What Incarnation Could Not Accomplish
Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
John 1:29
However, the great purpose of the incarnation of the Son of God was His work of redemption. For this great purpose He came into the world. He came that, after a life, which completely glorified the Father and upheld His holy law and vindicated God's rights as the lawgiver. He might accomplish the great work of atonement. John stated this great work the Son of God came to do in a brief sentence. "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."
Sin, that accursed thing, had to be taken out of the way. Propitiation for sins had to be made. A sacrifice had to be brought which would glorify a holy God and satisfy, as well as exalt, His righteousness. Peace had to be made. The sins of many had to be paid and the full penalty of them to be borne.
Incarnation in itself, the marvellous and ever blessed humiliation of the Son of God by taking on the human form, His holy blessed life, His loving words, words of life and peace, yea, all He did in deeds of love and compassion could never accomplish this. Incarnation brought God to Man, but could never bring bring man back to a holy God.
Incarnation could not make an end of sin, nor make it possible for a righteous God to show mercy to the fallen and the lost, in a righteous way. This great work of redemption could only be accomplished by His death on the cross. For this He had come. He came to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. The Author and Prince of Life came that He might give His Life a ransom for many. The good Shepherd appeared to give His life for the sheep. By His death alone, the great work of redemption could be accomplished. The Work of Christ - A. C. Gaebelein
N.J. Hiebert - 8743
February 1
There shall come in the last days scoffers...saying, where, is the promise of His coming? 2 Peter 3:3,4 For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Hebrews 10:37 Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Rev. 22:20
Where is the promise of His coming?
It is settled in the counsel of the Lord;
By prophets, saints and sages through the slow march of the ages
It was blazoned on the pages of His Word.
Where is the promise of His coming?
It was given unto Israel of old,
And through sore humiliation it is still their consolation
While they wait the restoration long foretold.
Where is the promise of His coming?
It is hidden in the hearts of His redeemed;
In the gloom of shadowed spaces 'tis a light on lifted faces
From the radiant heavenly places whence it streamed.
Where is the promise of His coming?
It is written in the records of the past,
In the evils unabated, in the blood-lust still unsated,
In the woes reiterated to the last.
Where is the promise of His coming?
It is shouted by the thunder of the guns,
By the flaming forges burning, where the plows to swords are turning,
By the weeping mothers yearning for their sons.
Where is the promise of His coming?
It is flashed around the world with every sun;
Every day's event a token that God's purpose stands unbroken,
And the things that He has spoken shall be done.
Where is the promise of His coming?
All the sentient earth with joy electric hums;
On the waves of air 'tis flowing, on the winds of heaven blowing,
Sign on sign its surety showing, till He comes. Annie Johnson Flint
N.J. Hiebert - 8744
Where is the promise of His coming?
It is settled in the counsel of the Lord;
By prophets, saints and sages through the slow march of the ages
It was blazoned on the pages of His Word.
Where is the promise of His coming?
It was given unto Israel of old,
And through sore humiliation it is still their consolation
While they wait the restoration long foretold.
Where is the promise of His coming?
It is hidden in the hearts of His redeemed;
In the gloom of shadowed spaces 'tis a light on lifted faces
From the radiant heavenly places whence it streamed.
Where is the promise of His coming?
It is written in the records of the past,
In the evils unabated, in the blood-lust still unsated,
In the woes reiterated to the last.
Where is the promise of His coming?
It is shouted by the thunder of the guns,
By the flaming forges burning, where the plows to swords are turning,
By the weeping mothers yearning for their sons.
Where is the promise of His coming?
It is flashed around the world with every sun;
Every day's event a token that God's purpose stands unbroken,
And the things that He has spoken shall be done.
Where is the promise of His coming?
All the sentient earth with joy electric hums;
On the waves of air 'tis flowing, on the winds of heaven blowing,
Sign on sign its surety showing, till He comes. Annie Johnson Flint
N.J. Hiebert - 8744
February 2
So the shipmaster came to him, (Jonah) and said unto him, what meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not. Jonah 1:6
I love those words. True, he did not know God as Jonah knew Him, for who could give a truer and more glorious character to God than Jonah: "I knew that Thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great loving-kindness and repentest Thee of the evil." (Jonah 4:2) but the shipmaster did not know a God of such a character. The heathen knew nothing of a God like this: but he does venture to hope:
"Arise call upon thy God, Perhaps God will think upon us, that we perish not." (Jonah 1:6) Later we hear them pray, not every man to his god, but this time to Jehovah Himself, and they say, "Ah, Jehovah, we beseech Thee, let us not perish for this man's life." (Jonah 1:14)
Later again, we hear the king of Nineveh, another heathen, exhorting his people to turn from their sins, "Who knoweth but that God will turn . . . that we perish not." (Jonah 3:9). There may have been but the feeblest, and most ignorant turning to the true God, the object before them being only that they should not perish, but how richly did God meet them in each case.
Can we read those words "perish not," repeated three times, without thinking of that most glorious of verses, "God so loved the world, that He gave, His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life"? (John 3:16)
Truly God has found a way so that the vilest of sinners should not perish. How can we, who have tasted of such grace and love, ever cease to praise Him? How can we refuse or neglect to tell out such glorious news to those who have never heard? How can we let them go on and perish in their sins? Jonah the Prophet - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8745
I love those words. True, he did not know God as Jonah knew Him, for who could give a truer and more glorious character to God than Jonah: "I knew that Thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great loving-kindness and repentest Thee of the evil." (Jonah 4:2) but the shipmaster did not know a God of such a character. The heathen knew nothing of a God like this: but he does venture to hope:
"Arise call upon thy God, Perhaps God will think upon us, that we perish not." (Jonah 1:6) Later we hear them pray, not every man to his god, but this time to Jehovah Himself, and they say, "Ah, Jehovah, we beseech Thee, let us not perish for this man's life." (Jonah 1:14)
Later again, we hear the king of Nineveh, another heathen, exhorting his people to turn from their sins, "Who knoweth but that God will turn . . . that we perish not." (Jonah 3:9). There may have been but the feeblest, and most ignorant turning to the true God, the object before them being only that they should not perish, but how richly did God meet them in each case.
Can we read those words "perish not," repeated three times, without thinking of that most glorious of verses, "God so loved the world, that He gave, His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life"? (John 3:16)
Truly God has found a way so that the vilest of sinners should not perish. How can we, who have tasted of such grace and love, ever cease to praise Him? How can we refuse or neglect to tell out such glorious news to those who have never heard? How can we let them go on and perish in their sins? Jonah the Prophet - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8745
February 3
My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me? Psalm 22:1
The greatest of all the Lord's sufferings were from God. With hushed breath, we must speak of this. It is the Holy of Holies of the great work on the cross; the impenetrable mystery of the atoning work of the Son of God. From the darkness which enshrouded the cross and the blessed Sufferer on the accursed tree, there came the mournful cry: "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"
It made known the awful suffering, which the Lamb of God, the substitute of sinners, endured from the hand of a Holy God. He was smitten and afflicted of God. Have you noticed that in Psalm 22 this cry of the Sufferer on the cross stands first?
Man would have written the sufferings of Christ in a far different way. All the agony of the cross and its shame would have been described first by man. Then how the multitude mocked and darkness came over the entire scene--then last of all, it would have been stated, He cried, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?"
But the Holy Spirit in this great Prophecy puts the cry of deepest agony first. Why? Because in that hour the great work of atonement, propitiation, sin-bearing, judgment and wrath enduring, was once and for all accomplished. In this same Psalm we read what men energized by Satan's power, did unto Him.
But man could not put Him to death. It is written, "Thou (God) hast brought me into the dust of death." (Psalm 22:15). God's own hand rested upon Him. "God laid upon Him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6). "It pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief." (Isaiah 53:10).
But what it all meant for the Son of God! Never shall we fully discover the greatness of the price which was paid. The Work of Christ - A. C. Gaebelein
N.J. HIebert - 8746
The greatest of all the Lord's sufferings were from God. With hushed breath, we must speak of this. It is the Holy of Holies of the great work on the cross; the impenetrable mystery of the atoning work of the Son of God. From the darkness which enshrouded the cross and the blessed Sufferer on the accursed tree, there came the mournful cry: "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"
It made known the awful suffering, which the Lamb of God, the substitute of sinners, endured from the hand of a Holy God. He was smitten and afflicted of God. Have you noticed that in Psalm 22 this cry of the Sufferer on the cross stands first?
Man would have written the sufferings of Christ in a far different way. All the agony of the cross and its shame would have been described first by man. Then how the multitude mocked and darkness came over the entire scene--then last of all, it would have been stated, He cried, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?"
But the Holy Spirit in this great Prophecy puts the cry of deepest agony first. Why? Because in that hour the great work of atonement, propitiation, sin-bearing, judgment and wrath enduring, was once and for all accomplished. In this same Psalm we read what men energized by Satan's power, did unto Him.
But man could not put Him to death. It is written, "Thou (God) hast brought me into the dust of death." (Psalm 22:15). God's own hand rested upon Him. "God laid upon Him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6). "It pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief." (Isaiah 53:10).
But what it all meant for the Son of God! Never shall we fully discover the greatness of the price which was paid. The Work of Christ - A. C. Gaebelein
N.J. HIebert - 8746
February 4
THE SPIRIT-CONTROLLED MIND
For it is God which worketh in you to will and to do of His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13
If I wish to have a Christian mind marked by the qualities of the mind of Christ, it is proper for the production of such a mind to come about by the inner working of the gracious Spirit in my mind. My appetites, my desires, my ambitions, my motives, will be molded and made up of impulses which had their origins with Him. The degree to which this is done daily in my life is proportional to the degree to which I deliberately allow Him to control my mind, emotions, and will.
Not only will this result in my thinking upon those things which are pure and lovely and of good report, (Philippians 4:8) but it will mean my entire life exudes a wholesome aura of decency and uplift and integrity. To be with me will be akin to walking amid the cedars of Lebanon--which are both noble and fragrant--trees of the high places. This is to know something of the secret growth in godliness.
When we accept Christ as our Saviour we are in-dwelt by the Holy Spirit. "In Whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in Whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise." (Ephesians 1:13)
The question is, have I ever sincerely and earnestly invited the Holy Spirit to take control of my mind in this manner? He desires to fill my soul and begin His own winsome work of growth. It is He who will give me a godly disposition. Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller (Read Philippians 2:12-18)
N.J. Hiebert - 8747
For it is God which worketh in you to will and to do of His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13
If I wish to have a Christian mind marked by the qualities of the mind of Christ, it is proper for the production of such a mind to come about by the inner working of the gracious Spirit in my mind. My appetites, my desires, my ambitions, my motives, will be molded and made up of impulses which had their origins with Him. The degree to which this is done daily in my life is proportional to the degree to which I deliberately allow Him to control my mind, emotions, and will.
Not only will this result in my thinking upon those things which are pure and lovely and of good report, (Philippians 4:8) but it will mean my entire life exudes a wholesome aura of decency and uplift and integrity. To be with me will be akin to walking amid the cedars of Lebanon--which are both noble and fragrant--trees of the high places. This is to know something of the secret growth in godliness.
When we accept Christ as our Saviour we are in-dwelt by the Holy Spirit. "In Whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in Whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise." (Ephesians 1:13)
The question is, have I ever sincerely and earnestly invited the Holy Spirit to take control of my mind in this manner? He desires to fill my soul and begin His own winsome work of growth. It is He who will give me a godly disposition. Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller (Read Philippians 2:12-18)
N.J. Hiebert - 8747
February 5
At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I (Gabriel) am come to show thee. Daniel 9: 23
Daniel's prayer was answered in a remarkable way. Before he had even finished his supplication, Gabriel appeared by his side and made a remarkable statement. We are living in an era of unprecedented speed of communications. We are able to send a message around the world in a matter of seconds. We are able to sit in our homes and watch events on the other side of the world as they happen. But never has a communication system been devised that can approach the miracle of prayer.
Think about it. Millions of Christians around the world can be praying at the same time. All these prayers wing their way across the infinite expanses of a universe whose limits scientists have not been abe to define, save only to know that what has been discovered is, in some cases, millions of light years away from our tiny insignificant planet. Yet across such infinitudes, the prayers of the sons of light ascend to the presence of deity, and an answer can be back before we rise from our knees. Now that is communication worth having.
Daniel had this communication available to him in that ancient era, and Gabriel, one of the most powerful angelic beings in the armies of heaven, was dispatched to speak to God's praying servant and to bring him an answer. Do we really believe in the miracle of prayer? Just imagine the interest around the globe if, for example, we advertised a two-way communication system being demonstrated at a certain time and place, which would put us in touch with dwellers on the furthest reaches of the universe.
Yet this two-way communication miracle is experienced millions of times every day by the people of God. Sadly, we have become so accustomed to it that personal prayer is often neglected, and the prayer meetings are often the poorest attended of all assembly meetings. Let us recapture the wonder of the miracle of prayer, and the fact that God is willing to dispatch His holy angels to our side to bring His answers to our prayers. Daniel - William Burnett
N.J. Hiebert - 8748
Daniel's prayer was answered in a remarkable way. Before he had even finished his supplication, Gabriel appeared by his side and made a remarkable statement. We are living in an era of unprecedented speed of communications. We are able to send a message around the world in a matter of seconds. We are able to sit in our homes and watch events on the other side of the world as they happen. But never has a communication system been devised that can approach the miracle of prayer.
Think about it. Millions of Christians around the world can be praying at the same time. All these prayers wing their way across the infinite expanses of a universe whose limits scientists have not been abe to define, save only to know that what has been discovered is, in some cases, millions of light years away from our tiny insignificant planet. Yet across such infinitudes, the prayers of the sons of light ascend to the presence of deity, and an answer can be back before we rise from our knees. Now that is communication worth having.
Daniel had this communication available to him in that ancient era, and Gabriel, one of the most powerful angelic beings in the armies of heaven, was dispatched to speak to God's praying servant and to bring him an answer. Do we really believe in the miracle of prayer? Just imagine the interest around the globe if, for example, we advertised a two-way communication system being demonstrated at a certain time and place, which would put us in touch with dwellers on the furthest reaches of the universe.
Yet this two-way communication miracle is experienced millions of times every day by the people of God. Sadly, we have become so accustomed to it that personal prayer is often neglected, and the prayer meetings are often the poorest attended of all assembly meetings. Let us recapture the wonder of the miracle of prayer, and the fact that God is willing to dispatch His holy angels to our side to bring His answers to our prayers. Daniel - William Burnett
N.J. Hiebert - 8748
February 6
The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. Proverbs 11:3 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge. 2 Peter 1:5
Often, the two words, 'integrity' and 'virtue' have similar meanings. We might say that they both have the sense of moral virtue and uprightness. Another way in which they might be used would be that they both express having the courage to stand for your convictions, clinging without flinching to what you firmly believe is right.
It may require that a person has to stand alone, but if their thoughts are guided by the precious Word of God, they will not be the loser, though they may not be understood. Sometimes it becomes necessary to speak out - patiently and in love, but firmly - against what you know is wrong.
We recently heard of this excellent example of virtue and integrity in use. A new, young surgical nurse was on her first surgical procedure with a well known surgeon in a highly respected hospital. She was understandably both nervous and quite determined to do her very best work in her first surgery.
As the surgeon was closing up the patient's incision after a successful surgery, the new young nurse, responsible for counting the surgical sponges used and removed, said to the surgeon, "Doctor, you have only removed eleven sponges. However we have used twelve on this patient." Staring at the new nurse the experienced surgeon curtly replied, "No, I've removed them all. We will continue to close the incision". "No", rejoined the nurse in a quiet but firm voice. She went on, "We used twelve sponges and only eleven of them have been removed".
Acting rather annoyed, the surgeon snapped, "I'll take the responsibility, nurse. Now we will suture". "But doctor", the nurse said in a very grim, emphatic tone; "You can't do that! Think of the patient. You are leaving a sponge inside the incision!" The doctor stared at the new nurse. Then a smile covered his face. He lifted his foot under which the12th sponge had been hidden. Grinning at her he said, You'll do fine, nurse. Welcome to my team!" Christian Shepherd.- 2014
N.J. Hiebert - 8749
Often, the two words, 'integrity' and 'virtue' have similar meanings. We might say that they both have the sense of moral virtue and uprightness. Another way in which they might be used would be that they both express having the courage to stand for your convictions, clinging without flinching to what you firmly believe is right.
It may require that a person has to stand alone, but if their thoughts are guided by the precious Word of God, they will not be the loser, though they may not be understood. Sometimes it becomes necessary to speak out - patiently and in love, but firmly - against what you know is wrong.
We recently heard of this excellent example of virtue and integrity in use. A new, young surgical nurse was on her first surgical procedure with a well known surgeon in a highly respected hospital. She was understandably both nervous and quite determined to do her very best work in her first surgery.
As the surgeon was closing up the patient's incision after a successful surgery, the new young nurse, responsible for counting the surgical sponges used and removed, said to the surgeon, "Doctor, you have only removed eleven sponges. However we have used twelve on this patient." Staring at the new nurse the experienced surgeon curtly replied, "No, I've removed them all. We will continue to close the incision". "No", rejoined the nurse in a quiet but firm voice. She went on, "We used twelve sponges and only eleven of them have been removed".
Acting rather annoyed, the surgeon snapped, "I'll take the responsibility, nurse. Now we will suture". "But doctor", the nurse said in a very grim, emphatic tone; "You can't do that! Think of the patient. You are leaving a sponge inside the incision!" The doctor stared at the new nurse. Then a smile covered his face. He lifted his foot under which the12th sponge had been hidden. Grinning at her he said, You'll do fine, nurse. Welcome to my team!" Christian Shepherd.- 2014
N.J. Hiebert - 8749
February 7
Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vine: for our vines have tender grapes. Song of Solomon 2:15
An eagle carrying a serpent in its talons to its nest on the mountains was bitten to the heart and fell to the ground. Have you seen a a young man or woman fall away from God? Do you know the cause of their fall? The neglect of prayer, that stealthy indulgence in the intoxicating cup, that licentiousness and profligacy unseen of man, that secret tampering with unbelief and error, was the serpent at the heart that brought the eagle down. Theodora L. Cuyler
If we wish to bask perpetually in the sunshine of God's love, the problems of sin must be firmly dealt with, and all love of it must cease. For it is literally true that there is more evil in one drop of sin than in a whole sea of affliction.
Christian youth, beware how you think lightly of sin! Take heed lest you fall little by little.
- Sin, a little thing? Is it not a poison? Who knows its deadliness?
- Sin, a little thing? Do not the foxes spoil the grapes?
- Does not the tiny coral insect build a rock which wrecks a navy?
- Sin a little thing? It girded the Redeemer's head with thorns, and pierced His heart!
Could you weigh the least sin in the scales of eternity, you would fly from it as from a serpent. Look upon all sin as that which crucified the Saviour, and you will see it to be "exceeding sinful." C. H. Spurgeon
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word. Psalm 119:9
Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.
Psalm 119:11
N.J. Hiebert - 8750
An eagle carrying a serpent in its talons to its nest on the mountains was bitten to the heart and fell to the ground. Have you seen a a young man or woman fall away from God? Do you know the cause of their fall? The neglect of prayer, that stealthy indulgence in the intoxicating cup, that licentiousness and profligacy unseen of man, that secret tampering with unbelief and error, was the serpent at the heart that brought the eagle down. Theodora L. Cuyler
If we wish to bask perpetually in the sunshine of God's love, the problems of sin must be firmly dealt with, and all love of it must cease. For it is literally true that there is more evil in one drop of sin than in a whole sea of affliction.
Christian youth, beware how you think lightly of sin! Take heed lest you fall little by little.
- Sin, a little thing? Is it not a poison? Who knows its deadliness?
- Sin, a little thing? Do not the foxes spoil the grapes?
- Does not the tiny coral insect build a rock which wrecks a navy?
- Sin a little thing? It girded the Redeemer's head with thorns, and pierced His heart!
Could you weigh the least sin in the scales of eternity, you would fly from it as from a serpent. Look upon all sin as that which crucified the Saviour, and you will see it to be "exceeding sinful." C. H. Spurgeon
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word. Psalm 119:9
Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.
Psalm 119:11
N.J. Hiebert - 8750
February 8
And when He was entered into a ship, His disciples followed Him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but He was asleep. Matthew 8:23,24
The ship was covered with the waves but why should the Master of wind and weather be disturbed? It was His Father's world and what woke Him up was not the fury of the storm but the frenzy of His panicky disciples. Why did they not say, "There is nothing to worry about. The Lord of all creation is taking a nap and we are safe"? Instead, they got their eyes on the storm instead of the Saviour.
The weather is always a convenient topic for conversation but the Christian attitude toward the weather is rather mixed. We say, "God runs the weather" and of course that is true for He has the whole world in His hands. But God can give Satan some leeway and Satan uses it as he did with the mighty wind that destroyed Job's sons, (Job 1:19) There would be no tornados, floods, hurricanes if sin had not entered the world.
Storms are part of nature ruined by the Fall. There are other kinds of storms and all for the same reason. The Christian travels a tempestuous sea in this old world but Jesus is in the boat and sometimes He seems to be asleep! When Lazarus lay ill and a hurried call was sent to the Master we read He stayed two days where He was (John 11:6). There is the love that tarries. God takes His time. He may seem slow but He is never late. We go into panic but no tempest disturbs His repose.
Are you in a storm? Is it failing health, financial distress, family trouble, depression of mind? Does the Lord seem asleep and you feel like crying, "Carest Thou not that we perish?" (Mark 4:37-39). They cried, "Lord, save us"--that was faith. "We perish"-- that was doubt. (Matthew 8:25)
"There arose a great storm" (v.37) and then, "He arose." (v. 39). The storms will arise but He too will arise--and the Saviour is the Answer to the storm.
Though I Walk Through the Valley - Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 8751
The ship was covered with the waves but why should the Master of wind and weather be disturbed? It was His Father's world and what woke Him up was not the fury of the storm but the frenzy of His panicky disciples. Why did they not say, "There is nothing to worry about. The Lord of all creation is taking a nap and we are safe"? Instead, they got their eyes on the storm instead of the Saviour.
The weather is always a convenient topic for conversation but the Christian attitude toward the weather is rather mixed. We say, "God runs the weather" and of course that is true for He has the whole world in His hands. But God can give Satan some leeway and Satan uses it as he did with the mighty wind that destroyed Job's sons, (Job 1:19) There would be no tornados, floods, hurricanes if sin had not entered the world.
Storms are part of nature ruined by the Fall. There are other kinds of storms and all for the same reason. The Christian travels a tempestuous sea in this old world but Jesus is in the boat and sometimes He seems to be asleep! When Lazarus lay ill and a hurried call was sent to the Master we read He stayed two days where He was (John 11:6). There is the love that tarries. God takes His time. He may seem slow but He is never late. We go into panic but no tempest disturbs His repose.
Are you in a storm? Is it failing health, financial distress, family trouble, depression of mind? Does the Lord seem asleep and you feel like crying, "Carest Thou not that we perish?" (Mark 4:37-39). They cried, "Lord, save us"--that was faith. "We perish"-- that was doubt. (Matthew 8:25)
"There arose a great storm" (v.37) and then, "He arose." (v. 39). The storms will arise but He too will arise--and the Saviour is the Answer to the storm.
Though I Walk Through the Valley - Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 8751
February 9
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Proverbs 15:1,2 - 16:32
It is impossible for man to estimate aright the power for good or evil that lies in the tongue. A kindly, gracious word will often disarm a most ill-tempered and wrathful man; while a sharp, cutting remark has frequently separated friends dear to each other for years, until some trivial circumstance arose which might have been turned to an occasion for grace and forbearance on the part of each had love been ruling.
It is considered unmanly by many not to resent an insult, and to allow wrathful words to pass unchallenged; but it takes far more true character to meet an angry man in quietness of spirit, and to return cool, calm words for heated, hasty ones, than it does to give railing for railing, or malice for malice.
The latter bespeaks a man who does not yet know how to rule his spirt; the former, one who has his personal feelings in subjection. Grievous words but add fuel to the flame, while a gracious demeanour will go far towards cooling the angry passion of another.
The wise man knows how to use knowledge so that it shall be for profit; knows, too, when to speak and when to be silent. The fool is always ready with a retort, whether it be fitting or not. Notes on Proverbs - H. A Ironside
Angry words, oh let them never, from the tongue, unbridled slip.
May the love of Jesus ever fill the heart and keep the lip.
Angry words, though lightly spoken, do not suit the child of God.
Happy fellowship is broken by a single angry word. Horatio Palmer
N.J. Hiebert - 8752
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Proverbs 15:1,2 - 16:32
It is impossible for man to estimate aright the power for good or evil that lies in the tongue. A kindly, gracious word will often disarm a most ill-tempered and wrathful man; while a sharp, cutting remark has frequently separated friends dear to each other for years, until some trivial circumstance arose which might have been turned to an occasion for grace and forbearance on the part of each had love been ruling.
It is considered unmanly by many not to resent an insult, and to allow wrathful words to pass unchallenged; but it takes far more true character to meet an angry man in quietness of spirit, and to return cool, calm words for heated, hasty ones, than it does to give railing for railing, or malice for malice.
The latter bespeaks a man who does not yet know how to rule his spirt; the former, one who has his personal feelings in subjection. Grievous words but add fuel to the flame, while a gracious demeanour will go far towards cooling the angry passion of another.
The wise man knows how to use knowledge so that it shall be for profit; knows, too, when to speak and when to be silent. The fool is always ready with a retort, whether it be fitting or not. Notes on Proverbs - H. A Ironside
Angry words, oh let them never, from the tongue, unbridled slip.
May the love of Jesus ever fill the heart and keep the lip.
Angry words, though lightly spoken, do not suit the child of God.
Happy fellowship is broken by a single angry word. Horatio Palmer
N.J. Hiebert - 8752
February 10
ATTRACTIONS AND AFFECTIONS
Draw me! Song of Solomon 1:4
Make haste, my beloved. Song of Solomon 8:14
Are we drawn to the Person of Christ? Whether we contemplate the greatness of His work at Calvary or read of the many who were healed during the time of His earthly ministry, we must turn our gaze to the Beautiful One by whom and through whom these things were done. When a loved one wears perfume, it is not to attract our hearts to the fragrance itself, but that the fragrance would turn our gaze to the person wearing it.
Similarly, let us continually thank the Lord for forgiveness of sins and a hope of glory, but all the while may our heart's object be the One who provided this forgiveness. Yes, we revel in the greatness of the salvation we enjoy, but in doing so let us magnify the Saviour--"The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20)!
When the Lord Jesus sat with His disciples on the night He was betrayed, He took bread, broke it, and told them "...this is My body which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me." (1 Corinthians 11:23-25). The institution of this holy meal is not merely a rite or ritual, but the focus here is to draw our attention to His Person, and it ought to cause us to worship. It is only as our hearts are occupied with Him that we can truly appreciate what He has done.
As we contemplate Him, we will find ourselves more and more attracted to Him and our affections drawn to Him. This in turn will cause our hearts to exclaim, "make haste," for we long to be with Him. "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20). Eric Clermont
N.J. Hiebert - 8753
Draw me! Song of Solomon 1:4
Make haste, my beloved. Song of Solomon 8:14
Are we drawn to the Person of Christ? Whether we contemplate the greatness of His work at Calvary or read of the many who were healed during the time of His earthly ministry, we must turn our gaze to the Beautiful One by whom and through whom these things were done. When a loved one wears perfume, it is not to attract our hearts to the fragrance itself, but that the fragrance would turn our gaze to the person wearing it.
Similarly, let us continually thank the Lord for forgiveness of sins and a hope of glory, but all the while may our heart's object be the One who provided this forgiveness. Yes, we revel in the greatness of the salvation we enjoy, but in doing so let us magnify the Saviour--"The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20)!
When the Lord Jesus sat with His disciples on the night He was betrayed, He took bread, broke it, and told them "...this is My body which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me." (1 Corinthians 11:23-25). The institution of this holy meal is not merely a rite or ritual, but the focus here is to draw our attention to His Person, and it ought to cause us to worship. It is only as our hearts are occupied with Him that we can truly appreciate what He has done.
As we contemplate Him, we will find ourselves more and more attracted to Him and our affections drawn to Him. This in turn will cause our hearts to exclaim, "make haste," for we long to be with Him. "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20). Eric Clermont
N.J. Hiebert - 8753
February 11
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9,10.
Mark, it is first the heart, then the tongue. It is not head-work. That will not do here. It is all head work with zoology, geology, or physiology, but when you come to the knowledge of the Lord, it is heart-work. You have all got hearts, let Christ fill them.
Think of His love--do you not believe that blessed One? Do you ask me if I believe? Yes, I believe Him from the bottom of my heart; I believe He loved me, as the apostle Paul says, "The Son of God who loved me, and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20). What is the result of knowing and believing that? The tongue is loosed.
When a man's heart is touched, he believes, and then confesses Christ. "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:10) It is exceedingly simple. "Confession is made unto salvation." You get right with God first in your heart, and then put yourself right with men by your mouth.
Your tongue exalts Christ. The man who is saved, tells of it to other people. He rejoices to speak of Christ's grace, and to Christ's credit. There is no credit to him. It is all to the glory of Christ. You believe in Him with your heart, and with your mouth confession is made to salvation, for the Scripture says, "For whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 10:11)
Seekers for Light - W. T. P. Wolston, M.D.
N.J. Hiebert - 8754
Mark, it is first the heart, then the tongue. It is not head-work. That will not do here. It is all head work with zoology, geology, or physiology, but when you come to the knowledge of the Lord, it is heart-work. You have all got hearts, let Christ fill them.
Think of His love--do you not believe that blessed One? Do you ask me if I believe? Yes, I believe Him from the bottom of my heart; I believe He loved me, as the apostle Paul says, "The Son of God who loved me, and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20). What is the result of knowing and believing that? The tongue is loosed.
When a man's heart is touched, he believes, and then confesses Christ. "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:10) It is exceedingly simple. "Confession is made unto salvation." You get right with God first in your heart, and then put yourself right with men by your mouth.
Your tongue exalts Christ. The man who is saved, tells of it to other people. He rejoices to speak of Christ's grace, and to Christ's credit. There is no credit to him. It is all to the glory of Christ. You believe in Him with your heart, and with your mouth confession is made to salvation, for the Scripture says, "For whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 10:11)
Seekers for Light - W. T. P. Wolston, M.D.
N.J. Hiebert - 8754
February 12
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