But now, O LORD, Thou art our Father; we are the clay, and Thou our potter; and we all are the work of Thy hand." Isaiah 64:8
The Potter has the power, the knowledge and the skill,
To fashion every vessel, according to His will.
The pattern and the purpose, of every vessel planned,
Its usefulness and beauty are in the potter's hand.
The clay makes no decision, has no will of its own,
But yielded to the potter, His pattern is made known.
And thus the Master Potter, our service has outlined;
He asks us to be yielded unto His Will and Mind.
His purpose to acknowledge, to listen to His voice,
To let Him plan our pathway, according to His choice.
A vessel marred and broken, we may not understand,
But all can be committed unto the Potter's hand.
Our Father's way is perfect, His thought toward us is love;
He's fashioning and molding, for life with Him above.
To trust the Heavenly Potter, and let Him mold the clay,
Brings joy, and peace, and blessing, and happiness alway. Anon
N.J. Hiebert - 8903
July 11
There was given to me (Paul) a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan. 2 Corinthians 12:7
The Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power. Job 1:12. [Satan said] Put forth Thine hand now (v.2:5). And the Lord said unto Satan, behold he is in thine hand. (v.2:6) So Satan . . . smote Job (v.2:7). When He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (v.23:10)
Father, if Thou be willing . . . nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done. (Luke 22:42) This is your hour, and the power of darkness. (v.22:53).
As a child I puzzled over the fact that though all Christian people spoke of pain as sent from God, they did all that in them lay to avoid it, or if it came, to get rid of it. Doctors who helped them to do so were prayed for as very special servants of God. And yet they were working against the very thing that God had sent.
It was very puzzling, and I can remember the delight of finding the words, "An enemy hath done this (Matthew 13:28), and feeling that they must apply to all that hurt and wounded either spirit or body. And yet there was a mystery somewhere. And it was not explained.
I think now that it never will be explained until we stand in the light of God; but these words from Paul and Job and our Lord's own prayer help us to understand. All pain, all ill, is a messenger from Satan, and yet the thorn was a gift. The Spirit of God takes care to let us know that it was Satan's hand, not the Father's, that hurt Job. And yet the cruel hand was turned into a crucible, and the fire refined the gold. The power of darkness crucified the Lord of glory. But Love won on Calvary. Whispers of His Power - Amy Carmichael.
N.J. Hiebert - 8904
The Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power. Job 1:12. [Satan said] Put forth Thine hand now (v.2:5). And the Lord said unto Satan, behold he is in thine hand. (v.2:6) So Satan . . . smote Job (v.2:7). When He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (v.23:10)
Father, if Thou be willing . . . nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done. (Luke 22:42) This is your hour, and the power of darkness. (v.22:53).
As a child I puzzled over the fact that though all Christian people spoke of pain as sent from God, they did all that in them lay to avoid it, or if it came, to get rid of it. Doctors who helped them to do so were prayed for as very special servants of God. And yet they were working against the very thing that God had sent.
It was very puzzling, and I can remember the delight of finding the words, "An enemy hath done this (Matthew 13:28), and feeling that they must apply to all that hurt and wounded either spirit or body. And yet there was a mystery somewhere. And it was not explained.
I think now that it never will be explained until we stand in the light of God; but these words from Paul and Job and our Lord's own prayer help us to understand. All pain, all ill, is a messenger from Satan, and yet the thorn was a gift. The Spirit of God takes care to let us know that it was Satan's hand, not the Father's, that hurt Job. And yet the cruel hand was turned into a crucible, and the fire refined the gold. The power of darkness crucified the Lord of glory. But Love won on Calvary. Whispers of His Power - Amy Carmichael.
N.J. Hiebert - 8904
July 12
Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Jeremiah 18:2
Many times in our lives events and circumstances that seem particularly hard or discouraging are allowed by our wise and loving Father. No doubt each have at times wondered how it is that divine love could order such painful trials and testings--what possible purpose could be served by such difficulties and sorrows? Broken dreams, broken hearts, failure as husbands and wives, as parents, as children, as brethren in Christ--Oh! how despondent thoughts flood in at these times!
Perhaps one has longed to serve the Lord Jesus effectively--desiring that this life would count for something and that there might be the joy of receiving His approval in that coming day of glory. Then the dark, menacing clouds of doubt because of past all too frequent and miserable failures loom on the horizon and once again the storm of discouragement breaks on you. Then come the flood of questions: "How could He ever use me after how badly I have failed Him? He can't trust me to do anything for Him again so why not just give up."
Maybe you're seeking to serve the Lord, feeling very clear that He has led you into a particular ministry, only to find such a host of trials and pressures that it now seems you must surely have missed His mind about entering that service.
At these moments it seems almost impossible to be able to say in that confidence of faith: "I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). Beset with the howling winds of discouragement, we can easily fail to hear His tender and comforting words; "I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee" (Isaiah 41:13). If we visit the Potter's House there we will watch Him at work, seeking to learn how it is that a lump of sticky, apparently useless mud is turned into a beautiful, valuable piece of pottery--a vessel, meet for the Master's use (2 Timothy 2:21). In The Potter's Hands - D. Nicolet
N.J. Hiebert - 8905
Many times in our lives events and circumstances that seem particularly hard or discouraging are allowed by our wise and loving Father. No doubt each have at times wondered how it is that divine love could order such painful trials and testings--what possible purpose could be served by such difficulties and sorrows? Broken dreams, broken hearts, failure as husbands and wives, as parents, as children, as brethren in Christ--Oh! how despondent thoughts flood in at these times!
Perhaps one has longed to serve the Lord Jesus effectively--desiring that this life would count for something and that there might be the joy of receiving His approval in that coming day of glory. Then the dark, menacing clouds of doubt because of past all too frequent and miserable failures loom on the horizon and once again the storm of discouragement breaks on you. Then come the flood of questions: "How could He ever use me after how badly I have failed Him? He can't trust me to do anything for Him again so why not just give up."
Maybe you're seeking to serve the Lord, feeling very clear that He has led you into a particular ministry, only to find such a host of trials and pressures that it now seems you must surely have missed His mind about entering that service.
At these moments it seems almost impossible to be able to say in that confidence of faith: "I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13). Beset with the howling winds of discouragement, we can easily fail to hear His tender and comforting words; "I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee" (Isaiah 41:13). If we visit the Potter's House there we will watch Him at work, seeking to learn how it is that a lump of sticky, apparently useless mud is turned into a beautiful, valuable piece of pottery--a vessel, meet for the Master's use (2 Timothy 2:21). In The Potter's Hands - D. Nicolet
N.J. Hiebert - 8905
July 13
The times of the Gentiles. Luke 21:24
Daniel chapter 2 is the story of a crisis in Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, but upon waking, he could not remember what the dream had been. He then made completely unreasonable demands on his wise men. He wanted them to tell him what he had dreamed, and also its meaning. He told them that failure would incur death, but that success would bring gifts, rewards and great honour. Not unexpectedly, his wise men said, "There is none other that can show it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh" (Daniel 2:11)
Subsequent to this confession of failure, the king gave the order to execute all of the wise men, and of course this included Daniel and his friends. On the surface of things, this was a crisis of unprecedented proportions. Daniel and his friends were at risk, but what followed shows how we can use times of crisis to advantage, and find opportunities to glorify God. Daniel and his friends took up the challenge of the king since they knew "the God, whose dwelling was not with flesh." They were confident that God could reveal the thing to them, thus saving their lives, and the lives of the wise men of Babylon.
How do we view the crises that arise in our lives? Too often crises propel us into uncontrolled panic. "He that believeth shall not make haste" (panic) (Isiah 28:16). Daniel believed that God was sovereign, and that this crisis was a time of opportunity rather than a disaster, and he did not panic. Daniel believed that God could over-rule the insanity of an unreasonable yet powerful king, bringing deliverance to them, and glory to God.
Similarly, our world today seems to be spinning out of control, and the prediction of Scripture of "men's hearts failing them for fear" (Luke 21:26) is evident all around. How do we rest in the confidence that our God is sovereign, and that these crises could induce a period of unprecedented opportunity to present the gospel as the only answer to man's fundamental need? As men see their whole material world collapsing, may we be like Daniel, bringing words of confidence and assurance that God can be trusted to deliver the one who trusts in Him. Daniel - Willian Burnett
N.J. Hiebert - 8906
Daniel chapter 2 is the story of a crisis in Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, but upon waking, he could not remember what the dream had been. He then made completely unreasonable demands on his wise men. He wanted them to tell him what he had dreamed, and also its meaning. He told them that failure would incur death, but that success would bring gifts, rewards and great honour. Not unexpectedly, his wise men said, "There is none other that can show it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh" (Daniel 2:11)
Subsequent to this confession of failure, the king gave the order to execute all of the wise men, and of course this included Daniel and his friends. On the surface of things, this was a crisis of unprecedented proportions. Daniel and his friends were at risk, but what followed shows how we can use times of crisis to advantage, and find opportunities to glorify God. Daniel and his friends took up the challenge of the king since they knew "the God, whose dwelling was not with flesh." They were confident that God could reveal the thing to them, thus saving their lives, and the lives of the wise men of Babylon.
How do we view the crises that arise in our lives? Too often crises propel us into uncontrolled panic. "He that believeth shall not make haste" (panic) (Isiah 28:16). Daniel believed that God was sovereign, and that this crisis was a time of opportunity rather than a disaster, and he did not panic. Daniel believed that God could over-rule the insanity of an unreasonable yet powerful king, bringing deliverance to them, and glory to God.
Similarly, our world today seems to be spinning out of control, and the prediction of Scripture of "men's hearts failing them for fear" (Luke 21:26) is evident all around. How do we rest in the confidence that our God is sovereign, and that these crises could induce a period of unprecedented opportunity to present the gospel as the only answer to man's fundamental need? As men see their whole material world collapsing, may we be like Daniel, bringing words of confidence and assurance that God can be trusted to deliver the one who trusts in Him. Daniel - Willian Burnett
N.J. Hiebert - 8906
July 14
Even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Corinthians 5:7-8
Let us look a little at the circumstances which accompanied the Passover. The blood on the lintel formed the simple basis of the Israelite's security. But there are other points of deep interest into which the spiritual mind can enter with much profit.
First, the lamb was eaten roasted with fire. No other process could have told out the significant principle with the same emphasis. The action of fire upon the body of the lamb gave expression to the intensity of Christ's sufferings when He exposed His blessed person to the full action of Jehovah's wrath against sin.
It was one thing to rest in the security of the shed blood and another thing to eat of the "lamb roast with fire." Hence the apostle says, "That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings." Here was the desire of one who had already rested in the blood.
The fellowship of Christ's sufferings is but little known even by those who are resting in Christ's blood; were it more entered into, there would be far more depth of experience and power of Christian action than there is. We are too ready to rest content with knowing the value of the blood, without feeding on the Lamb, and thus we lose much of our privilege of personal fellowship with Jesus.
It is not merely the work which has been done, but the One who has done it. The former is properly the object for the sinner, the later for the saint; and the more the saint is enabled to enter into what Christ is, the more perfect will be his repose in His work. C. H. Mackintosh
This joy was set before Thee, this armed Thy suffering heart.
That we should share Thy glory, and with Thee have our part. J. G. Deck
N.J. Hiebert - 8907
Let us look a little at the circumstances which accompanied the Passover. The blood on the lintel formed the simple basis of the Israelite's security. But there are other points of deep interest into which the spiritual mind can enter with much profit.
First, the lamb was eaten roasted with fire. No other process could have told out the significant principle with the same emphasis. The action of fire upon the body of the lamb gave expression to the intensity of Christ's sufferings when He exposed His blessed person to the full action of Jehovah's wrath against sin.
It was one thing to rest in the security of the shed blood and another thing to eat of the "lamb roast with fire." Hence the apostle says, "That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings." Here was the desire of one who had already rested in the blood.
The fellowship of Christ's sufferings is but little known even by those who are resting in Christ's blood; were it more entered into, there would be far more depth of experience and power of Christian action than there is. We are too ready to rest content with knowing the value of the blood, without feeding on the Lamb, and thus we lose much of our privilege of personal fellowship with Jesus.
It is not merely the work which has been done, but the One who has done it. The former is properly the object for the sinner, the later for the saint; and the more the saint is enabled to enter into what Christ is, the more perfect will be his repose in His work. C. H. Mackintosh
This joy was set before Thee, this armed Thy suffering heart.
That we should share Thy glory, and with Thee have our part. J. G. Deck
N.J. Hiebert - 8907
July 15
Thou, O Lord, remainest forever. Lamentations 5:19
Therefore I will look unto the Lord. Micah 7:7
If a man could not turn to God in the hour of his deepest need and come boldly to the throne of grace for help in such a time, then the gospel would mean nothing and Christian experience a delusion. I do not find David seeking relief from his troubles in some ungodly diversion.
Our Lord set no example of turning to the world in the hour of trial. He sad, "In the world ye shall have tribulation [pressure]: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
The New Testament does not advocate relaxing one's conduct to let the hair down when in distress. There should be healthy and happy enjoyment of life's innocent pleasures indeed, but we need not call in Satan under the guise of a specialist or renounce our holy walk because our nerves have failed. The twenty-Third Psalm has comforted more distraught, sick souls than all the clever tricks offered by the world, the flesh, and the devil.
Our God is a very present help in trouble and just when we need Him Jesus is near. I remember one bleak evening during these weeks of testing when I came into a lonely motel room where I was to stay while I preached for a few days. The Bible lay open on the table at Psalm 42 and this precious verse:
"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in Me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. (Psalm 42:5). Call that coincidence if you will but I call it Providence! Though I Walk Through the theValley - Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 8908
Therefore I will look unto the Lord. Micah 7:7
If a man could not turn to God in the hour of his deepest need and come boldly to the throne of grace for help in such a time, then the gospel would mean nothing and Christian experience a delusion. I do not find David seeking relief from his troubles in some ungodly diversion.
Our Lord set no example of turning to the world in the hour of trial. He sad, "In the world ye shall have tribulation [pressure]: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
The New Testament does not advocate relaxing one's conduct to let the hair down when in distress. There should be healthy and happy enjoyment of life's innocent pleasures indeed, but we need not call in Satan under the guise of a specialist or renounce our holy walk because our nerves have failed. The twenty-Third Psalm has comforted more distraught, sick souls than all the clever tricks offered by the world, the flesh, and the devil.
Our God is a very present help in trouble and just when we need Him Jesus is near. I remember one bleak evening during these weeks of testing when I came into a lonely motel room where I was to stay while I preached for a few days. The Bible lay open on the table at Psalm 42 and this precious verse:
"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in Me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. (Psalm 42:5). Call that coincidence if you will but I call it Providence! Though I Walk Through the theValley - Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 8908
July 16
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4
"It is worthy of note that the salutation "Rejoice" is really the Greek salutation. The Hebrew salutation is "Peace!" The clear, cheerful, world-enjoying temper of the Greek embodies itself in the first; he could desire nothing better or higher for himself, nor wish it for his friend, than to have joy in his life.
But the Hebrew had a deeper longing within him, and one which finds utterance in his word, "Peace". It is not hard to perceive why this latter people (Hebrew) should have been chosen as the first bearers of that truth which indeed enables men truly to rejoice, but only through first bringing peace; nor why from them the word of life should first go forth." (Trench - Study of Words)
It is possible that the lightness with which Judas performed his dark deed of betrayal, and the thought of the thirty pieces of silver that he had gained, caused him to use the lighter Greek salutation (rejoice) rather than his own native, and deeper salutation, "Peace!" But our Lord, having made peace through the blood of His cross, and having won true joy for His own; He can greet them first of all by saying, "Ch a i r e t e: Rejoice!"
But the same day at even Jesus Himself stood in the midst of His disciples, and saith unto them, "Peace be upon you." And when He had so said He showed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad when they had seen the Lord. Then saith Jesus to them again, "Peace be unto you." And so, through that mighty victory, our Lord has won both salutations for us: both Greek and Hebrew:
"Chairete . . . . Rejoice Ye!"
"Eirene humin . . . . Peace be unto you!"
Hid Treasures - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8909
"It is worthy of note that the salutation "Rejoice" is really the Greek salutation. The Hebrew salutation is "Peace!" The clear, cheerful, world-enjoying temper of the Greek embodies itself in the first; he could desire nothing better or higher for himself, nor wish it for his friend, than to have joy in his life.
But the Hebrew had a deeper longing within him, and one which finds utterance in his word, "Peace". It is not hard to perceive why this latter people (Hebrew) should have been chosen as the first bearers of that truth which indeed enables men truly to rejoice, but only through first bringing peace; nor why from them the word of life should first go forth." (Trench - Study of Words)
It is possible that the lightness with which Judas performed his dark deed of betrayal, and the thought of the thirty pieces of silver that he had gained, caused him to use the lighter Greek salutation (rejoice) rather than his own native, and deeper salutation, "Peace!" But our Lord, having made peace through the blood of His cross, and having won true joy for His own; He can greet them first of all by saying, "Ch a i r e t e: Rejoice!"
But the same day at even Jesus Himself stood in the midst of His disciples, and saith unto them, "Peace be upon you." And when He had so said He showed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad when they had seen the Lord. Then saith Jesus to them again, "Peace be unto you." And so, through that mighty victory, our Lord has won both salutations for us: both Greek and Hebrew:
"Chairete . . . . Rejoice Ye!"
"Eirene humin . . . . Peace be unto you!"
Hid Treasures - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8909
July 17
Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16
In earlier days of news reporting, a breaking news event drew many reporters to the scene, all awaiting some official word. Then they had to quickly phone their report in to the City Desk at their newspaper. For the smart ones, the number one task was to search out a rather scarce telephone and open up a direct line. Then they recruited and paid someone to simply talk on the line to keep the operator from pulling the plug on an idle phone. They could say or read anything just as long as communication continued until the story broke.
This is an illustration of the continuously open line that we have to the ear of God. The difference is that it is never shut down, but we can so easily ignore it. Far better to keep the line in use by talking early and often to God, our Father. When we lay our concerns before Him, He often gives us a verse that exactly suits the situation.
But always remember that first of all, our Father wants to hear our praise and thanksgiving. We owe Him so much, for which we could never have paid. "The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 3:23. This, of course, brings in the reality of Calvary. Through it all, the Lord endured indescribable suffering to the very end, in obedience to God, His Father, and on our behalf. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief" 1 Timothy 1:15. Paul, in all his self-righteousness, was one who had victimized people who trusted and followed Jesus. As a redeemed servant of Christ, He took no exalted position. Nor should we.
It cost the reporter of olden days something to keep that phone line open, but for us it is one of the free gifts the Father has granted; a direct and permanently accessible line to His throne. He hears every word we say in prayer, and whenever the Lord Jesus is exalted before Him, He is gratified. Lorne Perry
N.J. Hiebert - 8910
In earlier days of news reporting, a breaking news event drew many reporters to the scene, all awaiting some official word. Then they had to quickly phone their report in to the City Desk at their newspaper. For the smart ones, the number one task was to search out a rather scarce telephone and open up a direct line. Then they recruited and paid someone to simply talk on the line to keep the operator from pulling the plug on an idle phone. They could say or read anything just as long as communication continued until the story broke.
This is an illustration of the continuously open line that we have to the ear of God. The difference is that it is never shut down, but we can so easily ignore it. Far better to keep the line in use by talking early and often to God, our Father. When we lay our concerns before Him, He often gives us a verse that exactly suits the situation.
But always remember that first of all, our Father wants to hear our praise and thanksgiving. We owe Him so much, for which we could never have paid. "The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 3:23. This, of course, brings in the reality of Calvary. Through it all, the Lord endured indescribable suffering to the very end, in obedience to God, His Father, and on our behalf. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief" 1 Timothy 1:15. Paul, in all his self-righteousness, was one who had victimized people who trusted and followed Jesus. As a redeemed servant of Christ, He took no exalted position. Nor should we.
It cost the reporter of olden days something to keep that phone line open, but for us it is one of the free gifts the Father has granted; a direct and permanently accessible line to His throne. He hears every word we say in prayer, and whenever the Lord Jesus is exalted before Him, He is gratified. Lorne Perry
N.J. Hiebert - 8910
July 18
And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything, according to His will, He heareth us; and if we know that He hear us: whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him. 1 John 5:14,15
Love gave us these words and only love can understand them. One who loves his Father knows by a kind of Heavenly instinct what he may ask for, and what he may not ask for. Or if he be in any doubt, he ceases to ask anything and rests his heart on his Lord's own prayer, "Thy will be done".
So it is that he has this confidence, and knows that he has the petitions that he has desired of Him.
The words are not for casual use, or for any except those who earnestly want to be His true lovers, to whom the lightest wish of their Lord is a command. The least of us may be a lover. Edges of His Ways - Amy Carmichael
What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear;
What a privilege to carry every-thing to God in prayer.
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear;
All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness--take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He'll take and shield thee, thou wilt find a solace there. J. Scriven
N.J. Hiebert - 8911
Love gave us these words and only love can understand them. One who loves his Father knows by a kind of Heavenly instinct what he may ask for, and what he may not ask for. Or if he be in any doubt, he ceases to ask anything and rests his heart on his Lord's own prayer, "Thy will be done".
So it is that he has this confidence, and knows that he has the petitions that he has desired of Him.
The words are not for casual use, or for any except those who earnestly want to be His true lovers, to whom the lightest wish of their Lord is a command. The least of us may be a lover. Edges of His Ways - Amy Carmichael
What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear;
What a privilege to carry every-thing to God in prayer.
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear;
All because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness--take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He'll take and shield thee, thou wilt find a solace there. J. Scriven
N.J. Hiebert - 8911
July 19
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16" "Let us approach therefore with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace for seasonable help." (J.N.D. translation).
What is the difference in the two translations? This: if you lift a man out of a deep hole into which he has accidentally fallen, you would be giving him help in time of need; if you guard him from falling into the hole, you would be rendering him seasonable help. A fence at the top of a precipice is better than a hospital at the bottom.
He ever lives to intercede and hence the grace of God is not only equal for a second but for sixty seconds, not only for a minute but for sixty minutes, not only for an hour but for twenty-four hours, not only for a day, but for three hundred and sixty five days, not only for a year, but for a lifetime and eternity. He is able to save to the uttermost (Hebrews 7) to keep us from falling (Jude 24) to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3).
It is a poor thing and a small thing merely to get enough out of God's grace to give us a spiritual livelihood. The very end of our blessing is that we may be a blessing to others. Would it be worth our while to construct an expensive machine simply for the purpose of having it run and show its perfection? We construct our machine to accomplish results, to perform work, to produce something that will pay its cost and benefit mankind.
And so the great object of God in saving, sanctifying, and boundlessly supplying the needs of His people, is, to get them beyond themselves, and prepare them for every good work. In the presence of these truly great words, let us take fresh heart. His power is boundless, His grace is matchless; and the place at which we come in contact with them is the place of prayer (Hebrews 4:16) Heaven's Cure for Earth's Care - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 8912
What is the difference in the two translations? This: if you lift a man out of a deep hole into which he has accidentally fallen, you would be giving him help in time of need; if you guard him from falling into the hole, you would be rendering him seasonable help. A fence at the top of a precipice is better than a hospital at the bottom.
He ever lives to intercede and hence the grace of God is not only equal for a second but for sixty seconds, not only for a minute but for sixty minutes, not only for an hour but for twenty-four hours, not only for a day, but for three hundred and sixty five days, not only for a year, but for a lifetime and eternity. He is able to save to the uttermost (Hebrews 7) to keep us from falling (Jude 24) to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3).
It is a poor thing and a small thing merely to get enough out of God's grace to give us a spiritual livelihood. The very end of our blessing is that we may be a blessing to others. Would it be worth our while to construct an expensive machine simply for the purpose of having it run and show its perfection? We construct our machine to accomplish results, to perform work, to produce something that will pay its cost and benefit mankind.
And so the great object of God in saving, sanctifying, and boundlessly supplying the needs of His people, is, to get them beyond themselves, and prepare them for every good work. In the presence of these truly great words, let us take fresh heart. His power is boundless, His grace is matchless; and the place at which we come in contact with them is the place of prayer (Hebrews 4:16) Heaven's Cure for Earth's Care - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 8912
July 20
That in all things He might have the preeminence. Colossians 1:18
Christ is everything. He is everything to the heart of God, and He desires to be everything to the hearts of His people. That it may be so with you is the highest blessedness I can desire for you.
There is never any difficulty about guidance when the eye is on Christ, but if other considerations come in then you miss His leadings. "According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body." (Philippians 1:20)
Is it our desire to be able to adopt Paul's language? Do we hold our bodies as vessels for the display of Christ? As we rise in the morning do we look upon the coming day as another opportunity of making Christ great?
We can present Christ to the hearts of men in our lives as well as by our words. We may not be able to explain a single passage of scripture, but we can live Christ. You may teach a Sunday school, or visit among the poor, and that is all right and good, but there is something far better--live Christ, present Christ.
May the Lord teach us this lesson--that HE is the only thing that is indispensable to us. There is always a response to the ministry of Christ.
Edward Dennett
Of the vast universe of bliss, the centre Thou, and Sun;
The eternal theme of praise is this, to heaven's beloved One:
Worthy, O Lamb of God, art Thou, that every knee to Thee should bow! J. Conder
N.J. Hiebert - 8913
Christ is everything. He is everything to the heart of God, and He desires to be everything to the hearts of His people. That it may be so with you is the highest blessedness I can desire for you.
There is never any difficulty about guidance when the eye is on Christ, but if other considerations come in then you miss His leadings. "According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body." (Philippians 1:20)
Is it our desire to be able to adopt Paul's language? Do we hold our bodies as vessels for the display of Christ? As we rise in the morning do we look upon the coming day as another opportunity of making Christ great?
We can present Christ to the hearts of men in our lives as well as by our words. We may not be able to explain a single passage of scripture, but we can live Christ. You may teach a Sunday school, or visit among the poor, and that is all right and good, but there is something far better--live Christ, present Christ.
May the Lord teach us this lesson--that HE is the only thing that is indispensable to us. There is always a response to the ministry of Christ.
Edward Dennett
Of the vast universe of bliss, the centre Thou, and Sun;
The eternal theme of praise is this, to heaven's beloved One:
Worthy, O Lamb of God, art Thou, that every knee to Thee should bow! J. Conder
N.J. Hiebert - 8913
July 21
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother...and the disciple standing by, whom He loved. (John 19:25-26)
Mary Magdalene...cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid Him. Peter...went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. John 20:1-3
The second mention of John as the disciple whom Jesus loved brings us to the cross. The mother of Jesus is present with other devoted women, and one disciple is there--the disciple whom Jesus loved. Where is now the disciple that rested in his love to Christ? Alas, away in some lonely spot with a broken heart, weeping tears of bitter shame.
Where is the disciple who rests in the love of Christ? As in the Upper Room, so now at the cross, as near to Christ as he can be. And what is the result? He becomes a vessel fit for the Master's use. The mother of Jesus is committed to his care. Resting in the Lord's love fits for service.
For the third time, John is presented as the disciple whom Jesus loved on the resurrection morning. Again he is found in association with Peter. The two disciples, learning form the women that the sepulchre is empty, hasten to the tomb. Then follows the record of what might appear to be an insignificant detail, namely that Peter starts first, that both disciples run together, and finally that the disciple whom Jesus loved did outrun Peter .
Nothing that the Spirit of God has recorded can be unimportant, though, as in this case, it may be difficult to seize the import of a particular incident. Yet, if we may be allowed to spiritualize this scene, we may learn what is surely true, that while the man of ardent nature may often take the lead in some spiritual enterprise, it is the man who is leaning on the love of the Lord that finally leads the way. Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8914
Mary Magdalene...cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid Him. Peter...went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. John 20:1-3
The second mention of John as the disciple whom Jesus loved brings us to the cross. The mother of Jesus is present with other devoted women, and one disciple is there--the disciple whom Jesus loved. Where is now the disciple that rested in his love to Christ? Alas, away in some lonely spot with a broken heart, weeping tears of bitter shame.
Where is the disciple who rests in the love of Christ? As in the Upper Room, so now at the cross, as near to Christ as he can be. And what is the result? He becomes a vessel fit for the Master's use. The mother of Jesus is committed to his care. Resting in the Lord's love fits for service.
For the third time, John is presented as the disciple whom Jesus loved on the resurrection morning. Again he is found in association with Peter. The two disciples, learning form the women that the sepulchre is empty, hasten to the tomb. Then follows the record of what might appear to be an insignificant detail, namely that Peter starts first, that both disciples run together, and finally that the disciple whom Jesus loved did outrun Peter .
Nothing that the Spirit of God has recorded can be unimportant, though, as in this case, it may be difficult to seize the import of a particular incident. Yet, if we may be allowed to spiritualize this scene, we may learn what is surely true, that while the man of ardent nature may often take the lead in some spiritual enterprise, it is the man who is leaning on the love of the Lord that finally leads the way. Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8914
July 22
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5
Christ could never lack divine wisdom. But with us it is very possible that wisdom may be lacking, even when will is subject, and we truly desire to do the will of God. Therefore the promise follows, "if any of you lack wisdom..."(quoted above). Absence of will, obedience, and the spirit of confiding dependence which waits on God, characterize the new life.
We pass through tribulation in the world; but this life develops itself in these qualities. But it is necessary this confidence should be in exercise; otherwise we can receive nothing. It does not honour God to distrust Him. Such a man is double-minded, like a wave of the sea driven by the wind. (v.1:6) He is unstable, (v.1:8) because his heart is not in communion with God; he does not live in a way to know Him; such an one is, of course, unstable.
If a believer keeps in the presence of God, near Him, he knows Him, and will understand His will; he will not have a will of his own, and will not wish to have one; not only on the ground of obedience, but because he has more confidence in the thoughts of God concerning Him than he has in his own will.
Faith in the goodness of God gives courage to seek and to do His will. We have in Christ Himself a perfect and beautiful example of these principles of the divine life. Tempted by Satan, He has no will of HIs own; it does not stir; but He shows that man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. It is absolute and perfect obedience. The will of God is not only the rule but the sole motive for action.
When the tempter desires Him to throw Himself down from the temple, to see whether God will be true to His promises, Jesus will in no way be tempted; He cannot question His faithfulness. He waits quietly for the power of God, whenever the occasion may present itself for manifesting it, in the path of His will. Brief Exposition of the Epistle of James - J. N. Darby
N.J. Hiebert - 8915
Christ could never lack divine wisdom. But with us it is very possible that wisdom may be lacking, even when will is subject, and we truly desire to do the will of God. Therefore the promise follows, "if any of you lack wisdom..."(quoted above). Absence of will, obedience, and the spirit of confiding dependence which waits on God, characterize the new life.
We pass through tribulation in the world; but this life develops itself in these qualities. But it is necessary this confidence should be in exercise; otherwise we can receive nothing. It does not honour God to distrust Him. Such a man is double-minded, like a wave of the sea driven by the wind. (v.1:6) He is unstable, (v.1:8) because his heart is not in communion with God; he does not live in a way to know Him; such an one is, of course, unstable.
If a believer keeps in the presence of God, near Him, he knows Him, and will understand His will; he will not have a will of his own, and will not wish to have one; not only on the ground of obedience, but because he has more confidence in the thoughts of God concerning Him than he has in his own will.
Faith in the goodness of God gives courage to seek and to do His will. We have in Christ Himself a perfect and beautiful example of these principles of the divine life. Tempted by Satan, He has no will of HIs own; it does not stir; but He shows that man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. It is absolute and perfect obedience. The will of God is not only the rule but the sole motive for action.
When the tempter desires Him to throw Himself down from the temple, to see whether God will be true to His promises, Jesus will in no way be tempted; He cannot question His faithfulness. He waits quietly for the power of God, whenever the occasion may present itself for manifesting it, in the path of His will. Brief Exposition of the Epistle of James - J. N. Darby
N.J. Hiebert - 8915
July 23
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