Bible Gems: October 2020

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Gems from October 23- 31, 2020

October 23

BE MUCH IN PRAYER

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God. Philippians 4:6

Be much in prayer, in this dark hour, for great are Satan's wiles;
Far worse than persecuting power are his seductive smiles.

And error comes in such disguise -- smooth-tongued and circumspect --
That none but truth enlightened eyes the monster can detect!

And Fair profession, hand-in-hand with evil, stalks abroad
But to deceive. Oh! who can stand save those who trust in God?

Be much in prayer, 'mid all thy joys, so shall their depths increase;
For lack of watchfulness alloys the very sweetest peace.

What power to stand is gained by saints who love to "watch and pray"!
And who escapes the desert taints in this defiling day?

Be much in prayer for labouring ones, who in the Master's name,
And with the Master's message, run, His mercy to proclaim.

The harvest's great, the workmen few, and naught of time to spare;
Iniquity increases, too--remember this in prayer.

"I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace." (Acts 20:32)
Selected

N.J. Hiebert - 8278

October 24

By night on my bed I sought him who my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. Song of Solomon 3:1

The heart of the spouse is feeling the loneliness of the night while waiting for the dawn of the morning. She is thinking of the One who brings the morning with Him. But she has lost the sense of His nearness. This is failure. The conscience is awake--the affections are lively: "I sought him whom my soul loveth." Yet there is no joy--she is in trouble. There can only be one cause for such a state of soul--the eye rests not on the Beloved Himself. Her eye has wandered, and she is in darkness--in felt loneliness. She has rest as to salvation; "my bed"-- a resting place: though for a moment, it is "night" with the soul.

It matters little, for the purpose of the enemy, on what the eye rests, if he can only get it off Christ. It may be occupied with the best of things, such as work of the Lord, our brethren, brotherly love, the fellowship of saints. But even these things, blessed as they are, will lead to failure, if any one of them becomes the governing object of the heart in place of the Person of Christ. But what shall we say of self and the world coming in, in some of their ten thousand forms? Darkness, weakness, and sad confusion must follow. (John 14:23)

The Lord is ever the same. He changeth not. When there is a change as to our communion--as to our enjoyment of Christ, it is entirely with ourselves. We may rest assured, that He will manifest to the fullest extent possible, the love that we can appreciate, so long as the eye is fixed on the Person of the Lord--so long as He is our object, our centre; light, love, peace, and joy fills the soul.

But when the eye wanders--when he ceases to fill the full vision of our souls, darkness comes in; then follows, through the craftiness of the enemy, the numerous train of perplexing, agitating thoughts and feelings. (Matthew 6:22)
Song of Solomon - Andrew Murray

N.J. Hiebert - 8279

October 25

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

An infidel was holding forth on a steamer declaiming against the Bible. There happened to be on board an earnest preacher, who listened in pained silence to the outburst. When the infidel ceased speaking, the preacher spoke up. He placed a five pound note on the table, and on top of the note his watch. He then said to the infidel, "Sir, you are evidently very familiar with the Bible."

"Yes," he replied boastfully, "I have made it a lifetime study."

"In that case you will easily earn this five pound note and watch. They are yours if you will quote ten verses out of the Bible correctly."

The infidel hesitated and looked confused. He then said apologetically, "I have not read the Bible for the last fourteen years, and I am afraid my memory of it has failed a good deal."

"You shall have this five pound note and watch, if you can quote five verses." Still no response.

At last the preacher said, "You shall have this five pound note and watch, if you will quote correctly one text." Still no response.

Then the preacher opened his Bible, and spoke earnestly to those assembled till late at night. They then withdrew to their cabins for the night. The infidel went to his bed, but not to rest. He spent a sleepless night. In the morning with a friend he came to the cabin of the preacher asking him to pray for him, which he gladly did.

I appeal to all, especially young men and women, to give the Bible a fair trial. Read it, study it, and seek earnestly the truth. A. J. Pollock

N.J. Hiebert - 8280

October 26

I watch with wonder when I think, "He made the stars also."

But I am glad; because, you see, my life so small appears-- Not big and brilliant like the sun that lights the rolling years, Nor fair and lovely like the moon. I'm just a speck, I know.

Yet He who made those greater lights, "He made the stars also."

Then, there are things in daily life that seem so mean and slight, We wonder, does God really keep such tiny things in sight? But now I know however small those little things may show,

They'll not escape His loving eye, Who "made the stars also."

But are they small, those twinkling specks? or should I maybe find (Had I the eyes) each one exceed both sun and moon combined? And -- who can tell -- those things that men deem "weak" and "base" and low,

May be the greatest things with Him Who "made the stars also."
Bells and Pomegranates - James M. S. Tait

N.J. Hiebert - 8281

October 27

And He commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. Mark 6:39

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. Psalm 23:2

Those who do most in the day and who always have time for one thing more are those who know what it is to sit down on the green grass. It is not the bustling, chatty people who do most for others. It is those who know most of quietness.

Before our Lord Jesus could feed the people, He had to make them sit down. Before He can feed us we too must sit down. David sat before the Lord; he was quiet before his God. Even if we have not a long time to spend in the morning with our God much can be received in a very few minutes if only we are quiet.

Sometimes it takes a little while to gather our scattered thoughts and quiet our soul. Even so, don't hurry; make it sit down on the green grass.

Gather my thoughts, dear Lord, they fitful roam,
Like children bent on foolish wandering,
Or vanity of fruitless wayfaring;
O call them home.
Amy Carmichael

N. J. Hiebert - 8282

October 28

As it is written, For Thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. Romans 8:36-37

What is it to be more than conquerors? A mere conqueror is sometimes little better off than the vanquished, and a victory is often only next door to defeat. France and Britain were said to have conquered in the late war, but, certainly, they were not more than conquerors, for they have both suffered and are still suffering to such an extent that they are but little better off than the vanquished.

To be more than conquerors is not only that no enemy can do you harm, but it means you come out of the conflict a complete gainer in every way. In the passage before us the Apostle enumerates the worst of ills (verse 35). He even speaks of being killed all the day long, and yet he can say, "in all these things we are more than conquerors." Apparent defeat and disaster can be turned to our advantage through Him that loves us.

An American admiral said once "I have fought in many engagements, and been victorious in all, but I have one more enemy to encounter, and I know that when we meet I shall be defeated." The enemy he meant was DEATH. This is not being more than conqueror, to be defeated at last. The Apostle Paul, facing even death itself--as he faced it often--yea, speaking as one who was "killed all the day long," could exclaim: "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us."

Through time and eternity, he knew of no enemy that could vanquish him, and he knew that out of all his tribulations he would emerge the gainer.
(2 Corinthians 4:17) To what does he attribute his final and complete victory? Not to his own courage, or determination, or wisdom, or strength--not even to his own faithfulness or holiness, but, to "Him that loved us." He traces it all to one source, and that source the love of God.  Angels in White - Russell Elliot

N.J. Hiebert - 8283

October 29

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 were occupied with His death while talking with Him. One thing occupies the minds of heaven and earth. He was going to be crucified where He ought to have been King. Under such circumstances there was nothing for heaven or earth to talk about but His death. And so for us, the great thing to talk about Messiah is, that He died.

We shall never cease having interest in this subject: when with the Father in the glory, it will be the absorbing theme. He said Himself, "Therefore doth My Father love Me, because I lay down My life." How much more shall we not love Him for the same cause?

"And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy Kingdom. And Jesus said unto Him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with Me in paradise . (Luke 23:39-43).

Jesus crucified was more than King -- He was Saviour. The poor malefactor was a testimony to it, and the joy and consolation of the Lord's heart -- the first fruits of the love which had placed them side by side, were, if the poor thief bore the fruit of his sins from man, the Lord of glory at his side was bearing the fruit of them from God.

Through a work unknown to man save by faith, the sins of His companion were forever put away, they no longer existed, their remembrance was only of the grace which had taken them away, and which had forever cleansed his soul from them, making him that moment as fit to enter paradise as Christ Himself his companion there!
Footprints for Pilgrims.

N.J. Hiebert - 8284

October 30

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true. . .honest (venerable). . . just. . . pure. . .lovely. . .of good report; if. . . any virtue, and if . . .any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:7-9

The peace of God is the Divine Sentinel to keep guard over our "hearts and thoughts;" to repel foes from within and without. When we were children we used to play a sort of game to see if we could stop thinking, and just leave our mind a blank: but we never succeeded.

The Spirit of God knows well how these minds of ours are always active: always thinking: our Divine Sentinel is there to keep away those hateful, evil thoughts: but we need something more than that: we need the positive side as well as the negative. If our mind is always busy with thoughts, and evil thoughts are excluded, what then? That is what we have before us (v 8). Now the Spirit of God, by the Apostle, presents to us those things which should occupy us instead of the old bad thoughts. We will see that the God of Peace Himself promises to be with us if we give heed to Philippians 4:8.

The first is: "Whatsoever things are true." Does this not turn our eyes at once to the only One of Whom it can be truly said "He that is true." (Revelation 3:7) Our thoughts form us; and it is "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." And let us not forget that our thoughts are formed by what we read, and look at, and hear.

How much about us is superficial, or false. Our newspapers, radio, the magazines about the house: do these help us to meditate on whatsoever things are true? Do we realize what a terrific influence these things have on ourselves? And how much of all that is not true, but utterly false, as we very well know. Little wonder the Spirit of God exhorts us to think on, to meditate on, to calculate, whatsoever things are true. May God help us, to learn to refuse, and to choose! To refuse the false, and to choose the true! G. C. Willis.

N.J. Hiebert - 8285

October 31

Save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance: feed them also, and lift them up for ever. Psalm 28:9

Save . . . bless . . . feed . . . lift up . . .

What an inclusive prayer! nothing is left out. The word that speaks to me specially is "feed".

I do not think there is anything from the beginning of our Christian life to the end, that is so keenly attacked as our quiet with God, for it is in quietness that we are fed. Sometimes it is not possible to get long uninterrupted quiet, but even if it be only ten minutes, "hem it with quietness."

Enclose it in quietness; do not spend the time in thinking how little time you have. Be quiet. If you are interrupted, as soon as the interruption ceases, sink back into quietness again without fuss or worry of spirit. Those who know this secret and practise it, are lifted up. They go out from that time with their Lord, be it long or short, so refreshed, so peaceful, that wherever they go they unconsciously say to others, who are perhaps cast down and weary, There is a lifting up. Amy Carmichael

I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear falling on my ear the Son of God discloses.

Chorus:
And He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own.
And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever has ever known.

He speaks and the sound of His voice Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing. C. Austin Miles

N. J. Hiebert - 8286

November 1

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly . . . but his delight is in the law of the Lord: and in His law doeth he meditate day and night. Psalm 1:1-2.

People get salvation mostly through single verses of the Bible. How many have found peace through that precious verse "For God so loved the world . . ." John 3:16. I thank God, we do not have to be scholars to be saved; we do not even have to know where to find a single verse in the word of God. The simplest truth as to Christ, the Saviour of the lost, is the means of our salvation. Do I know I am a lost sinner? that I have sinned and come short of the glory of God? Can I say "Against Thee, Thee only have I sinned?" Psalm 51:4 Then it is my privilege to hearken to that other word, "Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world," John 1:29 and to know that God's love is commended to us in that "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" Romans 5:8.

But we do not want to remain ignorant. God saves us to be sharers in His thoughts. That is why we ought to covet to understand His Word. We are so intensely selfish naturally that we cheat ourselves as most selfish people do. We are so selfish that unless we think a certain portion of God's word is going to minister to our comfort, or specially suits our case, there is no good in it for us, and therefore we fail to be in harmony with the thoughts of God. As a result we live a poor low life that is exposed to the temptations of the enemy.

Why is it that Satan has such power over the people of God. It is because they neglect the Word of God. And so you and I may have two or three verses that apply to the Christian walk, or to restoration and communion and a few more that apply to our dealings with the world, and we think we have enough to live by: but we are not in communion with God. There is only one way to be in communion with God and that is through His precious Word. That is the importance of taking up in in an orderly way and unfolding some of the perfections of God's blessed Word. Genesis to Revelation - S.Ridout

N.J. Hiebert - 8287

November 2

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Jewel # 420 (Oct. 16, 2020)

Red-Eyed Cuban Tree Frog

Spatulate Nose Tree Frog

"And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I

make up MY JEWELS.”

Malachi 3:17

To my dear Grandchildren

Unusual Tree Frogs

God created great whales, and every living creatures that moves. Genesis 1:21

There are so many varieties of frogs and toads throughout the word that it would take volumes of books to tell about all of them. Among them are several hundred kinds of tree frogs. They live mostly in North Central and South America and Australia. Their sizes range from less than an inch to four or five inches long, and they all eat insects.

One of these is named “red eyed.” If you saw its huge, bulging eyes with their coal-black pupils, you would agree it was well-named. In contrast to its red eyes, it is green over its back and the front of its legs. It has nimble feet with three toes and a blue spotted yellow stomach. A close relative has similar eyes and a green back, but the stomach and sides are orange and white. Its legs are a combination of green, yellow and red, with long, deep-orange toes.

Another odd fellow is the Cuban tree frog, which is a drab tan colour with huge speckled eyes and coal-black pupils. Its wide mouth seems to be in a perpetual grin, but also suggests an ability to make a meal of a smaller frog.

A very unusual one in Central America has the long name spatulate nose tree frog. A dark brown top and legs are mixed with darker brown speckles and a gray-white stomach. It gets its name because an upper part of its lips protrude way beyond the mouth itself. (Spatulate means “knife-like.”) Perhaps the Creator arranged it that way to help it reach into narrow spots where insects are often found.

While tree frogs will at times visit ponds or streams looking for food they are called tree frogs because they spend much of their lives in trees. Some live in the very tops of giant trees and never come down. Their bony feet have sticky pads that never fail to grip the branches tightly. Some have been seen clinging to big leaves and playfully swinging in the wind. Tree frogs usually choose trees that have large, smooth, cup-shaped leaves holding rainwater, in which the female lays hundreds of eggs. If one leaf is not big enough for her, she joins two or three together, making a larger home for the little tadpoles when they hatch. Some tree frogs lay their eggs in ponds.

Did the Lord God actually create these unusual little creatures? Indeed He did, as the opening Bible verse says. Another verse assures us that “All things were created by Him, and for Him: and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist [subsist]". (Colossians 1:16-17).

You would find it interesting to study other tree frogs. Almost without exception, they all have pretty patterns that only the Creator could design.

Love you all - Grandpa

other Bible jewels can be found at

http://wordoftruth1.blogspot.com/

Friday, October 16, 2020

Gems from October 20- 25, 2020

October 20

And Jesus said unto the disciples, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. And the people saw them departing and they ran together . . . and outwent them. And, Jesus when He came out, saw much people . . . and He began to teach them many things. Mark 6:31-34

When Jesus was interrupted in His hours of retirement and spiritual communion He was never irritated; nor yet did he feel that the unexpected task was a substitute for the needed refreshment.

So when the multitude intruded upon the period of rest which Jesus had designed for Himself and His disciples, He patiently taught them during the day, but then He dismissed them and with drew to the mountain solitudes to spend the whole night in prayer.

So with the disciples: they may have been disappointed in their expectations of secret fellowship with Jesus, but the very interruption gave them opportunities to know their Lord better than they had ever known Him before.

For those who are patient, plans unexpectedly altered often bring new revelations of the person and power of Christ.
Gospel of Mark - Charles R. Erdman

N.J. Hiebert - 8275

October 21

A BRIGHT PROSPECT

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:17

We get too much occupied with "our LIGHT affliction," and "the moment" in which it takes place. Our outlook is not far enough, nor high enough, and we are apt to forget the "far more exceeding and ETERNAL WEIGHT OF GLORY."

The remedy for this is to "Look . . . at the things which are not seen" -- a riddle, a contradiction, a paradox to all but faith, but how blessedly simple to faith.

You have a bright prospect. The most weighty teacher, the most faithful pastor, the most honoured evangelist, has not a brighter prospect than yours.

It is to be conformed to the image of God's Son, and spend eternity with Him. "We know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." (2 Corinthians 4:18) Then praise Him in the cloud, and soon you will see Him on the cloud, to be translated into His presence without a cloud.
Comforted of God - A. J. Pollock

N.J. Hiebert - 8276

October 22

"A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief ." Isaiah 53:3

"Jesus therefore, being wearied with His journey, sat thus on the well." John 4:6  Oh! to think of the Lord Himself, whom none of the princes of this world knew, but who was the Lord of glory, sitting weary on the well, thirsty, and dependent upon this world for a drink of water--the world that was made by Him, and knew Him not!

He was the display, at all cost to Himself, of divine love to man.

I adore the love that led Him to be sin for me. There was the full testing of the love that carried Him through all. It is deeply instructive, though very dreadful to see there what man is.  What do I expect of my friends if I am on trial? At least they will not forsake me. They all forsook Him, and fled!

In a judge? I expect him to protect innocence. Pilate washes his hands of His blood, and gives Him over to the people! In a priest, what do I expect? That he will intercede for the ignorant and for them that are out of the way. They urge the people, who cry, "Away with Him, away with Him!" Every man was the opposite of what was right, and that one Man was not only right, but in divine love He was going through it all!

His sorrows must ever be a depth into which we look over on the edge with solemn awe. It exalts His grace to the soul to look into that depth, and makes one feel that none but a divine Person (and one perfect in every way) could have been there.

He looked for some to take pity, but there was none, and for comforters, but found none. He was tested and tried to the last degree of human suffering and sorrow, standing alone in this, praying in agony and alone, none to sympathize with Him.

None of us can fathom what it was to One who had dwelt in the bosom of the Father to find His soul as a man forsaken of Him.

In the measure in which He knew what it was to be holy, He felt what it was to be made sin before God. In the measure in which He knew the love of God, He felt what it was to be forsaken of God. He is the resurrection and the life. Wonderful that He, such in this world, Master of death, steps then into death Himself for us!  Pilgrim Portions - J. N. D.

N.J. Hiebert - 8277

October 23

October 24

October 25

October 26

THE STARS ALSO

He made the stars also. Genesis 1:16

He made the sun that day by day pours down its radiance bright.
He made yon stately moon that rules in silvery pomp the night.
But all those tiny twinkling specks as far as I can go,
I watch with wonder when I think, "He made the stars also."

But I am glad; because, you see, my life so small appears--
Not big and brilliant like the sun that lights the rolling years,
Nor fair and lovely like the moon. I'm just a speck, I know.
Yet He who made those greater lights, "He made the stars also."

Then, there are things in daily life that seem so mean and slight,
We wonder, does God really keep such tiny things in sight?
But now I know however small those little things may show,
They'll not escape His loving eye, Who "made the stars also."

But are they small, those twinkling specks? or should I maybe find
(Had I the eyes) each one exceed both sun and moon combined?
And -- who can tell -- those things that men deem "weak" and "base" and low,
May be the greatest things with Him Who "made the stars also."
Bells and Pomegranates - James M. S. Tait

N.J. Hiebert - 8281

October 27

And He commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. Mark 6:39

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. Psalm 23:2

Those who do most in the day and who always have time for one thing more are those who know what it is to sit down on the green grass. It is not the bustling, chatty people who do most for others. It is those who know most of quietness.

Before our Lord Jesus could feed the people, He had to make them sit down. Before He can feed us we too must sit down. David sat before the Lord; he was quiet before his God. Even if we have not a long time to spend in the morning with our God much can be received in a very few minutes if only we are quiet.

Sometimes it takes a little while to gather our scattered thoughts and quiet our soul. Even so, don't hurry; make it sit down on the green grass.

Gather my thoughts, dear Lord, they fitful roam,
Like children bent on foolish wandering,
Or vanity of fruitless wayfaring;
O call them home.
Amy Carmichael

N. J. Hiebert - 8282

October 28

October 29

October 30

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Gems from October 11- 20, 2020

October 11

Thou hast holden me by my right hand. Psalm 73:23

A traveler following his guide amid the Alpine heights, reached a place where the path was narrowed by a jutting rock on one side and a deep precipice on the other. The guide passed around, and then holding on to the rock with one hand, extended the other out over the precipice for the traveler to step upon, and so pass around the jutting rock.

He hesitated, but the guide called back saying, "That hand has never lost a man." The traveler stepped on to the hand and was soon safely past the danger.

It isn't that I cling to Him
Or struggle to be blest;
He simply takes my hand in His
And there I let it rest.

So I dread not any pathway,
Dare to sail on any sea,
Since handclasp of Another
Makes the journey safe for me.

Hold Thou my hand, O Lord,
Hold Thou my hand!
Mountain Trailways

N.J. Hiebert - 8266

October 12

"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:" Proverbs 23:7

You are holding a cup of coffee when someone comes along and accidentally bumps you and shakes your arm, making you spill coffee everywhere. Why did you spill the coffee? Because someone bumped into you, right?

Wrong answer. You spilled the coffee because coffee was in the cup. If tea had been in it, you would have spilled tea.  Whatever is inside the cup is what will come out.

Therefore, when life comes along and shakes you, whatever is inside of you will come out.

So each of us has to ask ourselves . . . what's in my cup? When life gets bumpy, what spills over?

Joy, gratefulness, peace, and humility? Or anger, bitterness, harsh words, and reactions? We choose what's in our cup! Today, let's work towards filling our cups with gratitude, forgiveness, joy, words of affirmation to others, kindness, gentleness, and love!

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23   With thanks - Dan Hopkins

Fill my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord,
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.
Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more;
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.   Richard Blanchard

N.J. Hiebert - 8267

October 13

"He came . . ." John 1:11

"He came" -- these two simple words are at the root of all truth!

Before Christ came in the incarnation, there had been only the eternal past. Then from the time of creation, we have such truths as "In the beginning He was God" and "In Him was light" and "all things were made by Him" and "in Him was life." John 1:1-3

Now it says, "He came!" We are struck by the wonder of these simple words. All of the mercy and the redeeming love and grace that God could pour out of His divine being - are in the fact that Jesus came!

Then too, all of the hopes and longings and aspirations and dreams of immortality that lie in the human breast had their fulfilment in these two words, "He came!"

The message is more profound than all philosophy. It may be a superlative statement, but I believe it to be a balanced and accurate statement, to insist that the impact of these two words, understood in their high spiritual context, is wiser than all of man's learning.

Because He is "the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world," John 1:9 man's long night of darkness is dispelled. A. W. Tozer

Thou wast "the image" in man's lowly guise, Of the invisible to mortal eyes;
Come from His bosom, from the heavens above, We see in Thee incarnate, "God is love".

That precious stream of water and of blood which from Thy pierced side so freely flowed, Has put away our sins of scarlet dye, Washed us from every stain, and brought us nigh.
J. G. Deck

N.J. Hiebert - 8268

October 14

And she gave the king 120 talents of gold, and of spices great abundance, and precious stones. And King Solomon gave to the Queen of Sheba all her desire, whatever she asked, beside that which she had brought unto the king. 2 Chronicles 9: 9,12

Careful reading of these verses reveals that the Queen went away with gifts from Solomon of greater value than what she had brought him. This closely parallels what we, as believers in the Lord Jesus, have experienced. What can we bring to Him but our praise, worship and service? But what has He given us in return?

1. "I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish." John 10:28
2. "My peace I give unto you." John 14:27
3 "He giveth more grace." James 4:6
4 "Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

This is just a partial list of all our spiritual blessings; an indication that every time we come into the presence of our Lord and Saviour to thank Him, we come away with a heightened awareness of His incredible largess, way beyond our capacity to give.

Presents and Presence
The Queen discovered how much better it was to be in the actual presence of King Solomon, than to simply hear reports at a distance. "The one half. . . was not told me. 2 Chronicles 9:6.  She brought presents of great value to King Solomon, but of even greater value to her was the glory and dignity of his presence - culminating in "his ascent by which he went up in the house of the Lord".

It was the stately and solemn procession up the long staircase to the temple, lined all the way with soldiers bering shields of gold, glittering in the sun. At this point, she was over-awed; "there was no more spirit left in her" 2 Chronicles 9:4.

It is the same when we spend a little time in quiet contemplation of our Lord Jesus, considering all He is to the Father and to us, all He has done to work the miracle of salvation; to say nothing of His future glory-display that will easily surpass that of King Solomon. We come away humbled, but enriched beyond measure.  Lorne Perry

N.J. Hiebert - 8269

October 15

"And while Jesus yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed Him gave them a sign, saying, whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He: hold Him fast."
Matthew 26:47-48

"And forthwith came Judas to Jesus, and said, Hail, Master; and kissed Him." Matthew 26:49. The word translated "Hail" is chaire, and literally means "Rejoice, Master!" He said, "and kissed Him."

As we gaze with bowed heads, and unshod feet on our Lord and Master, in such agony of soul: at His sweat as great drops of blood: as we hear His words, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death;" and then we hear that heartless traitor saying: "Rejoice, Master!" how it makes our hearts recoil with horror at such cruel and awful conduct.

And the word for "kissed Him" is changed from the word that Judas used when he gave them this sign. Then he used the word phileo, I love, or, I kiss. But in his eagerness to make sure they seized the One whom once he had followed, he "covered him with kisses:" kata-phileo, a much stronger word.

It is difficult for us to conceive of anything more horrible than Judas' method of betraying his Master; and we know from the Psalms how keenly our Lord felt it. See, for example, Psalm 41:9: "Yea, Mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of My bread, hath lifted up his heal against Me."

And Psalm 55:12-14: "For it was not an enemy that reproached Me; then I could have borne it." Hid Treasures in the Greek New Testament - G. C. Willis

N.J. Hiebert - 8270

October 16

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.
Psalm 100:4-5

There are loved ones who are missing from the fireside and the feast;
There are faces that have vanished, there are voices that have ceased;
But we know they passed forever from our mortal grief and pain,
And we thank Thee, O our Father, for the blessings that remain.

Thanksgiving, oh, thanksgiving that their love once blessed us here,
That so long they walked beside us sharing every smile and tear;
For the joy the past has brought us but can never take away,
For the sweet and gracious memories growing dearer every day.

For the faith that keeps us patient looking at the things unseen,
Knowing Spring shall follow Winter and the earth again be green,
For the hope of that glad meeting far from mortal grief and pain-
We thank Thee, O our Father - for the blessings that remain.

For the love that still is left us, for the friends who hold us dear,
For the lives that yet may need us for their guidance and their cheer,
For the work that waits our doing, for the help we can bestow,
For the care that watches o'er us wheresoe'er our steps may go,

For the simple joys of living, for the sunshine and the breeze,
For the beauty of the flowers and the laden orchard trees,
For the night and for the starlight, for the rainbow and the rain-
Thanksgiving, O our Father, for the blessings that remain.
Annie Johnson Flint

N.J. Hiebert - 8271

October 17

THEY WIST NOT WHAT IT WAS

And when the dew that lay was gone up, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground. And when the children of Israel saw it, they said, it is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat. . . . and the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey. Exodus 16:14-15,31

It was small, very small, and reminds us of Christ who humbled Himself to the death of the cross. He stands among men at the foot of the list of those who were lowly, and suffered all loss.

It was white, very white, and Christ too was pure, no evil within Him, no blemish without. His whole life was holy from birth unto death, in sight and in sentence He was ever devout.

It was sweet, very sweet with no bitterness found, and Christ's life was sweet and His manner serene. His ways were perfection in God's holy sight, no envy, no sourness could ever be seen.

It was round, very round, not an angle nor twist. He went on so smoothly; no corners were there. His life was unruffled, and calm was His heart; His days were all fragrant with unbroken prayer. (Selected)

Our Shepherd is still our Guardian and Guide,
Before us He goes to help and provide:
The springs that refresh us from heaven were given,
Our bread is the Manna that came down from heaven. J. G. Deck

O may we be like Him in each of His ways, And walk in His footsteps the rest of our days.

N.J. Hiebert - 8272

October 18

I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. Genesis 17:1

Consecrate yourself today to the Lord. Exodus 32:29

I have noticed that wherever there has been a faithful following of the Lord in a consecrated soul, several things have inevitably followed, sooner or later. Meekness and quietness of spirit become in time the characteristics of the daily life.

1. A submissive acceptance of the will of God as it comes in the hourly events of each day;
2. Pliability in the hands of God to do or to suffer all the good pleasure of His will;
3. Sweetness under provocation;
4. Calmness in the midst of turmoil and bustle;
5. Yieldingness to the wishes of others;
6. An insensibility to the slights and affronts;
7. Absence of worry or anxiety;
8. Deliverance from care and fear;

All these, and many similar graces, are invariably found to be the natural outward development of that inward life which is hid with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3)
H. W. Smith

Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.

Take my moments and my days;
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
F. R. Havergal

N.J. Hiebert - 8273

October 19

Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me. Psalm 50:15

The Ant and the Contact Lens: a true story

Brenda was almost halfway to the top of the tremendous granite cliff. She was standing on a ledge where she was taking a rest during her first rock climb. As she rested there, the safety rope snapped against her eye and knocked out her contact lens. "Great", she thought. "Here I am on a rock ledge, hundreds of feet from the bottom and hundreds of feet to the top of this cliff, and now my sight is blurry."

She looked and looked, hoping that somehow it had landed on the ledge. But it just wasn't there. She felt the panic rising in her, so she began praying. She prayed for calm, and she prayed that she may find her contact lens. When she got to the top, a friend examined her eye and her clothing for the lens but it was not to be found. Although she was calm now that she was at the top, she was saddened because she could not clearly see across the range of mountains.

She prayed to God, "O God you can see all these mountains. You know every stone and leaf, and You know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me."

A little later, another set of hikers reached the top. One of them shouted out, "Hey, you guys! Anybody lose a contact lens?" Well, that would be startling enough, but you know why the climber saw it? An ant was moving slowly across a twig on the face of the rock, carrying it!

The story doesn't end there. Brenda's father is a cartoonist. When she told him the incredible story of the ant, the prayer, and the contact lens, he drew a cartoon of an ant lugging that contact lens with the caption, "God, I don't know why You want me to carry this thing. I can't eat it, and it is awfully heavy. But if this is what you want me to do, I'll carry it for You."

I think it would do all of us some good to say, "God, I don't know why You want me to carry this load. I can see no good in it and it's awfully heavy. But, if You want me to carry it, I will.

God doesn't call the qualified, He QUALIFIES those He calls.
Christian Truth Book Room - Chennai, India

N.J. Hiebert - 8274