pain,
they bless and serve, and by their service reign.”
Chastity is the ermine of a woman’s soul.—Queen Elizabeth.
Mountain Trailways for Youth
N.J. Hiebert - 7574
September 14
T H E A N S W E R
For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and . . . Amen”
2 Corinthians 1:20
"Is God— ?” “Hath God—?” “Doth God—?”
Man’s “Why?” and “How?”
In ceaseless iteration storm the sky.
“I Am”; “I will”; “I do”; sure Word of God,
Yea and Amen, Christ answereth each cry;
To all ou anguished questionings and doubts
Eternal affirmation and reply.
(Annie Johnson Flint)
N.J. Hiebert - 7575
September 15
W H E N HE COMETH
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall
ye also appear with Him in glory.
Colossians 3:4
The scriptural promise of Christ’s second coming is always a thrilling truth for believers to ponder.
Beyond that, the thought of the Saviour creating a Jewelled crown from little children who
love Him is a fascinating pictorial concept. William Orcutt Cushing conceived the
idea for his “Jewel Song” text (1856) from the promise in Malachi 3:17.
And they shall be Mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels.
Several years later, William Cushing suffered a period of deep despair in his life. After the death
of his wife, he developed a creeping paralysis and the loss of his speech at the age of 47.
He was forced to retire from the ministry after 27 years.
When he pleaded, “Lord give me something to do for Thee,” God answered, giving him the gift of writing
appealing hymn texts. He worked with such talented musicians as Ira Sankey and George Root to
produce more than than 300 hundred gospel hymns during his remaining years. Such hymns
as “Hiding in Thee,” “Under His Wings,” and “There’ll be No Dark Valley" are just a few of
his texts that have since contributed much to the lives of Christians everywhere.
When he cometh, when He cometh to make up His jewels,
all His jewels, precious jewels, His loved and His own.
He will gather, He will gather the gems for His kingdom,
all the pure ones, all the bright ones, His loved and His own.
Little children, little children who love their Redeemer
are the jewels, precious jewels, His loved and His own.
Chorus: Like the stars of the morning, His bright crown adorning,
they shall shine in His beauty-bright gems for His crown.
(Kenneth W Osbeck - Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions
N.J. Hiebert - 7576
September 16
A BODY OF ITS OWN
All flesh is not the same flesh.
1 Corinthians 15:39
One star differeth from another star in glory.
1 Corinthians 15:41
We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.
1 Corinthians 15:51
They were not all alike when they were here.
Some sprightly, some were grave; some gentle, mild;
Some strong with fiery might for conflicts wild.
So different all, yet each how very dear!
They are not all alike now they are There,
Loosed from the cumbering flesh. See, even now,
The starry splendour that bedecks the brow
Differs in each, though all so heavenly fair.
Bells & Pomegranates - James M. S. Tait
N.J.Hiebert - 7577
September 17
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Matthew 24:12
One of the characteristics of the last days is the abounding iniquity of the wicked.
The effect of this iniquity on the people of God is to make their love grow cold.
When love to Christ should be warmest it is liable to be coldest.
Just before we meet the Lord in the air it seems to be easiest to forget Him.
How sad if love should fail just before the marriage supper of the Lamb!
Leonard Sheldrake
Our love is oft times low,
Our joy still ebbs and flows;
But peace with Him remains the same,
No change Jehovah knows.
H. Bonar
N.J. Hiebert - 7578
September 18
. . . not My will, but Thine be done. Luke 22:42
Only One Life
It is possible to evade a multitude of trials by the cultivation of an insignificant life.
Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart:
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last!
Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat.
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last!
Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God's holy will to cleave.
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last!
Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes and fears;
Each with its days I must fulfill, living for self, or in His will.
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last!
When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say:
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last!
Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e'er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life.
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last!
Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne.
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last!
Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done!"
And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say "twas worth it all!"
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last!
Author unknown - With thanks - B. Lucas
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your
labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58
N.J. Hiebert - 7579
September 19
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
Romans 8:28 contains a certainty which the great adversary continually assaults.
It was so with Joseph. First at Dothan, then in Egypt, all things
seemed to be working together for harm, not good.
We read of no special revelation granted for his help in prison. He seems to
have been trusted to walk by faith not by sight, as for the most part we are too.
Joseph had not his own finished story to read, nor Romans 8:28, nor any other scripture.
If we try to imagine life without a Bible we can only marvel at the wonder of the grace of God
shown forth in Joseph and in countless others, right up to today.
Samuel Rutherford wrote about those who seem to be our enemies: “They are set to work as
undersmiths and servants to the work of refining the saints. Their office is to scour
and cleanse vessels for the King’s table.” Thank God for this certainty.
The effect of man’s sin or mistake, temptation to discouragement about ourselves, all limitations
and frustrations, and all trials of the flesh and spirit, are really “under-smiths
and servants” working together for good to us who love God.
And this is true, too, of all the thousands of joys we experience—they too
are God’s servants working together for our good.
Whispers of His Power - Amy Carmichael
N.J. Hiebert - 7580
September 20
Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time
that their corn and their wine increased.
Psalms 4:7
How can we reach the place where we can say “More than”?
Have you noticed that, from the place where you stand,
there is always a shining way on the water, in the sunrise or sunset,
or in moonlight, or when a bright planet like Venus is rising or setting?
There may be a hundred people on the shore, and yet each one sees that path beginning just where he or she stands. I shall never forget my astonishment when I saw this for the first time.
It is like that with the Bible.
Wherever you are reading you will find a path that leads you
from that place straight to the heart of God, and the desires of God.
Edges of His Ways - Amy Carmichael
N.J. Hiebert - 7581
September 21
And the Lord said unto Moses, "Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and
upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence; when he shall let you go,
he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether".
Exodus 11:1
One more heavy blow must fall upon this hard hearted monarch and his land ere he
will be compelled to let go the favoured objects of Jehovah’s sovereign grace.
How utterly vain it is for man to harden and exalt himself against God;
for, truly, He can grind to powder the hardest heart, and bring down to the
dust the haughtiest spirit. Those that walk in pride He is able to abase. Daniel 4:37.
Man may fancy himself to be something; he may lift up his head, in pomp and vainglory,
as though he were his own master. Vain man! How little he knows of his real
condition and character! He is but the tool of Satan, taken up and used
by him, in his malignant efforts to counteract the purposes of God.
The most splendid intellect, the most commanding genius,
the most indomitable energy, if not under the direct control of the Spirit of
God, are but so many instruments in Satan’s hand to carry forward his dark designs.
No man is his own master; he is either governed by Christ or governed by Satan.
The king of Egypt might fancy himself to be a free agent, yet he
was but a tool in the hands of another.
Satan was behind the throne; and, as the result of Pharaoh’s having set himself
to resist the purposes of God, he was judicially handed over to the
blinding and hardening influence of his self-chosen master.
C. H. Mackintosh
N.J. Hiebert - 7582
September 22
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