And He was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake Him, and say unto Him, Master, carest Thou not that we perish? Mark 4:38
The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
We know that the disciples need not have been afraid, they need not have disturbed our Lord's rest; but something I had never thought of before came to me, as I pictured that tossing boat and those frightened men and the resting Lord. Do we never do just what they did? He is resting in His love, in the silence of love. Do not we, His lovers, sometimes break into the sweetness of that silence with a fear, a cry that is almost "carest Thou not?"
No one paragraph, even in our Bible, shows life as whole. There are other aspects, I know, but this, which is perhaps the very innermost-the heart of the heart of love-is something we are meant to look at often, and far more, to live.
There is silence which can be only met by silence. Silence is not a gap to be filled. It is the greatest of all preparations, and the climax of all adoration.
"Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from Him cometh my salvation. My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him." Psalm 62:1,5) .
Let the storm beat as it will outside; within, let there be peace, so that undisturbed He may rest in His love. ("He will renew thee with His love". Are they not dear words? "He will rest in His love." "He will renew thee with His love." Edges of His Ways - Amy Carmichael
N.J. Hiebert - 8771
March 1
I will arise and go to my father...and he arose, and came to his father... But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him...and fell on his neck and kissed him. Father I have sinned...But the father said...let us eat and be merry: for this my son...was lost and is found. Luke 15:18-24
Years ago, while visiting a Canadian friend's home in Florida, we heard the sound of a big eighteen-wheeler coming by the window. His wife's brother in law was bringing a load of hay from Canada for horses in Florida. He would soon be returning to the province of Ontario with crates of oranges for an Ottawa grocery chain.
Seeing my interest in his big red truck, the driver said "Jump in." I told him about this being a first for me, to climb high in such a monster, never having been that close to the roaring sound of such a powerful vehicle.
Then my trucker friend told me, "It's good to see you this close. You know driving this rig mile after mile, it gets quite tiring and lonely, especially after the sun goes down." He was quiet for a moment. Then he said, "I hear you in the dark of night as I travel down the highways often listening to the Hour of Decision. I can hardly see the road after you sing songs like 'Lord, I'm Coming Home.' " His voice broke as we continued to talk about it. Then we prayed together, and I knew that a new name had been written down in Glory. It happened to my new friend from Canada, behind the steering wheel of his truck, parked in the back yard of his sister's Florida home.
Everyone longs for the comfort and security of a loving home. The trucker from Canada longed for a special home--one that would be his forever. It's a home all of us long for, even though some are not yet aware of of it. George Beverly Shea
I've wandered far away from God, now I'm coming home;
The paths of sin too long I've trod, Lord, I'm coming home.
I've wasted many precious years, now I'm coming home ;
I now repent wth bitter tears, Lord, I'm coming home.
I'm tired of sin and straying, Lord, now I'm coming home;
I'll trust Thy love, believe Thy word, Lord I'm coming home.
My soul is sick, my heart is sore, now I'm coming home;
My strength renew, my hope restore, Lord, I'm coming home. W. J. Patrick
N.J. Hiebert - 8772
Years ago, while visiting a Canadian friend's home in Florida, we heard the sound of a big eighteen-wheeler coming by the window. His wife's brother in law was bringing a load of hay from Canada for horses in Florida. He would soon be returning to the province of Ontario with crates of oranges for an Ottawa grocery chain.
Seeing my interest in his big red truck, the driver said "Jump in." I told him about this being a first for me, to climb high in such a monster, never having been that close to the roaring sound of such a powerful vehicle.
Then my trucker friend told me, "It's good to see you this close. You know driving this rig mile after mile, it gets quite tiring and lonely, especially after the sun goes down." He was quiet for a moment. Then he said, "I hear you in the dark of night as I travel down the highways often listening to the Hour of Decision. I can hardly see the road after you sing songs like 'Lord, I'm Coming Home.' " His voice broke as we continued to talk about it. Then we prayed together, and I knew that a new name had been written down in Glory. It happened to my new friend from Canada, behind the steering wheel of his truck, parked in the back yard of his sister's Florida home.
Everyone longs for the comfort and security of a loving home. The trucker from Canada longed for a special home--one that would be his forever. It's a home all of us long for, even though some are not yet aware of of it. George Beverly Shea
I've wandered far away from God, now I'm coming home;
The paths of sin too long I've trod, Lord, I'm coming home.
I've wasted many precious years, now I'm coming home ;
I now repent wth bitter tears, Lord, I'm coming home.
I'm tired of sin and straying, Lord, now I'm coming home;
I'll trust Thy love, believe Thy word, Lord I'm coming home.
My soul is sick, my heart is sore, now I'm coming home;
My strength renew, my hope restore, Lord, I'm coming home. W. J. Patrick
N.J. Hiebert - 8772
March 2
This book...shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night. Joshua 1:8
Go to God by prayer for a key to unlock the mysteries of His word. It is not the plodding but the praying soul, that will get this treasure of scripture knowledge. God often brings a truth to the Christian's hand as a return of prayer, which He had long hunted for in vain with much labour and study: "There is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets" (Daniel 2:28); and where does He reveal the secrets of His word but at the throne of grace?
"From the first day," saith the angel, "that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words". (Daniel 10:12) And what was this heavenly messenger's errand to Daniel but to open more fully the Scripture to him? as appears by verse 14 compared with verse 21. This holy man had got some knowledge by his study in the word, and this sets him to praying, and prayer fetched an angel from heaven to give him more light.
- "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee." Psalm 119:11. It was not the Bible in his hand to read it, not the word of his tongue to speak of it; but the hiding it in his heart, that he found effectual against sin.
- "Quench not the Spirit, despise not prophesyings" (1 Thessalonians 5:19,20) They are coupled together; he that despises one loses both. If the scholar is too proud to learn of the usher (guide), he is unworthy to be taught by the master.
- "They shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables" (2 Timothy 4:3,4). Satan commonly stops the ear from hearing sound doctrine, before he opens it to embrace corrupt doctrine. William Gurnall
N.J. Hiebert - 8773
Go to God by prayer for a key to unlock the mysteries of His word. It is not the plodding but the praying soul, that will get this treasure of scripture knowledge. God often brings a truth to the Christian's hand as a return of prayer, which He had long hunted for in vain with much labour and study: "There is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets" (Daniel 2:28); and where does He reveal the secrets of His word but at the throne of grace?
"From the first day," saith the angel, "that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words". (Daniel 10:12) And what was this heavenly messenger's errand to Daniel but to open more fully the Scripture to him? as appears by verse 14 compared with verse 21. This holy man had got some knowledge by his study in the word, and this sets him to praying, and prayer fetched an angel from heaven to give him more light.
- "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee." Psalm 119:11. It was not the Bible in his hand to read it, not the word of his tongue to speak of it; but the hiding it in his heart, that he found effectual against sin.
- "Quench not the Spirit, despise not prophesyings" (1 Thessalonians 5:19,20) They are coupled together; he that despises one loses both. If the scholar is too proud to learn of the usher (guide), he is unworthy to be taught by the master.
- "They shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables" (2 Timothy 4:3,4). Satan commonly stops the ear from hearing sound doctrine, before he opens it to embrace corrupt doctrine. William Gurnall
N.J. Hiebert - 8773
March 3
LONELINESS
I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the housetop. Psalm 102:7
Loneliness is a very unpleasant feeling. Many who have lost loved ones know the emotion, the feeling, even many years after their loss. Such feelings were well understood by the Lord as He too passed through a deep sense of loneliness. In the latter part of Matthew the Lord foretells His coming rejection and crucifixion. He speaks of Judas's betrayal; He tells His disciples they will all forsake Him, and mentions Peter's threefold denial.
In the garden the Lord separates from His disciples to pray. Even though three are invited to follow closer, they are unable to watch with Him as sleep overcomes them, and they are not at the Lord's side either as He prays to His Father. The Lord is alone. Soon afterward, the multitude comes to take Him, and His disciples flee. During all His appearances before the authorities, He has no one at His side. He was rejected by the people, whom He had served so wonderfully--"Crucify Him, crucify Him" was their clamour: "We will not have this Man to reign over us." Those who loved Him, who stood by the cross, stood afar off.
What loneliness He felt. The Psalms very vividly describe the thoughts of His heart: "I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none." (Psalm 69:20) "Lover and friend hast thou put far from Me." (Psalm 88:18) "I am like a pelican of the wilderness...and am as a sparrow alone on the housetop." (Psalm 102:6,7)
Then the climax, the last three hours on the cross, when darkness enshrouded Him and the heart-rending cry echoed forth, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46) Yes, there are times when we are lonely and it hurts, yet there is no loneliness or sorrow comparable to His. But in all our sorrow we have One to whom we can go, One who gives comfort and support in times of deepest need, because He understands. Albert Blok
N.J. Hiebert - 8774
I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the housetop. Psalm 102:7
Loneliness is a very unpleasant feeling. Many who have lost loved ones know the emotion, the feeling, even many years after their loss. Such feelings were well understood by the Lord as He too passed through a deep sense of loneliness. In the latter part of Matthew the Lord foretells His coming rejection and crucifixion. He speaks of Judas's betrayal; He tells His disciples they will all forsake Him, and mentions Peter's threefold denial.
In the garden the Lord separates from His disciples to pray. Even though three are invited to follow closer, they are unable to watch with Him as sleep overcomes them, and they are not at the Lord's side either as He prays to His Father. The Lord is alone. Soon afterward, the multitude comes to take Him, and His disciples flee. During all His appearances before the authorities, He has no one at His side. He was rejected by the people, whom He had served so wonderfully--"Crucify Him, crucify Him" was their clamour: "We will not have this Man to reign over us." Those who loved Him, who stood by the cross, stood afar off.
What loneliness He felt. The Psalms very vividly describe the thoughts of His heart: "I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none." (Psalm 69:20) "Lover and friend hast thou put far from Me." (Psalm 88:18) "I am like a pelican of the wilderness...and am as a sparrow alone on the housetop." (Psalm 102:6,7)
Then the climax, the last three hours on the cross, when darkness enshrouded Him and the heart-rending cry echoed forth, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46) Yes, there are times when we are lonely and it hurts, yet there is no loneliness or sorrow comparable to His. But in all our sorrow we have One to whom we can go, One who gives comfort and support in times of deepest need, because He understands. Albert Blok
N.J. Hiebert - 8774
March 4
To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Timothy1:2
The Apostle can address Timothy as his "beloved son (child)." What a comfort that in a day of ruin there are those to whom we can unreservedly express our affection, and to whom in all confidence we can unburden our hearts. Two leading characteristics in Timothy drew forth the love and confidence of Paul.
First, he was mindful of his tears; secondly, he remembered his unfeigned faith. The tears of Timothy proved that he was a man of spiritual depth and affection who felt the low and broken condition of the Christian profession: his unfeigned faith proved that he was able to rise above all the evil in obedience to, and confidence in, God.
Timothy may indeed have been of a timid nature and in danger of being overwhelmed by the evil that was coming into the church; as he was marked by tears and faith, the Apostle was was encouraged to instruct and exhort him knowing that he had qualities which would enable him to answer to his appeal. Nor is it otherwise today.
The instructions of this touching Epistle will find little response unless there are the tears that tell of a tender heart that can mourn over the sorrows of God's people, and the faith that can take God's path of separation in the midst of the ruin.
Paul delighted to remember in his prayers this man of tears and faith. What a cheer to any saint, broken hearted by the condition of God's people, to know that there are devoted and faithful saints by whom he is remembered in prayer. Faithfulness in a day of desertion binds hearts together in the bonds of divine love. 2 Timothy - Expository Outline - Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8775
The Apostle can address Timothy as his "beloved son (child)." What a comfort that in a day of ruin there are those to whom we can unreservedly express our affection, and to whom in all confidence we can unburden our hearts. Two leading characteristics in Timothy drew forth the love and confidence of Paul.
First, he was mindful of his tears; secondly, he remembered his unfeigned faith. The tears of Timothy proved that he was a man of spiritual depth and affection who felt the low and broken condition of the Christian profession: his unfeigned faith proved that he was able to rise above all the evil in obedience to, and confidence in, God.
Timothy may indeed have been of a timid nature and in danger of being overwhelmed by the evil that was coming into the church; as he was marked by tears and faith, the Apostle was was encouraged to instruct and exhort him knowing that he had qualities which would enable him to answer to his appeal. Nor is it otherwise today.
The instructions of this touching Epistle will find little response unless there are the tears that tell of a tender heart that can mourn over the sorrows of God's people, and the faith that can take God's path of separation in the midst of the ruin.
Paul delighted to remember in his prayers this man of tears and faith. What a cheer to any saint, broken hearted by the condition of God's people, to know that there are devoted and faithful saints by whom he is remembered in prayer. Faithfulness in a day of desertion binds hearts together in the bonds of divine love. 2 Timothy - Expository Outline - Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8775
March 5
WHEREFORE DIDST THOU DOUBT?
Neither be ye of doubtful mind. Luke 12:29
We are to believe without doubting. "Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not..." Matthew 21:21 "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." (1 Timothy 2:8) Obey without doubting. (Acts 11:12).So much of our faith, our praying, our obedience, comes to naught because it is clogged with doubt, diluted with unbelief. Doubt puts the brakes on, takes all the assurance out of our hearts, makes us wavering disciples, driven by the wind and tossed. (James 1:6)
When our Lord appeared after His resurrection, some believed but some doubted and one feels that chill in many a gathering of Christians. In questionable matters, "And he that doubteth is (condemned) if he eat" (Romans 14:23) and the underground principle is "whatsoever is not of faith is sin". We believe or we doubt and if both are mixed let us earnestly pray, "Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief." (Mark 9:24) To the extent we are believing, we are not doubting and, if we are doubting, to that extent we are not believing. Beware of a doubtful mind. All the Days - Vance Havner
Ere you left your room this morning. Did you think to pray? In the name of Christ, our Saviour, did you ask for loving favour, as a shield today?
When you met with great temptation, did you think to pray? By His dying love and merit did you trust the Holy Spirit as your guide and stay?
When your heart was filled with anger, did you think to pray? Did you plead for grace, my brother, that you might forgive another who has crossed your way?
Oh, how praying rests the weary! Prayer will change the night to day; so when life seems dark and dreary, don't forget to pray. (Mary Kidder - 1820 to 1905)
N.J. Hiebert - 8776
Neither be ye of doubtful mind. Luke 12:29
We are to believe without doubting. "Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not..." Matthew 21:21 "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." (1 Timothy 2:8) Obey without doubting. (Acts 11:12).So much of our faith, our praying, our obedience, comes to naught because it is clogged with doubt, diluted with unbelief. Doubt puts the brakes on, takes all the assurance out of our hearts, makes us wavering disciples, driven by the wind and tossed. (James 1:6)
When our Lord appeared after His resurrection, some believed but some doubted and one feels that chill in many a gathering of Christians. In questionable matters, "And he that doubteth is (condemned) if he eat" (Romans 14:23) and the underground principle is "whatsoever is not of faith is sin". We believe or we doubt and if both are mixed let us earnestly pray, "Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief." (Mark 9:24) To the extent we are believing, we are not doubting and, if we are doubting, to that extent we are not believing. Beware of a doubtful mind. All the Days - Vance Havner
Ere you left your room this morning. Did you think to pray? In the name of Christ, our Saviour, did you ask for loving favour, as a shield today?
When you met with great temptation, did you think to pray? By His dying love and merit did you trust the Holy Spirit as your guide and stay?
When your heart was filled with anger, did you think to pray? Did you plead for grace, my brother, that you might forgive another who has crossed your way?
Oh, how praying rests the weary! Prayer will change the night to day; so when life seems dark and dreary, don't forget to pray. (Mary Kidder - 1820 to 1905)
N.J. Hiebert - 8776
March 6
Be ye reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20
Reconciliation is one of the great spiritual blessings imparted to us by God, on the basis of our acceptance of the Lord Jesus as our personal Saviour. It speaks of bringing two opposing forces together in harmony - on the one hand, the unchanging will of God, and on the other, our own wills which are naturally inclined to oppose His will. This was only possible through Christ.
1. An Act of God - If reconciliation depended upon us to any degree, it could never happen. The wonder is that it was all up to God who came out to us in love, giving His only Son to be the perfect sacrifice for sins. And it was by His Spirit that we actually took notice, listened and accepted the message. (Isaiah 1:18). Salvation is entirely His work.
2. Knowing, Compared to Believing - It is one thing to know that Jesus came to earth, died and rose again, and quite another to actually believe that it was for me, and effective in me, for eternity. (John 17:3). fruit of our reconciliation.
3. Believing Leads to Telling - There are some believers who keep their experience to themselves, and thereby deprive other needy souls of hearing the good news of salvation. (Mark 16:15).
4. Ultimate Reconciliation - to be face to face with our blessed Lord and Saviour is anticipated day by day. Then we will be carried to the Father's home to dwell there forever. Since reconciled means "brought together", our promised future will be its complete fulfillment. (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
Past - The moment we were saved, we were reconciled forever.
Present - For all of our Christian life we are being reconciled, in manner of life, to our Saviour's.
Future - Finally, when we are with the Lord in glory, we will be reconciled in body as well as in soul and spirit. Lorne Perry
N.J. Hiebert - 8777
Reconciliation is one of the great spiritual blessings imparted to us by God, on the basis of our acceptance of the Lord Jesus as our personal Saviour. It speaks of bringing two opposing forces together in harmony - on the one hand, the unchanging will of God, and on the other, our own wills which are naturally inclined to oppose His will. This was only possible through Christ.
1. An Act of God - If reconciliation depended upon us to any degree, it could never happen. The wonder is that it was all up to God who came out to us in love, giving His only Son to be the perfect sacrifice for sins. And it was by His Spirit that we actually took notice, listened and accepted the message. (Isaiah 1:18). Salvation is entirely His work.
2. Knowing, Compared to Believing - It is one thing to know that Jesus came to earth, died and rose again, and quite another to actually believe that it was for me, and effective in me, for eternity. (John 17:3). fruit of our reconciliation.
3. Believing Leads to Telling - There are some believers who keep their experience to themselves, and thereby deprive other needy souls of hearing the good news of salvation. (Mark 16:15).
4. Ultimate Reconciliation - to be face to face with our blessed Lord and Saviour is anticipated day by day. Then we will be carried to the Father's home to dwell there forever. Since reconciled means "brought together", our promised future will be its complete fulfillment. (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
Past - The moment we were saved, we were reconciled forever.
Present - For all of our Christian life we are being reconciled, in manner of life, to our Saviour's.
Future - Finally, when we are with the Lord in glory, we will be reconciled in body as well as in soul and spirit. Lorne Perry
N.J. Hiebert - 8777
March 7
Then drew near unto Him all the publicans and sinners for to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This Man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. Luke 15:1-2.
When publicans sat down to eat with the Lord, the scribes and Pharisees found fault: "Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? and Jesus answering said unto them, they that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." (Luke 5:30-32) The Lord replied the physician seeks the sick rather than those who thought they needed Him not. (Luke 5:27-32).
The "gospel" according to the Pharisees--"This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them"--was spoken when "publicans and sinners drew near to hear Him" (Luke 15:1-24). Then our Lord spoke those inimitable parables of the lost things and their finding. The ways of the Lord were always ways of grace and truth. He never sought the approbation of men. In a proud world among a proud people, the Son of God walked a path of unprecedented lowliness and grace.
When the impotent man was healed at the pool of Bethesda (John 5), the Jews interrogated the happy, healed man carrying his bed home on his back, "What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed and walk?" (John 5:12). The man did not even know His name! It says, "Jesus had conveyed Himself away, a multitude being in that place" (John 5:13). How unlike the ways of men who crave all the publicity which exploits will bring to them.
God had said of old, "My ways are not your ways" (Isaiah 55:8). It was true of the Lord Jesus; the ways of men were not His ways. Men thought little of God in heaven or of what would be pleasing to Him. This was everything to Christ our Lord. He did everything that pleased the Father. The Father's Name, the Father's kingdom, and the Father's will were the great dominating motives of the life of our Lord. He cared for nothing else. Leonard Sheldrake
When publicans sat down to eat with the Lord, the scribes and Pharisees found fault: "Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? and Jesus answering said unto them, they that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." (Luke 5:30-32) The Lord replied the physician seeks the sick rather than those who thought they needed Him not. (Luke 5:27-32).
The "gospel" according to the Pharisees--"This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them"--was spoken when "publicans and sinners drew near to hear Him" (Luke 15:1-24). Then our Lord spoke those inimitable parables of the lost things and their finding. The ways of the Lord were always ways of grace and truth. He never sought the approbation of men. In a proud world among a proud people, the Son of God walked a path of unprecedented lowliness and grace.
When the impotent man was healed at the pool of Bethesda (John 5), the Jews interrogated the happy, healed man carrying his bed home on his back, "What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed and walk?" (John 5:12). The man did not even know His name! It says, "Jesus had conveyed Himself away, a multitude being in that place" (John 5:13). How unlike the ways of men who crave all the publicity which exploits will bring to them.
God had said of old, "My ways are not your ways" (Isaiah 55:8). It was true of the Lord Jesus; the ways of men were not His ways. Men thought little of God in heaven or of what would be pleasing to Him. This was everything to Christ our Lord. He did everything that pleased the Father. The Father's Name, the Father's kingdom, and the Father's will were the great dominating motives of the life of our Lord. He cared for nothing else. Leonard Sheldrake
N.J. Hiebert - 8778
March 8
"BE MUCH IN PRAYER"
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make know the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Ephesians 6:18-20.
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. O! who can stand, save those who trust in God?
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
Christian Treasury - June 1988
N.J. Hiebert - 8779
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make know the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Ephesians 6:18-20.
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. O! who can stand, save those who trust in God?
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
Christian Treasury - June 1988
N.J. Hiebert - 8779
March 9
Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly. Jonah 2:1
Even when the the shipmaster wakened Jonah out of his sleep, and told him to call on his God, Jonah, made no attempt to pray. He was fleeing from the presence of Jehovah, and that is no time to pray unto Him. He even made a frank confession of his sin to the whole ship's company, (Jonah 1:9) but still he did not pray.
We have noted that solemn scene on deck, as the seamen reluctantly took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea. (1:15). It is amazing that even as Jonah was about to die, he apparently made not the slightest attempt to come to God in prayer, though surely there had been a beginning of the restoration of of his soul. It often takes some time to bring about full restoration.
Do not think that Jonah was any worse that we are today. The story before us is only an illustration of how very far from God, even a saint and a prophet, one who has been used of God to do His work, may get. Even the sight of death itself did not break down the barrier that Jonah's sin and pride had raised between God and his heart. True, the barrier was all on his part, but he would not humble himself to turn to God and cry for mercy.
How wonderful are the ways of God. What the storm, the raging waves, what even death itself, could not accomplish, God now brought about by his own ways. Alone in the belly of the fish, amidst that awful darkness, and that deathly silence, utterly without hope of deliverance by the hand of man--"Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly." (2:1)
This is the way Jonah described that moment. Worse, far worse to Jonah, than a few short moment under the stormy waves, and then death; were those long hours, three days and three nights (Psalm 116:3-4) "in the belly of Sheol." The proud, rebellious spirit bowed at last, and Jonah prayed.
Jonah - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8780
Even when the the shipmaster wakened Jonah out of his sleep, and told him to call on his God, Jonah, made no attempt to pray. He was fleeing from the presence of Jehovah, and that is no time to pray unto Him. He even made a frank confession of his sin to the whole ship's company, (Jonah 1:9) but still he did not pray.
We have noted that solemn scene on deck, as the seamen reluctantly took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea. (1:15). It is amazing that even as Jonah was about to die, he apparently made not the slightest attempt to come to God in prayer, though surely there had been a beginning of the restoration of of his soul. It often takes some time to bring about full restoration.
Do not think that Jonah was any worse that we are today. The story before us is only an illustration of how very far from God, even a saint and a prophet, one who has been used of God to do His work, may get. Even the sight of death itself did not break down the barrier that Jonah's sin and pride had raised between God and his heart. True, the barrier was all on his part, but he would not humble himself to turn to God and cry for mercy.
How wonderful are the ways of God. What the storm, the raging waves, what even death itself, could not accomplish, God now brought about by his own ways. Alone in the belly of the fish, amidst that awful darkness, and that deathly silence, utterly without hope of deliverance by the hand of man--"Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly." (2:1)
This is the way Jonah described that moment. Worse, far worse to Jonah, than a few short moment under the stormy waves, and then death; were those long hours, three days and three nights (Psalm 116:3-4) "in the belly of Sheol." The proud, rebellious spirit bowed at last, and Jonah prayed.
Jonah - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8780
March 10
THE INCARNATION OF THE SON OF GOD
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary...thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name JESUS...the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall over shadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:30-35
When the fulness of time had come, that is the appointed time, the Son of God appeared on earth in the form of man. The Word which was in the beginning, the Word that was with the Father, the Word that was God, the Word by whom all things were made, that Word was made flesh and dwelt on earth. He who subsisted in the form of God, emptied Himself and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.
The incarnation is a deep mystery, the depths of which human reason can never fathom. "No man knoweth the Son, but the Father." (Matthew 11:27). We must approach it in the spirit of deep reverence. In Luke 1, we have the record of the divine announcement of the incarnation as it was made to the virgin, who had found favour in the sight of God. Was there ever such a message given to Gabriel before? Great as the revelation was which he was commissioned to carry to praying Daniel, (Daniel 9:21) the communication to the virgin Mary here is far greater. A. C. Gaebelein
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."
Thy lips the Father's name to us reveal; what burning power in all Thy words we feel,
When to our raptured hearts we hear Thee tell the heavenly glories which Thou know'st so well.
No curse of law, in Thee was sovereign grace, and now what glory in Thine unveiled face!
Thou didst attract the wretched and the weak, Thy joy the wand'rers and the lost to seek.
N.J. Hiebert - 8781
And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary...thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name JESUS...the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall over shadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:30-35
When the fulness of time had come, that is the appointed time, the Son of God appeared on earth in the form of man. The Word which was in the beginning, the Word that was with the Father, the Word that was God, the Word by whom all things were made, that Word was made flesh and dwelt on earth. He who subsisted in the form of God, emptied Himself and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.
The incarnation is a deep mystery, the depths of which human reason can never fathom. "No man knoweth the Son, but the Father." (Matthew 11:27). We must approach it in the spirit of deep reverence. In Luke 1, we have the record of the divine announcement of the incarnation as it was made to the virgin, who had found favour in the sight of God. Was there ever such a message given to Gabriel before? Great as the revelation was which he was commissioned to carry to praying Daniel, (Daniel 9:21) the communication to the virgin Mary here is far greater. A. C. Gaebelein
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."
Thy lips the Father's name to us reveal; what burning power in all Thy words we feel,
When to our raptured hearts we hear Thee tell the heavenly glories which Thou know'st so well.
No curse of law, in Thee was sovereign grace, and now what glory in Thine unveiled face!
Thou didst attract the wretched and the weak, Thy joy the wand'rers and the lost to seek.
N.J. Hiebert - 8781
March 11
Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15
Just after the end of WW II some dear Christians were preaching the gospel on the streets of downtown Ottawa, Canada. A young man dressed in a military uniform stopped to listen. After the preaching had ended, some spoke to him and found that he was a dear and warmhearted believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, just returned from combat in Europe. He had served as a chaplain near the front lines, seeking to comfort soldiers brought in to the field hospital, who had been wounded in battle.
The army chaplain recounted a most heart warming incident that took place during heavy fighting. He began by mentioning that before going into combat, he had been trained when dealing with wounded soldiers, to find out "what faith" each was of so that he could "more effectively" be a comfort to them.
One night, at the height of the battle, a seriously wounded soldier was carried into the field hospital. The chaplain immediately made his way to the young soldier's cot and leaning over, asked his standard question; "What church do you attend?" There was silence for a moment and then a whispered response; "I'm of Paul's persuasion".
This puzzled the chaplain very much for he had never heard of such a church group before. "This must be of some new denomination" he thought to himself. Turning to others in the ward, he asked if anyone there had ever heard of a church named "Paul's Persuasion" and if so, could they tell him anything about its beliefs. But no one in the ward had ever heard of such a church.
Leaning back over the wounded soldier, he again asked him to try and describe the church or denomination to which he belonged. In a weak but steady whisper the wounded young man replied: "...I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38,39).
May we too be thus "persuaded"--"...I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is abe to keep that which I have committed unto Him..." (2 Timothy 1:12). The Christian Shepherd - 2005
N.J. Hiebert - 8782
Just after the end of WW II some dear Christians were preaching the gospel on the streets of downtown Ottawa, Canada. A young man dressed in a military uniform stopped to listen. After the preaching had ended, some spoke to him and found that he was a dear and warmhearted believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, just returned from combat in Europe. He had served as a chaplain near the front lines, seeking to comfort soldiers brought in to the field hospital, who had been wounded in battle.
The army chaplain recounted a most heart warming incident that took place during heavy fighting. He began by mentioning that before going into combat, he had been trained when dealing with wounded soldiers, to find out "what faith" each was of so that he could "more effectively" be a comfort to them.
One night, at the height of the battle, a seriously wounded soldier was carried into the field hospital. The chaplain immediately made his way to the young soldier's cot and leaning over, asked his standard question; "What church do you attend?" There was silence for a moment and then a whispered response; "I'm of Paul's persuasion".
This puzzled the chaplain very much for he had never heard of such a church group before. "This must be of some new denomination" he thought to himself. Turning to others in the ward, he asked if anyone there had ever heard of a church named "Paul's Persuasion" and if so, could they tell him anything about its beliefs. But no one in the ward had ever heard of such a church.
Leaning back over the wounded soldier, he again asked him to try and describe the church or denomination to which he belonged. In a weak but steady whisper the wounded young man replied: "...I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38,39).
May we too be thus "persuaded"--"...I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is abe to keep that which I have committed unto Him..." (2 Timothy 1:12). The Christian Shepherd - 2005
N.J. Hiebert - 8782
March 12
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