April 1
Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:5
Faith is a condition of salvation and being a condition it must be our act. Saving faith is a choice and we are responsible for our actual choices. Many people pray for faith and quote Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: and conclude that faith is the gift of God." Instead of asking God for faith, it is their duty to believe.
When people say they cannot believe they utter a libel against God. A man in an enquiry room said to D. L. Moody, "I have no faith, I can't believe." Mr Moody said to him, "Who can't you believe? The man replied several times that he couldn't believe, Mr. Moody each time, asking, "Who?" Finally the man replied, "I can't believe myself." "Well," said Mr. Moody, "I don't want you to. Make yourself out a liar, but make God true."
Believe then for all God has promised. We cannot well go outside the promises of God. Prayer is pleading the promises. Faith is claiming them. There must be a "Thus saith the Lord," either expressed or implied for all we ask, and everything that God has promised is His will for us.
When your retire at night, you do not worry all night lest the bed break down. Neither do you hold on to something for fear of falling. Very little rest would you find in that way. No! you simply trust yourself to the bed and just rest.
Thus we should trust ourselves wholly to Jesus, and "Ceased from our own works." (Hebrews 4:10) We that believe do enter into rest. Why? Because someone else is going to do for us. God requires us to yield and trust in Him and His word. Trust for all you need. Trust with all your heart. Trust all the time. Streams in the Desert
`
N. J. Hiebert - 8803
Faith is a condition of salvation and being a condition it must be our act. Saving faith is a choice and we are responsible for our actual choices. Many people pray for faith and quote Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: and conclude that faith is the gift of God." Instead of asking God for faith, it is their duty to believe.
When people say they cannot believe they utter a libel against God. A man in an enquiry room said to D. L. Moody, "I have no faith, I can't believe." Mr Moody said to him, "Who can't you believe? The man replied several times that he couldn't believe, Mr. Moody each time, asking, "Who?" Finally the man replied, "I can't believe myself." "Well," said Mr. Moody, "I don't want you to. Make yourself out a liar, but make God true."
Believe then for all God has promised. We cannot well go outside the promises of God. Prayer is pleading the promises. Faith is claiming them. There must be a "Thus saith the Lord," either expressed or implied for all we ask, and everything that God has promised is His will for us.
When your retire at night, you do not worry all night lest the bed break down. Neither do you hold on to something for fear of falling. Very little rest would you find in that way. No! you simply trust yourself to the bed and just rest.
Thus we should trust ourselves wholly to Jesus, and "Ceased from our own works." (Hebrews 4:10) We that believe do enter into rest. Why? Because someone else is going to do for us. God requires us to yield and trust in Him and His word. Trust for all you need. Trust with all your heart. Trust all the time. Streams in the Desert
`
N. J. Hiebert - 8803
April 2
"Jesus saith unto him (John) . . . Follow thou me." John 21:22
Friends, He is a wonderful Lord you and I are called to follow. The Lord give you grace to follow Him. Who will start? But to find Him is one thing; to follow Him is another. You learn what it is to become "a living stone" (1 Peter 2:5) as you come in contact with Christ, and learn to follow Him when He eclipses everything else in your soul's vision. Possibly you say, If I were in different circumstances I would follow Christ. No, you would not. Your circumstances are the best if only you knew it.
You know what reins are for; you know what they are to the horse. They keep the creature in order, and so do your circumstances. They keep you in order. If the banks are broken down, out comes the river, and spoils everything. If the reins break, what happens? There is generally a smash. Do you see?
Do not you be troubled about your circumstances. You will find that the Lord will sustain you in any circumstances, and even make them the channels of His grace. Cleave to the Lord, and be devoted to the Lord. Give Him the right place in your heart here, and He will sustain you. "FOLLOW THOU ME" (John 21:22) would seem to be His last word to Peter. Has it no voice for you and me? Seekers for Light - Dr. W. T. P. Wolston, MD
I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.
Though none go with me, by grace I'll follow, no turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, and Christ before me, no turning back, No turning back.
O take this old world but give me Jesus, I'll not go back, I'll not go back.
Sadhu Sundar Singh
N.J. Hiebert - 8804
Friends, He is a wonderful Lord you and I are called to follow. The Lord give you grace to follow Him. Who will start? But to find Him is one thing; to follow Him is another. You learn what it is to become "a living stone" (1 Peter 2:5) as you come in contact with Christ, and learn to follow Him when He eclipses everything else in your soul's vision. Possibly you say, If I were in different circumstances I would follow Christ. No, you would not. Your circumstances are the best if only you knew it.
You know what reins are for; you know what they are to the horse. They keep the creature in order, and so do your circumstances. They keep you in order. If the banks are broken down, out comes the river, and spoils everything. If the reins break, what happens? There is generally a smash. Do you see?
Do not you be troubled about your circumstances. You will find that the Lord will sustain you in any circumstances, and even make them the channels of His grace. Cleave to the Lord, and be devoted to the Lord. Give Him the right place in your heart here, and He will sustain you. "FOLLOW THOU ME" (John 21:22) would seem to be His last word to Peter. Has it no voice for you and me? Seekers for Light - Dr. W. T. P. Wolston, MD
I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.
Though none go with me, by grace I'll follow, no turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, and Christ before me, no turning back, No turning back.
O take this old world but give me Jesus, I'll not go back, I'll not go back.
Sadhu Sundar Singh
N.J. Hiebert - 8804
April 3
HE GOES BEFORE YOU
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27
He goes before you, O my heart! Fear not to follow where He leads;
He knows the strength each task demands, He knows the grace each trial needs.
He's just a little farther on along the dark and lonely way,
His bleeding footprints you may trace, He goes before you all the day.
He goes before you, O my heart! through deepest depth, o'er highest height;
He knows where lurks the ambushed foe and what the battles you must fight;
He sees the pitfalls you will meet, the place where you may faint or fall;
The weariness, the pain, the tears, He goes before, He knows it all.
He goes before you, O my heart! He does not ask that you shall bear
A single pang He has not borne, a single grief He does not share;
He beckons on through toil and woe, through storm or calm or tempest blast.
And you shall see Him as He said, for He shall lead you home at last.
He goes before you, O my heart! still follow on through gain or loss,
And for the joy that's set before, despised the shame, endured the cross.
The path your faltering steps must take is one His nail-pierced feet have trod;
Through Garden, Mount and riven Tomb He went before you He is God.
Flint's Best-Loved Poems
N.J. Hiebert - 8805
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27
He goes before you, O my heart! Fear not to follow where He leads;
He knows the strength each task demands, He knows the grace each trial needs.
He's just a little farther on along the dark and lonely way,
His bleeding footprints you may trace, He goes before you all the day.
He goes before you, O my heart! through deepest depth, o'er highest height;
He knows where lurks the ambushed foe and what the battles you must fight;
He sees the pitfalls you will meet, the place where you may faint or fall;
The weariness, the pain, the tears, He goes before, He knows it all.
He goes before you, O my heart! He does not ask that you shall bear
A single pang He has not borne, a single grief He does not share;
He beckons on through toil and woe, through storm or calm or tempest blast.
And you shall see Him as He said, for He shall lead you home at last.
He goes before you, O my heart! still follow on through gain or loss,
And for the joy that's set before, despised the shame, endured the cross.
The path your faltering steps must take is one His nail-pierced feet have trod;
Through Garden, Mount and riven Tomb He went before you He is God.
Flint's Best-Loved Poems
N.J. Hiebert - 8805
April 4
If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength but wisdom is profitable to direct. Ecclesiastes10:10
Years ago in the Pacific Northwestern US, when logging was a very physically demanding job, a logging company advertised for strong, hard working men. An eager, muscular young man who was searching for work saw the ad. He immediately traveled to the location where the logging crew was felling trees. Arriving there and finding the foreman of the logging crew, he introduced himself and requested that he would be hired for the work. The foreman silently and carefully looked over the young man. After a few moments he said; "well son, hiring you depends on how you demonstrate your hard work".
Handing him an axe the foreman pointed to a large tree and continued; "Let me see you fell that tree". The young man eagerly stepped forward, took the axe, and over a remarkably short period of time, quite skillfully felled the great tree. Very impressed, the foreman said; "You can start working with us on Monday!" The happy young man showed up early the next Monday morning and eagerly began to work with the crew, felling trees. He did the same on Tuesday, on Wednesday, and on Thursday. When quitting time rolled around that Thursday the foreman stopped the young logger before he left work, saying; "You can pick up your pay cheque on the way out today."
The young man was surprised. He stammered; "But,--but, I thought we got paid on Fridays." "Yes we do," replied the foreman, "But I'm sorry, I have to let you go today. Our daily tree felling charts show that you've dropped from first place on Monday to last place today." "But" objected the young man, "I've arrived here first every day, I leave last, and I've even worked through our rest breaks!" The foreman, who liked the young man and felt sorry for him, thought for a moment. Then he asked, "Have you been sharpening your axe?" After a long pause came the crestfallen answer, "I've been working so hard, I haven't taken the time". Smiling, the foreman told him, "then that will be the first thing you do tomorrow morning".
Doug Nicolet - T.C.S. - October 2015.
N.J. Hiebert - 8806
Years ago in the Pacific Northwestern US, when logging was a very physically demanding job, a logging company advertised for strong, hard working men. An eager, muscular young man who was searching for work saw the ad. He immediately traveled to the location where the logging crew was felling trees. Arriving there and finding the foreman of the logging crew, he introduced himself and requested that he would be hired for the work. The foreman silently and carefully looked over the young man. After a few moments he said; "well son, hiring you depends on how you demonstrate your hard work".
Handing him an axe the foreman pointed to a large tree and continued; "Let me see you fell that tree". The young man eagerly stepped forward, took the axe, and over a remarkably short period of time, quite skillfully felled the great tree. Very impressed, the foreman said; "You can start working with us on Monday!" The happy young man showed up early the next Monday morning and eagerly began to work with the crew, felling trees. He did the same on Tuesday, on Wednesday, and on Thursday. When quitting time rolled around that Thursday the foreman stopped the young logger before he left work, saying; "You can pick up your pay cheque on the way out today."
The young man was surprised. He stammered; "But,--but, I thought we got paid on Fridays." "Yes we do," replied the foreman, "But I'm sorry, I have to let you go today. Our daily tree felling charts show that you've dropped from first place on Monday to last place today." "But" objected the young man, "I've arrived here first every day, I leave last, and I've even worked through our rest breaks!" The foreman, who liked the young man and felt sorry for him, thought for a moment. Then he asked, "Have you been sharpening your axe?" After a long pause came the crestfallen answer, "I've been working so hard, I haven't taken the time". Smiling, the foreman told him, "then that will be the first thing you do tomorrow morning".
Doug Nicolet - T.C.S. - October 2015.
N.J. Hiebert - 8806
April 5
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9
It is so easy to lose heart in doing good. That poor soul you helped out the other day, later proved to be a crook, and not in need at all, and you vowed you will not be taken in as easily again. No, no; let us not be discouraged; let us not give in to evil. Next time you may turn away somebody really in need: and "whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard." (Proverbs 21:13)
Or that Sunday School class that is so noisy and unruly! It seems to be useless to try and go on with them. You are desperate. It's not worth trying any longer.
I once did that. I once had a desperately bad Sunday School, and at the advice of an older brother, I gave it up. About three weeks later I met one of the children on the street, and she said "Oh, why did you give up the Sunday School? I wanted so much to know I was saved. I think I would have found the Lord the very next Sunday: but I had to go somewhere else, and there I found the Lord."
Another time an old brother urged that I should give up some children's work that the Lord had opened up. I was much perplexed, and went for advice to another old brother: and to my amazement he said: "Take on more work of that kind; but never give up! All giving up is of the devil." That was more than fifty years ago, but how often have I thanked God for those words.
Dear Mr. Herbert Taylor, Mr. Hudson Taylor's eldest son, once told me that he was at one time so discouraged that he said to his father, "I'm going to give up." His father replied, "All discouragement is of the devil!" God is "the God of all comfort (encouragement)." (2 Corinthians 1:3). No, beloved, God's Word is clear. "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not." Hid Treasures - G.C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8807
It is so easy to lose heart in doing good. That poor soul you helped out the other day, later proved to be a crook, and not in need at all, and you vowed you will not be taken in as easily again. No, no; let us not be discouraged; let us not give in to evil. Next time you may turn away somebody really in need: and "whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard." (Proverbs 21:13)
Or that Sunday School class that is so noisy and unruly! It seems to be useless to try and go on with them. You are desperate. It's not worth trying any longer.
I once did that. I once had a desperately bad Sunday School, and at the advice of an older brother, I gave it up. About three weeks later I met one of the children on the street, and she said "Oh, why did you give up the Sunday School? I wanted so much to know I was saved. I think I would have found the Lord the very next Sunday: but I had to go somewhere else, and there I found the Lord."
Another time an old brother urged that I should give up some children's work that the Lord had opened up. I was much perplexed, and went for advice to another old brother: and to my amazement he said: "Take on more work of that kind; but never give up! All giving up is of the devil." That was more than fifty years ago, but how often have I thanked God for those words.
Dear Mr. Herbert Taylor, Mr. Hudson Taylor's eldest son, once told me that he was at one time so discouraged that he said to his father, "I'm going to give up." His father replied, "All discouragement is of the devil!" God is "the God of all comfort (encouragement)." (2 Corinthians 1:3). No, beloved, God's Word is clear. "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not." Hid Treasures - G.C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8807
April 6
Them that honour Me I will honour, and they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed." 1 Samuel 2:30
Learn from Daniel's experience never to be flattered by the selection processes of this world. They may carry unacceptable spiritual penalties with them, and one must carefully guard one's availability for God and His service above any other demands that the world might place upon us. God has already selected us for His service and His glory, and there could be no higher ambition than this.
Daniel and his companions were chosen for special pampering under the master of eunuchs. They were allocated a daily allowance of food and wine from the King's table. This food and wine had been first offered to the gods of Babylon before reaching the King's table, and furthermore it did not conform to the special prohibitions and preparations of the Levitical law.
Daniel and his companions were put on the spot at the very start of their new life in the palace. They were being asked to compromise their faithfulness to their God and to His law. Wisely, and courageously, Daniel and his companions refused the king's meat, and chose a vegetarian diet instead, distressing their handler.
The time to take a stand for God in any situation is right at the start. If this isn't done, it is unlikely that we will ever be able to resist the world's pressures, but will find ourselves succumbing to them. So it was with Daniel and his friends. They could do nothing about their selection, or the change of their names. All of that was outside their control, but they could resist when it came to their diet.
I can imagine some saying, "Daniel don't be a fool. Who cares about the Law now, and for that matter, who cares about God? After all, hasn't your God let you down by allowing you to be transported to Babylon? Isn't it a fact that the temple and the priesthood have gone? Why are you being so stubborn about things? When in Babylon do as the Babylonians do, and you'll find acceptance, and have a rosy future." Daniel - William Burnett
N.J. Hiebert - 8808
Learn from Daniel's experience never to be flattered by the selection processes of this world. They may carry unacceptable spiritual penalties with them, and one must carefully guard one's availability for God and His service above any other demands that the world might place upon us. God has already selected us for His service and His glory, and there could be no higher ambition than this.
Daniel and his companions were chosen for special pampering under the master of eunuchs. They were allocated a daily allowance of food and wine from the King's table. This food and wine had been first offered to the gods of Babylon before reaching the King's table, and furthermore it did not conform to the special prohibitions and preparations of the Levitical law.
Daniel and his companions were put on the spot at the very start of their new life in the palace. They were being asked to compromise their faithfulness to their God and to His law. Wisely, and courageously, Daniel and his companions refused the king's meat, and chose a vegetarian diet instead, distressing their handler.
The time to take a stand for God in any situation is right at the start. If this isn't done, it is unlikely that we will ever be able to resist the world's pressures, but will find ourselves succumbing to them. So it was with Daniel and his friends. They could do nothing about their selection, or the change of their names. All of that was outside their control, but they could resist when it came to their diet.
I can imagine some saying, "Daniel don't be a fool. Who cares about the Law now, and for that matter, who cares about God? After all, hasn't your God let you down by allowing you to be transported to Babylon? Isn't it a fact that the temple and the priesthood have gone? Why are you being so stubborn about things? When in Babylon do as the Babylonians do, and you'll find acceptance, and have a rosy future." Daniel - William Burnett
N.J. Hiebert - 8808
April 7
Remember the battle, do no more. Job 41:8
Some battles are more memorable than others whether won or lost. When fighting has been fierce and costly, the battle is vividly remembered by both winners and losers.
The greatest and most significant battle ever waged was at Calvary where the Lord Jesus Christ, though sore wounded and trodden underfoot, was victorious over sin and death and hell. This was the battle of all battles and now that it is over there is nothing more to do than to remember it.
The victory was final and once for all. While there is nothing to add to the work of the cross we do remember the battle, its participants and our ensuing blessings.
Choice Gleanings - Roy Hill
On Calvary's brow my Saviour died, 'twas there my Lord was crucified:
T'was on the cross He bled for me, and purchased there my pardon free.
'Mid rending rocks and darkening skies, My Saviour bows His head and dies;
The opened vail reveals the way to heaven's joy and endless day.
O Jesus, Lord, how can it be, that Thou should give Thy life for me,
To bear the cross and agony, in that dread hour on Calvary?
REFRAIN: O Calvary! dark Calvary! Where Jesus shed His blood for me;
O Calvary! blest Calvary! 'Twas there my Saviour died for me. W. M. K. Darwood
N.J. Hiebert - 8809
Some battles are more memorable than others whether won or lost. When fighting has been fierce and costly, the battle is vividly remembered by both winners and losers.
The greatest and most significant battle ever waged was at Calvary where the Lord Jesus Christ, though sore wounded and trodden underfoot, was victorious over sin and death and hell. This was the battle of all battles and now that it is over there is nothing more to do than to remember it.
The victory was final and once for all. While there is nothing to add to the work of the cross we do remember the battle, its participants and our ensuing blessings.
Choice Gleanings - Roy Hill
On Calvary's brow my Saviour died, 'twas there my Lord was crucified:
T'was on the cross He bled for me, and purchased there my pardon free.
'Mid rending rocks and darkening skies, My Saviour bows His head and dies;
The opened vail reveals the way to heaven's joy and endless day.
O Jesus, Lord, how can it be, that Thou should give Thy life for me,
To bear the cross and agony, in that dread hour on Calvary?
REFRAIN: O Calvary! dark Calvary! Where Jesus shed His blood for me;
O Calvary! blest Calvary! 'Twas there my Saviour died for me. W. M. K. Darwood
N.J. Hiebert - 8809
April 8
But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the Lord: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of men of whom thou art afraid. Jeremiah 39:17
He has for thee:
- A light for every shadow,
- A plan for each tomorrow,
- A key for every problem,
- A balm for every sorrow.
God never leaves us with only one line of comfort, there are many always at hand. There is one that I have not often heard mentioned, and yet there is help to be found in it. "Thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid." What is the thing that you most fear and most earnestly pray about, the thing of all other things that you dread?
If you love your Lord, and yet know your own weakness, is it not that something may happen to sweep you off your feet, or that your strength may be drained and you may yield and fall, and fail Him at the end? I have known many whose lives were shadowed by this fear.
Oh take comfort. The God who knew the heart of His servant Ebed-melech knows our hearts, too. He knows who the men are (what the forces of trial are) of whom we are afraid; and He assures us and reassures us, "Thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid."
There are times when in the multitude of our thoughts within us ("anxious thoughts," JND translation), nothing in all the world can do anything for us but the consolations of our God. These times can come even in the happy days of preparation for service, and in the service too. But the comforts of God come close to us. They love us, and loving us they soothe, gladden, delight, refresh. Amy Carmichael - Thou Givest...They Gather."
N.J. Hiebert - 8810
He has for thee:
- A light for every shadow,
- A plan for each tomorrow,
- A key for every problem,
- A balm for every sorrow.
God never leaves us with only one line of comfort, there are many always at hand. There is one that I have not often heard mentioned, and yet there is help to be found in it. "Thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid." What is the thing that you most fear and most earnestly pray about, the thing of all other things that you dread?
If you love your Lord, and yet know your own weakness, is it not that something may happen to sweep you off your feet, or that your strength may be drained and you may yield and fall, and fail Him at the end? I have known many whose lives were shadowed by this fear.
Oh take comfort. The God who knew the heart of His servant Ebed-melech knows our hearts, too. He knows who the men are (what the forces of trial are) of whom we are afraid; and He assures us and reassures us, "Thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid."
There are times when in the multitude of our thoughts within us ("anxious thoughts," JND translation), nothing in all the world can do anything for us but the consolations of our God. These times can come even in the happy days of preparation for service, and in the service too. But the comforts of God come close to us. They love us, and loving us they soothe, gladden, delight, refresh. Amy Carmichael - Thou Givest...They Gather."
N.J. Hiebert - 8810
April 9
I LOOK NOT BACK
Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13,14.
Looking unto Jesus. Hebrews 12:2
I look not back; God knows the fruitless efforts,
The wasted hours, the sinning, the regrets.
I leave them all with Him who blots the record,
And graciously forgives, and then forgets.
I look not forward; God sees all the future,
The road that, short or long, will lead me home,
And He will face with me its every trial,
And bear for me the burdens that may come.
I look not round me; then would fears assail me,
So wild the tumult of earth's restless seas,
So dark the world, so filled with woe and evil,
So vain the hope of comfort and of ease.
I look not inward; that would make me wretched;
For I have naught on which to stay my trust.
Nothing I see save failures and shortcomings,
And weak endeavours, crumbling into dust.
But I look up--into the face of Jesus,
For there my heart can rest, my fears are stilled;
And there is joy, and love, and light for darkness,
And perfect peace, and every hope fulfilled.
Annie Johnson Flint
N.J. Hiebert - 8811
Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13,14.
Looking unto Jesus. Hebrews 12:2
I look not back; God knows the fruitless efforts,
The wasted hours, the sinning, the regrets.
I leave them all with Him who blots the record,
And graciously forgives, and then forgets.
I look not forward; God sees all the future,
The road that, short or long, will lead me home,
And He will face with me its every trial,
And bear for me the burdens that may come.
I look not round me; then would fears assail me,
So wild the tumult of earth's restless seas,
So dark the world, so filled with woe and evil,
So vain the hope of comfort and of ease.
I look not inward; that would make me wretched;
For I have naught on which to stay my trust.
Nothing I see save failures and shortcomings,
And weak endeavours, crumbling into dust.
But I look up--into the face of Jesus,
For there my heart can rest, my fears are stilled;
And there is joy, and love, and light for darkness,
And perfect peace, and every hope fulfilled.
Annie Johnson Flint
N.J. Hiebert - 8811
April 10
There was a man...whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. Job 1:1
When we turn to this ancient book in our Bibles, we find that God searched the world over, not for the worst man, but for the best, and He tells us Job's strangely pathetic story and shows how that good man was brought to repentance that thus "every mouth may be stopped" (Romans 3:19), and all the world of men might be brought in guilty before Him. For if a man of Job's character must repent, what shall be said of me, and of you, who come so far behind him in righteousness and integrity and have sinned so deplorably and come so far short of the glory of God? Can you not see the wisdom of Jehovah in selecting such a man to show the need that all men should repent?
Consider the case of Job. A wealthy Oriental sheik, apparently, he lived in the days before the knowledge of God had been lost. Romans 1 shows us men turned from the living and true God to vain idols, and "for this cause God gave them up" (Romans 1:26) to all sorts of unclean practices. Job had escaped all this. He was perfect in his behaviour, upright in all his ways, one who reverenced God and detested iniquity. In chapters 1 and 2, we get a remarkable revelation of things in the unseen world. Job is the subject of a conversation between God and Satan, the accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10) who accuses them before God day and night.
The Lord challenges Satan, "Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth...one that feareth God, and escheweth [shuns] evil?" (Job 1:8). Note Job was all that God said he was--a man of faith, a true child of God. This book give us, then, not the repentance of a sinner, but the repentance of a saint. Satan denies the truthfulness of the divine estimate of Job and particularly declares that Job does not love and reverence the Lord for what He is in Himself, but for what Job received at His hand. To prove the contrary, the devil is permitted to wrest from the patriarch all that He possessed. Instead of renouncing God, Job exclaims, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21). Unless You Repent-H. A. Ironside
N.J. Hiebert - 8812
When we turn to this ancient book in our Bibles, we find that God searched the world over, not for the worst man, but for the best, and He tells us Job's strangely pathetic story and shows how that good man was brought to repentance that thus "every mouth may be stopped" (Romans 3:19), and all the world of men might be brought in guilty before Him. For if a man of Job's character must repent, what shall be said of me, and of you, who come so far behind him in righteousness and integrity and have sinned so deplorably and come so far short of the glory of God? Can you not see the wisdom of Jehovah in selecting such a man to show the need that all men should repent?
Consider the case of Job. A wealthy Oriental sheik, apparently, he lived in the days before the knowledge of God had been lost. Romans 1 shows us men turned from the living and true God to vain idols, and "for this cause God gave them up" (Romans 1:26) to all sorts of unclean practices. Job had escaped all this. He was perfect in his behaviour, upright in all his ways, one who reverenced God and detested iniquity. In chapters 1 and 2, we get a remarkable revelation of things in the unseen world. Job is the subject of a conversation between God and Satan, the accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10) who accuses them before God day and night.
The Lord challenges Satan, "Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth...one that feareth God, and escheweth [shuns] evil?" (Job 1:8). Note Job was all that God said he was--a man of faith, a true child of God. This book give us, then, not the repentance of a sinner, but the repentance of a saint. Satan denies the truthfulness of the divine estimate of Job and particularly declares that Job does not love and reverence the Lord for what He is in Himself, but for what Job received at His hand. To prove the contrary, the devil is permitted to wrest from the patriarch all that He possessed. Instead of renouncing God, Job exclaims, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21). Unless You Repent-H. A. Ironside
N.J. Hiebert - 8812
April 11
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9 "Let us not lose heart in doing the right."
It is a different word from the "good things" we read of in verse 6. It is often translated "beautiful." These truly are good things--beautiful things, noble things, honourable things; these are the things every one of us may do every day. We call them little things very often; perhaps giving a drink of cold water to someone who is thirsty. But that deed will get its reward; It will have a harvest.
Most of our lives are filled up with little things--often we think useless little things that are of little profit, but, have to be done--meals have to be cooked, dishes have to be washed, children have to be cared for, our business or our daily job has to be done, and often we long for for something "bigger and better," as we suppose, to do for our Lord. Brother, sister, these little, daily duties may be the good, the noble, the honourable thing, "the right thing" for you to be doing.
The Lord says to you two things: Do not lose heart; do not relax. We first lose heart, it seems to be so useless. Perhaps you teach a Sunday school class, but the children are not converted. Do not lose heart, do not relax; in its own time you shall reap. It is God's own promise, and it must be true.
The word "relax" is what happens to a bow string if it becomes loose; and then the bow is useless. The bow is only useful while the string is tight. So if I relax in my work for the Lord, I become useless also; and remember in "its own time" (and that may be a long time, for seeds do not all grow quickly), in "its own time" we shall reap if we do not relax. Meditations on Galatians - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8813
It is a different word from the "good things" we read of in verse 6. It is often translated "beautiful." These truly are good things--beautiful things, noble things, honourable things; these are the things every one of us may do every day. We call them little things very often; perhaps giving a drink of cold water to someone who is thirsty. But that deed will get its reward; It will have a harvest.
Most of our lives are filled up with little things--often we think useless little things that are of little profit, but, have to be done--meals have to be cooked, dishes have to be washed, children have to be cared for, our business or our daily job has to be done, and often we long for for something "bigger and better," as we suppose, to do for our Lord. Brother, sister, these little, daily duties may be the good, the noble, the honourable thing, "the right thing" for you to be doing.
The Lord says to you two things: Do not lose heart; do not relax. We first lose heart, it seems to be so useless. Perhaps you teach a Sunday school class, but the children are not converted. Do not lose heart, do not relax; in its own time you shall reap. It is God's own promise, and it must be true.
The word "relax" is what happens to a bow string if it becomes loose; and then the bow is useless. The bow is only useful while the string is tight. So if I relax in my work for the Lord, I become useless also; and remember in "its own time" (and that may be a long time, for seeds do not all grow quickly), in "its own time" we shall reap if we do not relax. Meditations on Galatians - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8813
April 12
And Judah said, what shall we say unto my lord? what shall we speak? or how shall we clear ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants: behold, we are my lord's servants!" Genesis 44:16
Joseph's brothers no longer attempt to justify themselves as to the present, they do not attempt to clear themselves as to the past. They are convicted sinners "found out" by God; and they entirely submit to Joseph, "We are my lord's servants," (V.16) they say. This indeed is excellent, but these are words and may be but empty profession. Words must be proved by deeds.
Judah, therefore, comes forward on behalf of the brethren, and proves the reality of their words by what they are prepared to do. He can say, "Let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren."(V.33). Moreover; the pleading love that breathes throughout Judah's touching appeal proves how deep the repentance that has been wrought in their souls.
The heart of stone has indeed been changed into a heart of flesh. As a son he pleads for Jacob. He is our father, he is an old man, he loves Benjamin (v.20), "his life is bound up in the lad's life" (v.30). How can "I see the evil that shall come on my father?" (34) As a true brother he pleads for Benjamin. He is "a lad," "a little one" (v.20), "Our youngest brother."
But this appeal to Joseph shows that not only repentance has been wrought but confidence has been in measure won. A beautiful picture of that "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21) which always accompanies a true work of grace.
Joseph - Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8814
Joseph's brothers no longer attempt to justify themselves as to the present, they do not attempt to clear themselves as to the past. They are convicted sinners "found out" by God; and they entirely submit to Joseph, "We are my lord's servants," (V.16) they say. This indeed is excellent, but these are words and may be but empty profession. Words must be proved by deeds.
Judah, therefore, comes forward on behalf of the brethren, and proves the reality of their words by what they are prepared to do. He can say, "Let thy servant abide instead of the lad a bondman to my lord; and let the lad go up with his brethren."(V.33). Moreover; the pleading love that breathes throughout Judah's touching appeal proves how deep the repentance that has been wrought in their souls.
The heart of stone has indeed been changed into a heart of flesh. As a son he pleads for Jacob. He is our father, he is an old man, he loves Benjamin (v.20), "his life is bound up in the lad's life" (v.30). How can "I see the evil that shall come on my father?" (34) As a true brother he pleads for Benjamin. He is "a lad," "a little one" (v.20), "Our youngest brother."
But this appeal to Joseph shows that not only repentance has been wrought but confidence has been in measure won. A beautiful picture of that "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21) which always accompanies a true work of grace.
Joseph - Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8814
April 13
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