June 11
And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, ...and it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them. Luke 24:13-15
And Jesus said unto them, what manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? ...Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24:17, 26-27
Would not you have liked to have made the fourth person that day, and hear Him open up "in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself"? Why, sometimes your heart has fairly boiled, and the tears have run down your cheeks with joy as you have heard some bit of ministry of Christ from the lips of a poor servant of His.
But think what it must have been to have heard Him going through the Scriptures from Moses on, and from type, shadow, figure, offering and sacrifice, picking out that which told of Himself, and so expounding it that their hearts began to burn (Luke 24:32). No wonder, the fact was this, they had never met such a Stranger, they had never had such ministry, and never had such company before.
And this lovely exposition went on during an eight mile journey. We can well understand what it produced. It wrought the most exquisite expression of true fellowship. Their hearts were knit to the Stranger, although they had no notion who He was. He was able to speak so beautifully about the One who was dearest to their hearts that they craved for more of this ministry and fellowship.
I do not know any scene in Scripture that expresses more sweetly the effect of real ministry of Christ. That always knits the heart to Christ, and to the one who so ministers. W. T. P. Wolston
N.J. Hiebert - 8509
And Jesus said unto them, what manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? ...Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24:17, 26-27
Would not you have liked to have made the fourth person that day, and hear Him open up "in all the scriptures the things concerning Himself"? Why, sometimes your heart has fairly boiled, and the tears have run down your cheeks with joy as you have heard some bit of ministry of Christ from the lips of a poor servant of His.
But think what it must have been to have heard Him going through the Scriptures from Moses on, and from type, shadow, figure, offering and sacrifice, picking out that which told of Himself, and so expounding it that their hearts began to burn (Luke 24:32). No wonder, the fact was this, they had never met such a Stranger, they had never had such ministry, and never had such company before.
And this lovely exposition went on during an eight mile journey. We can well understand what it produced. It wrought the most exquisite expression of true fellowship. Their hearts were knit to the Stranger, although they had no notion who He was. He was able to speak so beautifully about the One who was dearest to their hearts that they craved for more of this ministry and fellowship.
I do not know any scene in Scripture that expresses more sweetly the effect of real ministry of Christ. That always knits the heart to Christ, and to the one who so ministers. W. T. P. Wolston
N.J. Hiebert - 8509
June 12
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. Psalm 51:17
I will offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of Joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord." Psalm 27:6
It may be that from a broken spirit the sweetest odours go up to God; and it may be that some of the sorrows of the saints that puzzle us now, have this fragrance in view. Such a sacrifice (and it is a very costly sacrifice, perhaps one of the most costly of all) our God will not despise.
But there is another kind of sacrifice yet; and this sacrifice is the sacrifice that has given the name to this book. "I will offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy." Strange as it may seem, this sacrifice does not clash with the sacrifice we have just been pondering: for it is one of the lovely contrasts of the scriptures that we can be "sorrowful yet always rejoicing". 2 Corinthians 6:10. Yes, I think we can bring the sacrifice of a broken spirit, and sacrifices of joy, at the same time. And perhaps such are specially acceptable to God: the joy and sorrow mingling.
You have perhaps heard the story of the child who was keeping the best meat on his plate for his little dog. His mother asked him rather sharply, "Johnnie. why don't you eat up your dinner?" "I'm keeping it for Fido, Mummie." "Nonsense, eat your dinner at once, and you can collect the scraps on the plates after dinner for Fido." The child did as he was told, and with tears running down his cheeks, he was heard to say, "Fido dear, I wanted to give you a sacrifice, but it is only a collection."
A sacrifice costs us something, often a collection costs next to nothing. Johnnie's sacrifice to Fido would have been a "sacrifice of joy".
Love is the secret.
Sacrifices of Joy - G. Christopher Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8510
I will offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of Joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord." Psalm 27:6
It may be that from a broken spirit the sweetest odours go up to God; and it may be that some of the sorrows of the saints that puzzle us now, have this fragrance in view. Such a sacrifice (and it is a very costly sacrifice, perhaps one of the most costly of all) our God will not despise.
But there is another kind of sacrifice yet; and this sacrifice is the sacrifice that has given the name to this book. "I will offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy." Strange as it may seem, this sacrifice does not clash with the sacrifice we have just been pondering: for it is one of the lovely contrasts of the scriptures that we can be "sorrowful yet always rejoicing". 2 Corinthians 6:10. Yes, I think we can bring the sacrifice of a broken spirit, and sacrifices of joy, at the same time. And perhaps such are specially acceptable to God: the joy and sorrow mingling.
You have perhaps heard the story of the child who was keeping the best meat on his plate for his little dog. His mother asked him rather sharply, "Johnnie. why don't you eat up your dinner?" "I'm keeping it for Fido, Mummie." "Nonsense, eat your dinner at once, and you can collect the scraps on the plates after dinner for Fido." The child did as he was told, and with tears running down his cheeks, he was heard to say, "Fido dear, I wanted to give you a sacrifice, but it is only a collection."
A sacrifice costs us something, often a collection costs next to nothing. Johnnie's sacrifice to Fido would have been a "sacrifice of joy".
Love is the secret.
Sacrifices of Joy - G. Christopher Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8510
June 13
My soul thirsteth for God. Psalm 42:2
Man seeks rest in his surroundings; God gives rest within.
We have got a measureless income to live upon--the grace of God. We must remember that the presence of God is always opened to us, and that in His presence is fullness of joy. Psalm 16:11.
The presence of God settles everything even in every-day life. We have cares; take them to God, and how they are changed in a moment. You never come out of God's presence as you go in. You see things in their true character.
Christ is made unto us wisdom. We have to travel through this world--wisdom we need; well, I thank God we shall never lack it. Christ is our wisdom. (1 Corinthians 1:30). Whatever the case, there is unfailing wisdom for you in Christ at God's right hand.
I believe it is joy to the heart of Christ when He sees us, as it were, compelled to turn to Him. He loves us so much that He is jealous of our turning elsewhere.
When you are near Christ you cannot speak of your service. The more we are with Christ, self will retire, and Christ will take His rightful place. He has His place in heaven. Oh, that He might have it in our hearts.
E. P. Corrin - Footprints for Pilgrims.
N.J. Hiebert - 8511
Man seeks rest in his surroundings; God gives rest within.
We have got a measureless income to live upon--the grace of God. We must remember that the presence of God is always opened to us, and that in His presence is fullness of joy. Psalm 16:11.
The presence of God settles everything even in every-day life. We have cares; take them to God, and how they are changed in a moment. You never come out of God's presence as you go in. You see things in their true character.
Christ is made unto us wisdom. We have to travel through this world--wisdom we need; well, I thank God we shall never lack it. Christ is our wisdom. (1 Corinthians 1:30). Whatever the case, there is unfailing wisdom for you in Christ at God's right hand.
I believe it is joy to the heart of Christ when He sees us, as it were, compelled to turn to Him. He loves us so much that He is jealous of our turning elsewhere.
When you are near Christ you cannot speak of your service. The more we are with Christ, self will retire, and Christ will take His rightful place. He has His place in heaven. Oh, that He might have it in our hearts.
E. P. Corrin - Footprints for Pilgrims.
N.J. Hiebert - 8511
June 14
OUR LIPS KEPT FOR JESUS
What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. Matthew 10:27
It is a specially sweet part of His dealings with His messengers that He always gives us the message for ourselves first. It is what He has first told us in darkness--that is, in the secrecy of our own rooms, or at least of our own hearts--that He bids us speak in light. And so the more we sit at His feet and watch to see what He has to say to ourselves, the more we shall have to tell to others. He does not send us out with sealed dispatches, which we know nothing about, and with which we have no concern.
There seems a sevenfold sequence in His filling the lips of His messengers.
1. They must be purified. "Lo, this hath touched thy lips, Thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin is purged." (Isaiah 6:6-7).
2. Then He will create the fruit of them, the message of peace. "Peace to him that is far off and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal Him." (Isaiah 57:19).
3. Then comes prayer, "O Lord, open Thou my lips," (Psalm 51:15).
4. Then comes in the promises, "Behold I have put My words in thy mouth." (Isaiah 51:16)
5. Then, "The lips of the righteous feed many." (Proverbs 10:21) for the food is the Lord's own giving.
6. Everything leads up to praise, "My mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips, when I remember Thee." (Psalm 63:3)
7. Meditation on Jesus throws this added light upon it, "By Him, therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name." (Hebrews13;15).
Kept for the Master's Use - Frances Ridley Havergal
N.J. Hiebert - 8512
What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. Matthew 10:27
It is a specially sweet part of His dealings with His messengers that He always gives us the message for ourselves first. It is what He has first told us in darkness--that is, in the secrecy of our own rooms, or at least of our own hearts--that He bids us speak in light. And so the more we sit at His feet and watch to see what He has to say to ourselves, the more we shall have to tell to others. He does not send us out with sealed dispatches, which we know nothing about, and with which we have no concern.
There seems a sevenfold sequence in His filling the lips of His messengers.
1. They must be purified. "Lo, this hath touched thy lips, Thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin is purged." (Isaiah 6:6-7).
2. Then He will create the fruit of them, the message of peace. "Peace to him that is far off and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal Him." (Isaiah 57:19).
3. Then comes prayer, "O Lord, open Thou my lips," (Psalm 51:15).
4. Then comes in the promises, "Behold I have put My words in thy mouth." (Isaiah 51:16)
5. Then, "The lips of the righteous feed many." (Proverbs 10:21) for the food is the Lord's own giving.
6. Everything leads up to praise, "My mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips, when I remember Thee." (Psalm 63:3)
7. Meditation on Jesus throws this added light upon it, "By Him, therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name." (Hebrews13;15).
Kept for the Master's Use - Frances Ridley Havergal
N.J. Hiebert - 8512
June 15
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13.
I written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 1 John 2:14
The question has been asked: "Why are most rivers crooked?" and the reply is given: "A river becomes crooked when it follows the line of least resistance." There will come times in your experience when it will be necessary to say, "No"; and there is tremendous power in that little word when it is spoken resolutely and courageously. It has often been like a giant rock by the sea, as it has encountered and hurled back the mighty waves of temptation.
A Christian wrote recently from a country where God's people are sealing their testimony with their blood, and said: "Our prayer is this: 'Let me rather die a martyr's death, than live a life dishonouring to Thee' ".
Religious freedom is disappearing from the earth; and, even in our favoured land, the time may come when unbending fidelity will cost us our lives. Should such a privilege be accorded us, pray God that we may quit ourselves like men.
This, then, is the first of the things that should characterize us as witnesses for our Lord. With deep humility of heart, but with head erect and soul ablaze, may we face the future unafraid--assured, as we are, "that as thy days so shall thy strength be--(Deuteronomy 33:25) and that limitless grace may be ours till travelling days are done.
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8)
Winsome Christianity - Henry Durbanville
N.J. Hiebert - 8513
1 Corinthians 16:13.
I written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 1 John 2:14
The question has been asked: "Why are most rivers crooked?" and the reply is given: "A river becomes crooked when it follows the line of least resistance." There will come times in your experience when it will be necessary to say, "No"; and there is tremendous power in that little word when it is spoken resolutely and courageously. It has often been like a giant rock by the sea, as it has encountered and hurled back the mighty waves of temptation.
A Christian wrote recently from a country where God's people are sealing their testimony with their blood, and said: "Our prayer is this: 'Let me rather die a martyr's death, than live a life dishonouring to Thee' ".
Religious freedom is disappearing from the earth; and, even in our favoured land, the time may come when unbending fidelity will cost us our lives. Should such a privilege be accorded us, pray God that we may quit ourselves like men.
This, then, is the first of the things that should characterize us as witnesses for our Lord. With deep humility of heart, but with head erect and soul ablaze, may we face the future unafraid--assured, as we are, "that as thy days so shall thy strength be--(Deuteronomy 33:25) and that limitless grace may be ours till travelling days are done.
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8)
Winsome Christianity - Henry Durbanville
N.J. Hiebert - 8513
June 16
For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
1 Corinthians 13:12
Is the gospel a mystery? then. Christian, long for heaven, and only there shall this mystery be fully known. Here we learn our knowledge of it by little and little, like one that reads a book as it comes from the press, sheet by sheet; there we shall see it altogether. Here we learn with much pain and difficulty, there without travail and trouble: glorified saints, though they cease not from work, yet rest from labour. Here passion blinds our minds, that we mistake error for truth, and truth for error; but these clouds shall be scattered and gone.
Here the weakness of natural parts keeps many in the dark, and renders them in capable of apprehending some truths, which others are led into; but there the strong shall not prevent the weak, the scholar shall know as much as his master. When that blessed hour comes, then lift up your heads with joy, for it will lead you into that blissful place where you will see Christ, not a great way off, not with the eye of faith, but with a glorified eye behold His very Person, never more to lose sight of Him.
You shalt no more hear what a glorious place heaven is, but shall walk yourself in the streets of that glorious city, and bless yourself, to think what poor, low thoughts you had, when on earth you did meditate on this subject: one moment's sight of that glory will inform you more than all the books written of it were ever able to do. William Gurnall -The Christian in Complete Armour 1617-1679
N.J. Hiebert - 8514
1 Corinthians 13:12
Is the gospel a mystery? then. Christian, long for heaven, and only there shall this mystery be fully known. Here we learn our knowledge of it by little and little, like one that reads a book as it comes from the press, sheet by sheet; there we shall see it altogether. Here we learn with much pain and difficulty, there without travail and trouble: glorified saints, though they cease not from work, yet rest from labour. Here passion blinds our minds, that we mistake error for truth, and truth for error; but these clouds shall be scattered and gone.
Here the weakness of natural parts keeps many in the dark, and renders them in capable of apprehending some truths, which others are led into; but there the strong shall not prevent the weak, the scholar shall know as much as his master. When that blessed hour comes, then lift up your heads with joy, for it will lead you into that blissful place where you will see Christ, not a great way off, not with the eye of faith, but with a glorified eye behold His very Person, never more to lose sight of Him.
You shalt no more hear what a glorious place heaven is, but shall walk yourself in the streets of that glorious city, and bless yourself, to think what poor, low thoughts you had, when on earth you did meditate on this subject: one moment's sight of that glory will inform you more than all the books written of it were ever able to do. William Gurnall -The Christian in Complete Armour 1617-1679
N.J. Hiebert - 8514
June 17
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were...came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, peace be unto you. And when He had so said, He showed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, peace be unto you. John 20:19-21
On the first day of the week, the resurrection day, the disciples were together and suddenly Jesus was in their midst--for neither doors nor locks exist for the glorified body of the Risen One! Now He says, "Peace be unto you!" And to let them see why they could now have peace, peace with God, He lets them see his nail-pierced hands and His spear-pierced side. This is the basis for peace with God: "Having made peace through the blood of His cross" (Colossians 1:20).
Peace with God! In Genesis 6:3, God says that His Spirit would not always plead with man. As long as there is something in man that is opposed to God's holiness and righteousness, indeed, opposed to anything that is of God, there can be no peace with God.
But now the Man Christ Jesus has not only borne the sins of all who believe on Him, but also has glorified God exceedingly upon the cross. The love and grace of God, the righteousness and holiness of God, yes, all the attributes of God have been gloriously revealed through the work of the Lord Jesus.
God has been glorified in the Man Jesus and can look down upon Him with pleasure. Now all who believe on Him are seen as one with Him--we are united with the glorified Man in heaven. And the pleasure that God has in the Son on the basis of His work on the cross rests also upon those who are united with Him. We have peace with God. H. L. Heijkoop
N.J. Hiebert - 8515
On the first day of the week, the resurrection day, the disciples were together and suddenly Jesus was in their midst--for neither doors nor locks exist for the glorified body of the Risen One! Now He says, "Peace be unto you!" And to let them see why they could now have peace, peace with God, He lets them see his nail-pierced hands and His spear-pierced side. This is the basis for peace with God: "Having made peace through the blood of His cross" (Colossians 1:20).
Peace with God! In Genesis 6:3, God says that His Spirit would not always plead with man. As long as there is something in man that is opposed to God's holiness and righteousness, indeed, opposed to anything that is of God, there can be no peace with God.
But now the Man Christ Jesus has not only borne the sins of all who believe on Him, but also has glorified God exceedingly upon the cross. The love and grace of God, the righteousness and holiness of God, yes, all the attributes of God have been gloriously revealed through the work of the Lord Jesus.
God has been glorified in the Man Jesus and can look down upon Him with pleasure. Now all who believe on Him are seen as one with Him--we are united with the glorified Man in heaven. And the pleasure that God has in the Son on the basis of His work on the cross rests also upon those who are united with Him. We have peace with God. H. L. Heijkoop
N.J. Hiebert - 8515
June 18
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him. Nahum 1:7
The universal recognition of a personal dependence upon the infinite God has no doubt made this appealing hymn the best loved of more than sixty-five hundred hymns of Charles Wesley. Written in 1738, this hymn has since brought comfort and inspiration to countless numbers during the storms of life.
The simple yet vivid language of this hymn gives it a special quality. Some have called it the "finest heart-hymn in the English language." Also the exaltation of Christ is truly noteworthy in such picturesque terms as "lover," "healer," "fountain," "wing," and "pilot." But possibly the greatest appeal of these lines is the assurance they give of Christ's consolation and protection through all of life and then for eternity. How important it is that we learn the truth taught in these words! Kenneth W. Osbeck
Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly, while the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high! Hide me, O my Saviour, hide--till the storm of life is past; safe into the haven guide, O receive my soul at last!
Other refuge have I none--hangs my helpless soul on Thee; leave, Oh, leave me not alone, still support and comfort me! All my trust on Thee is stayed--all my help from Thee I bring; cover my defenceless head with the shadow of Thy wing.
Thou O Christ, art all I want, more than all in Thee I find; raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick and lead the blind. Just and holy is Thy name--I am all unrighteousness; false and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace.
Plenteous grace with Thee is found, grace to cover all my sin; let the healing streams abound, make and keep me pure within. Thou of life the fountain art--freely let me take of Thee; spring Thou up within my heart, rise to all eternity.
Charles Wesley
N.J. Hiebert - 8516
The universal recognition of a personal dependence upon the infinite God has no doubt made this appealing hymn the best loved of more than sixty-five hundred hymns of Charles Wesley. Written in 1738, this hymn has since brought comfort and inspiration to countless numbers during the storms of life.
The simple yet vivid language of this hymn gives it a special quality. Some have called it the "finest heart-hymn in the English language." Also the exaltation of Christ is truly noteworthy in such picturesque terms as "lover," "healer," "fountain," "wing," and "pilot." But possibly the greatest appeal of these lines is the assurance they give of Christ's consolation and protection through all of life and then for eternity. How important it is that we learn the truth taught in these words! Kenneth W. Osbeck
Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly, while the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high! Hide me, O my Saviour, hide--till the storm of life is past; safe into the haven guide, O receive my soul at last!
Other refuge have I none--hangs my helpless soul on Thee; leave, Oh, leave me not alone, still support and comfort me! All my trust on Thee is stayed--all my help from Thee I bring; cover my defenceless head with the shadow of Thy wing.
Thou O Christ, art all I want, more than all in Thee I find; raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick and lead the blind. Just and holy is Thy name--I am all unrighteousness; false and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace.
Plenteous grace with Thee is found, grace to cover all my sin; let the healing streams abound, make and keep me pure within. Thou of life the fountain art--freely let me take of Thee; spring Thou up within my heart, rise to all eternity.
Charles Wesley
N.J. Hiebert - 8516
June 19
Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, and seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. John 20:10-12.
Tears are the prisms into which the light of heaven often shines and becomes broken up that we may see its beauty. Mary Magdalene saw more through her tears than either of the apostles Peter and John. They went to the sepulchre, but went home again with no angelic vision. "But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping. . ." This is what Mary saw--angels in white. Before her was the dark tomb, emptied of all she loved best; but it was just there the "angels in white" appeared. And they are always to be seen, if only we have eyes to see them. "Angels in white," where all seems dead and desolate.
Have you a grave beside which you weep, the burial place of some loved one; or where some fond ambition or desire lies entombed? Try to see the "angels in white." leading you nearer to the risen Lord. But you must be seeking Jesus; and if you see the "angels in white," your Lord will not be far off. The moment Mary had answered their question, "she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing," and one word from Him changed her sorrow into joy.
A gentleman was asked by an artist friend to come and see a painting just finished. Much to his surprise, he was taken to a dark room. Fifteen minutes later his friend took him up to the studio to see the picture, which was greatly admired. The artist said, "You thought it strange to be left in that dark room so long? I knew that if you came into my studio with the glare of the street in your eyes, you could not appreciate the fine colouring of the picture; so I left you in the dark room until the glare had worn out of your eyes." And God leaves us in many a dark room here below, but it is only a preparation for what is coming. One day we shall no longer see through a glass darkly, but face to face. In the mean time let us wait and trust. Angels in White - Russell Elliott
N.J. Hiebert - 8517
Tears are the prisms into which the light of heaven often shines and becomes broken up that we may see its beauty. Mary Magdalene saw more through her tears than either of the apostles Peter and John. They went to the sepulchre, but went home again with no angelic vision. "But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping. . ." This is what Mary saw--angels in white. Before her was the dark tomb, emptied of all she loved best; but it was just there the "angels in white" appeared. And they are always to be seen, if only we have eyes to see them. "Angels in white," where all seems dead and desolate.
Have you a grave beside which you weep, the burial place of some loved one; or where some fond ambition or desire lies entombed? Try to see the "angels in white." leading you nearer to the risen Lord. But you must be seeking Jesus; and if you see the "angels in white," your Lord will not be far off. The moment Mary had answered their question, "she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing," and one word from Him changed her sorrow into joy.
A gentleman was asked by an artist friend to come and see a painting just finished. Much to his surprise, he was taken to a dark room. Fifteen minutes later his friend took him up to the studio to see the picture, which was greatly admired. The artist said, "You thought it strange to be left in that dark room so long? I knew that if you came into my studio with the glare of the street in your eyes, you could not appreciate the fine colouring of the picture; so I left you in the dark room until the glare had worn out of your eyes." And God leaves us in many a dark room here below, but it is only a preparation for what is coming. One day we shall no longer see through a glass darkly, but face to face. In the mean time let us wait and trust. Angels in White - Russell Elliott
N.J. Hiebert - 8517
June 20
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with. Proverbs 17:14.
A leak in a dike that could be stopped with a pebble, if noticed at the beginning, will, if neglected, grow greater and greater until, at last, the inrushing waters will carry all before them. So it is with strife.
How many a lifelong contention has begun with a few hasty words, which, if repented of and apologized for at once, would have been healed immediately, and years of sorrow averted. The Spirit of God has said, "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath" (Ephesians 4:26). If this simple rule were literally obeyed, what untold heartaches would be avoided!
Happy the man who lays his head upon his pillow nightly with the knowledge that there are no hasty actions or angry words un-repented of and unconfessed to any who have been offended, and who might have been alienated forever if the breach had not been made up at once in the fear of God. When days and weeks of charges and countercharges are succeeded by months of crimination and recrimination, reconciliation is a hard and difficult matter to to bring about.
Far better is it to humble oneself and take wrong, if need be, at the beginning, than to grieve the Holy Spirit of God and lacerate the hearts of beloved saints by a long period of un-Christlike wrangling which will leave wounds that never can be healed; or, if healed, scars that never can be effaced.
Proverbs - H. A. Ironside
N.J. Hiebert - 8518
A leak in a dike that could be stopped with a pebble, if noticed at the beginning, will, if neglected, grow greater and greater until, at last, the inrushing waters will carry all before them. So it is with strife.
How many a lifelong contention has begun with a few hasty words, which, if repented of and apologized for at once, would have been healed immediately, and years of sorrow averted. The Spirit of God has said, "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath" (Ephesians 4:26). If this simple rule were literally obeyed, what untold heartaches would be avoided!
Happy the man who lays his head upon his pillow nightly with the knowledge that there are no hasty actions or angry words un-repented of and unconfessed to any who have been offended, and who might have been alienated forever if the breach had not been made up at once in the fear of God. When days and weeks of charges and countercharges are succeeded by months of crimination and recrimination, reconciliation is a hard and difficult matter to to bring about.
Far better is it to humble oneself and take wrong, if need be, at the beginning, than to grieve the Holy Spirit of God and lacerate the hearts of beloved saints by a long period of un-Christlike wrangling which will leave wounds that never can be healed; or, if healed, scars that never can be effaced.
Proverbs - H. A. Ironside
N.J. Hiebert - 8518
June 21
Thou has ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse...
Song of Solomon 4:9
Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it. Ephesians 5:25
A man may have a very handsome estate, and value it much, but he can never have the same feelings towards it that he has towards his wife and children. They are a part of himself, not it. What were all the pleasures of paradise to the first Adam compared with his delight in his loved and beautiful Eve? She was part of himself, not creation.
He had been cast into a deep sleep, and from his opened side a helpmeet was formed. When he awoke out of sleep and saw standing by his side the fair one, whom the Lord God, in His goodness, had provided for him, he exclaimed, "This is now bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh" (Genesis 2:23). The blank was now filled up. He had seen nothing till now to suit his heart. The fair creation--the beauties of Eden, had been, as it were, a blank to the first man, until he possessed and enjoyed the fruit of his typical sufferings and death.
But what was merely typical in the first man, was real in the Second Man--the last Adam. He was indeed cast into a deep sleep--the sleep of death; and as the fruit of His opened side, a second Eve, as it were, has been formed, all fair and spotless in His sight, who shall, ere long, share with Him the joys and dominion of the new--the redeemed creation; and there, amidst its glories, reflect His love which was stronger than death, and bask in the beams of His cloudless favour for ever and ever.
Almighty power could create a world; divine love alone, through suffering and death, could redeem a lost sinner. Who can understand this love--this love to a poor worthless sinner? Amazing truth! The heart of Christ ravished (taken away)! And by what--by whom? By one who has been washed in His own precious blood, and adorned with His own peerless excellencies.
Song of Solomon - Andrew Miller
N.J. Hiebert - 8519
Song of Solomon 4:9
Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it. Ephesians 5:25
A man may have a very handsome estate, and value it much, but he can never have the same feelings towards it that he has towards his wife and children. They are a part of himself, not it. What were all the pleasures of paradise to the first Adam compared with his delight in his loved and beautiful Eve? She was part of himself, not creation.
He had been cast into a deep sleep, and from his opened side a helpmeet was formed. When he awoke out of sleep and saw standing by his side the fair one, whom the Lord God, in His goodness, had provided for him, he exclaimed, "This is now bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh" (Genesis 2:23). The blank was now filled up. He had seen nothing till now to suit his heart. The fair creation--the beauties of Eden, had been, as it were, a blank to the first man, until he possessed and enjoyed the fruit of his typical sufferings and death.
But what was merely typical in the first man, was real in the Second Man--the last Adam. He was indeed cast into a deep sleep--the sleep of death; and as the fruit of His opened side, a second Eve, as it were, has been formed, all fair and spotless in His sight, who shall, ere long, share with Him the joys and dominion of the new--the redeemed creation; and there, amidst its glories, reflect His love which was stronger than death, and bask in the beams of His cloudless favour for ever and ever.
Almighty power could create a world; divine love alone, through suffering and death, could redeem a lost sinner. Who can understand this love--this love to a poor worthless sinner? Amazing truth! The heart of Christ ravished (taken away)! And by what--by whom? By one who has been washed in His own precious blood, and adorned with His own peerless excellencies.
Song of Solomon - Andrew Miller
N.J. Hiebert - 8519
June 22
If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. . . and the God of Peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:8,9
It is not what one does, nor is it what one says, but it is what one thinks that makes the man. What one thinks determines what he will say and do. A person may try to make his words and actions to be much different than he actually thinks, but it will be all in vain.
For it is still the thoughts that manage to break through the actions and the words regardless how closely they are guarded. Others can always see the soul when it is off guard.
Paul knew the human mind and character very well. He suggests that we are to think on all things that are true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, and well esteemed, all virtue, all things praiseworthy; and as these are allowed to dwell in our thoughts, they cannot help but transform us into His likeness.
Do not weary of the training that that is in store for you. To be the person you most desire will take a very large part of your Christian life. Do not tire of trying the good thoughts, putting aside the bad. When you are about to give up in despair, the Holy Spirit is willing to live those thoughts through you. Give Him the opportunity to do the work which He was placed in your life to do.
Think much of God that you shall like Him be,
In words of faith and hope and charity;
Protect His image from all foul abuse,
And keep your temple holy for His use.
F. G. Burroughs
Streams in the Desert
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7
N.J. Hiebert - 8520
It is not what one does, nor is it what one says, but it is what one thinks that makes the man. What one thinks determines what he will say and do. A person may try to make his words and actions to be much different than he actually thinks, but it will be all in vain.
For it is still the thoughts that manage to break through the actions and the words regardless how closely they are guarded. Others can always see the soul when it is off guard.
Paul knew the human mind and character very well. He suggests that we are to think on all things that are true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, and well esteemed, all virtue, all things praiseworthy; and as these are allowed to dwell in our thoughts, they cannot help but transform us into His likeness.
Do not weary of the training that that is in store for you. To be the person you most desire will take a very large part of your Christian life. Do not tire of trying the good thoughts, putting aside the bad. When you are about to give up in despair, the Holy Spirit is willing to live those thoughts through you. Give Him the opportunity to do the work which He was placed in your life to do.
Think much of God that you shall like Him be,
In words of faith and hope and charity;
Protect His image from all foul abuse,
And keep your temple holy for His use.
F. G. Burroughs
Streams in the Desert
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." Proverbs 23:7
N.J. Hiebert - 8520
June 23
Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:28,29.
These verses tell us of something to do-- "come"; of something to leave-- our "burden"; of something to take--"My yoke"; and of something to find--"rest". In order to understand the significance of the whole passage, notice that it speaks of two kinds of rest--one in verse 28, and one in 29.The first of these is a gift--"I will give you rest"; the second is a discovery-- "ye shall find rest".
The one is the rest of salvation; the other is the rest of sanctification. The former-- rest of conscience--is unconditional, being imparted by Christ to all who, in response, to His invitation, come to Him; the latter--rest of heart--is conditional upon our learning of Him, Who is meek and lowly of heart. Meekness and lowliness: these represent the active and the passive sides of humility--a virtue which, because of its rarity, commands universal esteem.
When walking in lowliness we are not likely to wound other people, and when walking in meekness we shall not allow ourselves to be offended should they treat us in an unseemly manner. Is it not just the absence of these graces that causes so much fevered restlessness in our lives? We want to do the work of the man with ten talents when God has gifted us with only one; to occupy a prominent position in public when He intends us to fill a lowly place in private.
When God intends a creature to fly He always provides it with wings. If He has fitted one for publicity and prominence, the gift with which He has endowed that one will inevitably make room for itself (Proverbs 18:16). And the strong probability is that, did we but know the perils which surround those who occupy high positions and the fierce conflict which those have to wage who lead the van in Christian warfare, we would cease envying them and commence praying for them, and be thankful and content that we are filling, in lowly obscurity, the niche which God intends us to fill. Pearl of the Psalms - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 8521
These verses tell us of something to do-- "come"; of something to leave-- our "burden"; of something to take--"My yoke"; and of something to find--"rest". In order to understand the significance of the whole passage, notice that it speaks of two kinds of rest--one in verse 28, and one in 29.The first of these is a gift--"I will give you rest"; the second is a discovery-- "ye shall find rest".
The one is the rest of salvation; the other is the rest of sanctification. The former-- rest of conscience--is unconditional, being imparted by Christ to all who, in response, to His invitation, come to Him; the latter--rest of heart--is conditional upon our learning of Him, Who is meek and lowly of heart. Meekness and lowliness: these represent the active and the passive sides of humility--a virtue which, because of its rarity, commands universal esteem.
When walking in lowliness we are not likely to wound other people, and when walking in meekness we shall not allow ourselves to be offended should they treat us in an unseemly manner. Is it not just the absence of these graces that causes so much fevered restlessness in our lives? We want to do the work of the man with ten talents when God has gifted us with only one; to occupy a prominent position in public when He intends us to fill a lowly place in private.
When God intends a creature to fly He always provides it with wings. If He has fitted one for publicity and prominence, the gift with which He has endowed that one will inevitably make room for itself (Proverbs 18:16). And the strong probability is that, did we but know the perils which surround those who occupy high positions and the fierce conflict which those have to wage who lead the van in Christian warfare, we would cease envying them and commence praying for them, and be thankful and content that we are filling, in lowly obscurity, the niche which God intends us to fill. Pearl of the Psalms - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 8521
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