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
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
And God said, let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. Genesis 1:3-4
Let the light into your hearts! Well, the light has come, in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. "God is light"--bear that in mind--and "in Him is no darkness at all." But, since God is light, the light reveals the true relation of things. Light first of all shows where man is, and for that purpose Light came into the world. "That was the true Light ,which coming into the world lightens every man" (John 1:9). You must not understand by that statement that every man was converted.
Oh no! The light was there, and was for everybody, but alas, nobody had eyes to see it, until God had wrought in the heart and opened the eyes; that is the solemn side of the truth. Sin has plunged us in such a condition of distance from God, that really we do not see who Christ is, or what He is, until God opens our eyes. When Paul appears before Agrippa he says, that the Lord had commissioned him to go to "the Gentiles, unto whom I now send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified, by faith that is in me"
(Acts 26:17,18).
Now would you like to have light? Would you like to have peace? Light will discover to you your lost condition; for it exposes you. Yes, but I will tell you what takes place after the light makes manifest to you that you are a poor, wretched, hell-deserving sinner. The next thing that light will do, is to reveal that "God is love," and that He has given His blessed Son for your salvation. Light will reveal your guilt, and Love will blot it all out. Light will make manifest your lost condition, and love will meet it. God is light, and God is love. Both are seen in Jesus. Seekers for Light - W. T. P. Wolston, M.D.
N.J. Hiebert - 8916
Let the light into your hearts! Well, the light has come, in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. "God is light"--bear that in mind--and "in Him is no darkness at all." But, since God is light, the light reveals the true relation of things. Light first of all shows where man is, and for that purpose Light came into the world. "That was the true Light ,which coming into the world lightens every man" (John 1:9). You must not understand by that statement that every man was converted.
Oh no! The light was there, and was for everybody, but alas, nobody had eyes to see it, until God had wrought in the heart and opened the eyes; that is the solemn side of the truth. Sin has plunged us in such a condition of distance from God, that really we do not see who Christ is, or what He is, until God opens our eyes. When Paul appears before Agrippa he says, that the Lord had commissioned him to go to "the Gentiles, unto whom I now send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified, by faith that is in me"
(Acts 26:17,18).
Now would you like to have light? Would you like to have peace? Light will discover to you your lost condition; for it exposes you. Yes, but I will tell you what takes place after the light makes manifest to you that you are a poor, wretched, hell-deserving sinner. The next thing that light will do, is to reveal that "God is love," and that He has given His blessed Son for your salvation. Light will reveal your guilt, and Love will blot it all out. Light will make manifest your lost condition, and love will meet it. God is light, and God is love. Both are seen in Jesus. Seekers for Light - W. T. P. Wolston, M.D.
N.J. Hiebert - 8916
July 24
THE SOVEREIGN REMEDY FOR DESPONDENCY
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 42:11
(1) The cure for the depression occasioned by overwork--is rest;
(2) For that caused by introspection--heart-
(3) And for that which is sometimes brought on by trial--a view of the beneficent purposes which God is accomplishing by its means.
But referring once more to Psalm 42:11, we have a sovereign remedy for despondency which never fails. "Hope Thou in God; for I shall yet praise Him..." Hope lightens the heart and enable us endure; praise brightens the face and enables us to sing away what we cannot reason away "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me, and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God." (Psalm 50:23).
The volume of praise may be very small to begin with; but if you keep lifting up the face to God that volume will steadily increase. Bless God for starlight and He will give you moonlight; praise Him for moonlight and He will give you sunlight; thank Him for sunlight, and you shall yet come to that land where they need not the light of the sun, for the Lord God giveth them light for ever and ever.
On that bright strand the blood-washed ones of Jesus
Are safe, no more the weary feet shall roam;
They find at last all that the heart has longed for,
Within God's house at home.
George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 8917
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 42:11
(1) The cure for the depression occasioned by overwork--is rest;
(2) For that caused by introspection--heart-
(3) And for that which is sometimes brought on by trial--a view of the beneficent purposes which God is accomplishing by its means.
But referring once more to Psalm 42:11, we have a sovereign remedy for despondency which never fails. "Hope Thou in God; for I shall yet praise Him..." Hope lightens the heart and enable us endure; praise brightens the face and enables us to sing away what we cannot reason away "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me, and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God." (Psalm 50:23).
The volume of praise may be very small to begin with; but if you keep lifting up the face to God that volume will steadily increase. Bless God for starlight and He will give you moonlight; praise Him for moonlight and He will give you sunlight; thank Him for sunlight, and you shall yet come to that land where they need not the light of the sun, for the Lord God giveth them light for ever and ever.
On that bright strand the blood-washed ones of Jesus
Are safe, no more the weary feet shall roam;
They find at last all that the heart has longed for,
Within God's house at home.
George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 8917
July 25
A sower went forth to sow...some seeds fell by the wayside...some fell among stony places...some fell among thorns...but other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Matthew 13:3-8
This is true whether the seed be good or bad, and whether the ground be good or bad. Jacob deceived his old father and stole his brother's birthright. That was bad sowing, but he did not expect the harvest he received. Laban deceived him about his wife, and and he had to work another seven years in order to win her. Nor was this all the harvest. Laban changed his wages ten times in his effort to cheat him.
That was only part of the harvest. He had twenty years of bitter labour in Syria. Then his own sons deceived him about Joseph, and he spent twenty two years in bitter sorrow, mourning him as dead. This was part of the harvest of his own sowing.
David committed adultery with Bathsheba, but he never expected the harvest would come as it did; his own son defiled his sister. David murdered Bathsheba's husband, but he never expected the harvest this brought; his son Amon was murdered by his brother, his baby died, and his son Absalom was killed in battle, without the hope of ever seeing him again in the world to come. And finally Solomon the king puts his older brother to death for what was really conspiracy. Yes, we reap more than we sow, and we reap that very thing we sow.
These are most solemn thoughts, and should make us every one "consider" our "ways" (Haggai 1:7) Even by a thought we may sow to the flesh. How many books, pictures and magazines in these days sow to the flesh, and will bring forth a harvest unto corruption. Meditations on Galatians - G.C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8918
This is true whether the seed be good or bad, and whether the ground be good or bad. Jacob deceived his old father and stole his brother's birthright. That was bad sowing, but he did not expect the harvest he received. Laban deceived him about his wife, and and he had to work another seven years in order to win her. Nor was this all the harvest. Laban changed his wages ten times in his effort to cheat him.
That was only part of the harvest. He had twenty years of bitter labour in Syria. Then his own sons deceived him about Joseph, and he spent twenty two years in bitter sorrow, mourning him as dead. This was part of the harvest of his own sowing.
David committed adultery with Bathsheba, but he never expected the harvest would come as it did; his own son defiled his sister. David murdered Bathsheba's husband, but he never expected the harvest this brought; his son Amon was murdered by his brother, his baby died, and his son Absalom was killed in battle, without the hope of ever seeing him again in the world to come. And finally Solomon the king puts his older brother to death for what was really conspiracy. Yes, we reap more than we sow, and we reap that very thing we sow.
These are most solemn thoughts, and should make us every one "consider" our "ways" (Haggai 1:7) Even by a thought we may sow to the flesh. How many books, pictures and magazines in these days sow to the flesh, and will bring forth a harvest unto corruption. Meditations on Galatians - G.C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8918
July 26
I SHALL YET PRAISE HIM
Hope Thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. Psalm 42:5
I shall yet praise Him--though blossoms have withered,
Empty the fold is and barren the field,
All the fair promise of harvest has vanished,
Fig-tree and olive have failed in their yield.
I shall yet praise Him--though now the mists shroud me,
Though through the darkness there shineth no star,
Though long delayed be the word of His counsel,
And to all seeming He hideth afar.
I shall yet praise Him for victory given;
Though fierce the the sifting, His prayer cannot fail;
Till the fourth watch He may leave me in darkness;
Then clouds shall lift and the light shall prevail.
I shall yet praise Him who knoweth my pathway,
For all His leading through desert and sea,
For the sure promise that standeth forever,
For all His purpose fulfilled unto me.
I shall yet praise Him--mute mouth filled with laughter,
Silent lips opened and tongue tuned to song;
Surely praise waiteth; joy sown for my reaping,
Cometh to harvest, though lingering long.
Flint's Best-Loved Poems
N.J. Hiebert - 8919
Hope Thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. Psalm 42:5
I shall yet praise Him--though blossoms have withered,
Empty the fold is and barren the field,
All the fair promise of harvest has vanished,
Fig-tree and olive have failed in their yield.
I shall yet praise Him--though now the mists shroud me,
Though through the darkness there shineth no star,
Though long delayed be the word of His counsel,
And to all seeming He hideth afar.
I shall yet praise Him for victory given;
Though fierce the the sifting, His prayer cannot fail;
Till the fourth watch He may leave me in darkness;
Then clouds shall lift and the light shall prevail.
I shall yet praise Him who knoweth my pathway,
For all His leading through desert and sea,
For the sure promise that standeth forever,
For all His purpose fulfilled unto me.
I shall yet praise Him--mute mouth filled with laughter,
Silent lips opened and tongue tuned to song;
Surely praise waiteth; joy sown for my reaping,
Cometh to harvest, though lingering long.
Flint's Best-Loved Poems
N.J. Hiebert - 8919
July 27
For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God." (Romans 10:3)
This was true of Israel after the flesh. It is just as true of millions of Gentiles, who, ignoring the solemn testimony of God's word regarding man's utterly lost condition, still persist in trying to work out a righteousness of their own, deceived by the Adversary into believing that they can in some way satisfy an offended God and put Him in their debt so that they can earn His salvation. "We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags...and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away" (Isaiah 64:6) It is just this attempt to work out a human, legal righteousness that God's Word calls "dead works".
What then is meant by "repentance from dead works" (Hebrews 6:1)? It is a complete change of mind, whereby the convicted sinner gives up all thought of being able to propitiate God by effort of his own and acknowledges that he is as bad as the Word has declared him to be. He turns about his face. Instead of relying on his own fancied merits, he turns to the Lord for deliverance and seeks for mercy through the Saviour God has provided.
In Old Testament times, the legal code with its forms and ceremonies was given, not as a means of justifying righteousness but as a test of obedience. It was as true then as now that the righteous requirement of the Law was was only fulfilled (and that, of course, only in measure) in those who were already regenerated. God has never had two ways of saving people, but different dispensations, have been committed to His people as standards of living, in the various ages.
No one was ever saved by law-keeping or by sacrificial observances. To trust in these things would never avail. Not sacrifices, nor offerings, but a broken and a contrite heart, was acceptable to God. All outward forms or legal efforts, apart from faith, were merely dead works, from which the prophets were constantly calling upon men to repent. Unless You Repent - H. A, Ironside
N.J. Hiebert - 8920
This was true of Israel after the flesh. It is just as true of millions of Gentiles, who, ignoring the solemn testimony of God's word regarding man's utterly lost condition, still persist in trying to work out a righteousness of their own, deceived by the Adversary into believing that they can in some way satisfy an offended God and put Him in their debt so that they can earn His salvation. "We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags...and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away" (Isaiah 64:6) It is just this attempt to work out a human, legal righteousness that God's Word calls "dead works".
What then is meant by "repentance from dead works" (Hebrews 6:1)? It is a complete change of mind, whereby the convicted sinner gives up all thought of being able to propitiate God by effort of his own and acknowledges that he is as bad as the Word has declared him to be. He turns about his face. Instead of relying on his own fancied merits, he turns to the Lord for deliverance and seeks for mercy through the Saviour God has provided.
In Old Testament times, the legal code with its forms and ceremonies was given, not as a means of justifying righteousness but as a test of obedience. It was as true then as now that the righteous requirement of the Law was was only fulfilled (and that, of course, only in measure) in those who were already regenerated. God has never had two ways of saving people, but different dispensations, have been committed to His people as standards of living, in the various ages.
No one was ever saved by law-keeping or by sacrificial observances. To trust in these things would never avail. Not sacrifices, nor offerings, but a broken and a contrite heart, was acceptable to God. All outward forms or legal efforts, apart from faith, were merely dead works, from which the prophets were constantly calling upon men to repent. Unless You Repent - H. A, Ironside
N.J. Hiebert - 8920
July 28
Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelation 1:17-18
Deep and varied as are the necessities of the soul they are all met by the death and resurrection of Christ. If it be a question of sin that affects the soul, the resurrection is the glorious proof of the complete putting away of sin. The moment I see Jesus at the right hand of God I see an end of sin, for I know He could not be there if sin was not fully atoned for.
He was delivered for our offences; He stood as our representative; He took upon Himself our iniquities and went down into the grave under the weight thereof. But God raised Him up from the dead, and by so doing expressed His full approbation of the work of redemption. Hence we read, He "was raised again for our justification". Resurrection, therefore, meets the need of the soul as regards the question of sin.
Then, when we enter upon the trying and difficult path of Christian testimony, we find that Jesus risen is a sovereign remedy for all the ills of life. This is exemplified for us in John 20. Mary returns to the sepulchre early in the morning. Her heart was not only sad at the loss fo her gracious Friend, but also tried by the difficulty of removing the stone.
The resurrection removed at once her sorrow and her burden. Jesus risen filled the blank in her desolated affections and removed from her shoulders the load which she was unable to sustain. She found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre, and she found also her beloved Lord whom death had for a season snatched from her view. Such mighty things could resurrection accomplish on behalf of a poor needy mortal! C. H. Mackintosh
N.J. Hiebert - 8921
Deep and varied as are the necessities of the soul they are all met by the death and resurrection of Christ. If it be a question of sin that affects the soul, the resurrection is the glorious proof of the complete putting away of sin. The moment I see Jesus at the right hand of God I see an end of sin, for I know He could not be there if sin was not fully atoned for.
He was delivered for our offences; He stood as our representative; He took upon Himself our iniquities and went down into the grave under the weight thereof. But God raised Him up from the dead, and by so doing expressed His full approbation of the work of redemption. Hence we read, He "was raised again for our justification". Resurrection, therefore, meets the need of the soul as regards the question of sin.
Then, when we enter upon the trying and difficult path of Christian testimony, we find that Jesus risen is a sovereign remedy for all the ills of life. This is exemplified for us in John 20. Mary returns to the sepulchre early in the morning. Her heart was not only sad at the loss fo her gracious Friend, but also tried by the difficulty of removing the stone.
The resurrection removed at once her sorrow and her burden. Jesus risen filled the blank in her desolated affections and removed from her shoulders the load which she was unable to sustain. She found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre, and she found also her beloved Lord whom death had for a season snatched from her view. Such mighty things could resurrection accomplish on behalf of a poor needy mortal! C. H. Mackintosh
N.J. Hiebert - 8921
July 29
THE MINISTRY OF BENEVOLENCE
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:14
The New Testament speaks of three kinds of works: dead work--the activities of the self-righteous man; wicked works--the activities of the unrighteous man (Colossians 1:21); and good works--the activities of the Christian man (Ephesians 2:10). It tells us that the Lord Jesus went about continually doing good (Acts 10:38); and that He has left His people an example that they should follow His steps (1 Peter 2:21).
Christian women are asked are to adorn themselves with good works (1 Timothy 2:9,10); Christian men are urged to separate from everything that hinders in order that they may be meet for the Master's use and prepared unto every good work (2 Timothy 2:21).
We are to be fruitful In every form of benevolence (Colossians 1:10); and are not to restrict our activities to the children of God but, as we have opportunity, are to show kindness to all (Galatians 6:10); (Hebrews 13:16). The power by which we are equipped for these delightful ministries is the illimitable grace of God (2 Corinthians 9:8).
In calling us, thus, to lives of unselfishness and of devotedness to the well-being of others, God is not only conferring on us an inestimable privilege, He is also placing within our reach one of the great secrets of true happiness. For experience shows that the saddest of mortals is the man who lives solely for his own selfish interests and advantages. Heaven's Cure for Earth's Care - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 8922
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:14
The New Testament speaks of three kinds of works: dead work--the activities of the self-righteous man; wicked works--the activities of the unrighteous man (Colossians 1:21); and good works--the activities of the Christian man (Ephesians 2:10). It tells us that the Lord Jesus went about continually doing good (Acts 10:38); and that He has left His people an example that they should follow His steps (1 Peter 2:21).
Christian women are asked are to adorn themselves with good works (1 Timothy 2:9,10); Christian men are urged to separate from everything that hinders in order that they may be meet for the Master's use and prepared unto every good work (2 Timothy 2:21).
We are to be fruitful In every form of benevolence (Colossians 1:10); and are not to restrict our activities to the children of God but, as we have opportunity, are to show kindness to all (Galatians 6:10); (Hebrews 13:16). The power by which we are equipped for these delightful ministries is the illimitable grace of God (2 Corinthians 9:8).
In calling us, thus, to lives of unselfishness and of devotedness to the well-being of others, God is not only conferring on us an inestimable privilege, He is also placing within our reach one of the great secrets of true happiness. For experience shows that the saddest of mortals is the man who lives solely for his own selfish interests and advantages. Heaven's Cure for Earth's Care - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 8922
July 30
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." 1 John 5:7
What was it blessed God, led Thee to give Thy Son,
To yield Thy well-beloved for us by sin undone?
'Twas love unbounded led Thee thus to give Thy well-beloved for us.
What led Thy Son, O God! to leave Thy throne on high,
To shed His precious blood, to suffer and to die!
'Twas love unbounded love to us, led Him to die and suffer Thus.
What moved Thee to impart Thy Spirit from above,
Therewith to fill our heart, with heavenly peace and love!
'Twas love, unbounded love to us, moved Thee to give Thy Spirit thus.
What love to Thee we owe, our God, for all Thy grace;
Our hearts may well o'erflow in everlasting praise!
Make us, O Lord to praise Thee thus for all Thy boundless love to us. Ann Taylor
Stanzas 1, 2, and 3 each enlarge on one of these wonderful persons. They are all God, and thus is hard for us to comprehend, but it was so generous of God to delineate Himself in three characters so that we could appreciate each one, never losing sight of their singleness of mind and purpose. Notice also the hymn is the seven great gifts of God high lighted:
1. God Himself, whom we have come to know as our Father.
2. Divine love, the starting point for all blessing, and which continues into eternity.
3. The Son, the greatest gift of all.
4. The precious blood, the clear evidence of His death.
5. The Holy Spirit, whose chief delight is to point us to Christ.
6. Heavenly peace; perfect and eternal.
7. Grace, that which takes us into all our spiritual blessings in Christ; way beyond anything we might imagine. Lorne Perry
N.J. Hiebert - 8923
What was it blessed God, led Thee to give Thy Son,
To yield Thy well-beloved for us by sin undone?
'Twas love unbounded led Thee thus to give Thy well-beloved for us.
What led Thy Son, O God! to leave Thy throne on high,
To shed His precious blood, to suffer and to die!
'Twas love unbounded love to us, led Him to die and suffer Thus.
What moved Thee to impart Thy Spirit from above,
Therewith to fill our heart, with heavenly peace and love!
'Twas love, unbounded love to us, moved Thee to give Thy Spirit thus.
What love to Thee we owe, our God, for all Thy grace;
Our hearts may well o'erflow in everlasting praise!
Make us, O Lord to praise Thee thus for all Thy boundless love to us. Ann Taylor
Stanzas 1, 2, and 3 each enlarge on one of these wonderful persons. They are all God, and thus is hard for us to comprehend, but it was so generous of God to delineate Himself in three characters so that we could appreciate each one, never losing sight of their singleness of mind and purpose. Notice also the hymn is the seven great gifts of God high lighted:
1. God Himself, whom we have come to know as our Father.
2. Divine love, the starting point for all blessing, and which continues into eternity.
3. The Son, the greatest gift of all.
4. The precious blood, the clear evidence of His death.
5. The Holy Spirit, whose chief delight is to point us to Christ.
6. Heavenly peace; perfect and eternal.
7. Grace, that which takes us into all our spiritual blessings in Christ; way beyond anything we might imagine. Lorne Perry
N.J. Hiebert - 8923
July 31
Seeing then that we have a great High priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Hebrews 4:14
Now, what is the Christ of verse 14? A Christ crucified? No, Christ glorified. You are made partakers of Christ in the kingdom if you hold fast by Christ crucified. Holding to a crucified Christ is my title to the rest of a glorified Christ.
Two things contest this with you--sin and unbelief. Do you not recognize these two enemies as you pass along? Shall I continue in sin? Am I to give place to one wrong thought? I may be overtaken, but am I to treat them other than as enemies? Then unbelief is an action of the soul towards God. You and I do not know what saintly character is--what it is to be between Egypt and Canaan--if we are not aware that those two things stand out to withstand our passage every day.
Christ glorified--rest glorious. He has us out of "Egypt". The exhortation attaches to a people out of "Egypt". We have passed the blood sprinkled lintel. The glorious Canaan is before us. The gospel not only of the blood of Christ, but of the glory of Christ. It took one form in the ear of the Israelites and it takes another form to us; but to them, as to us, rest was preached. The blessed Creator provided Himself a rest after creation. He promised Himself a rest in Canaan after bringing them through the wilderness.
Adam disturbed His creation-rest. Israel disturbed His Canaan-rest. Is He, therefore, disappointed in His rest? No; He has found it in Christ when man in every way had disappointed Him. Christ is the One who has worked out that rest, and who holds it now, and it remains with Him both for God, and for His saints. Musings on Hebrews - J. G. Bellett
N.J. Hiebert - 8924
Hebrews 4:14
Now, what is the Christ of verse 14? A Christ crucified? No, Christ glorified. You are made partakers of Christ in the kingdom if you hold fast by Christ crucified. Holding to a crucified Christ is my title to the rest of a glorified Christ.
Two things contest this with you--sin and unbelief. Do you not recognize these two enemies as you pass along? Shall I continue in sin? Am I to give place to one wrong thought? I may be overtaken, but am I to treat them other than as enemies? Then unbelief is an action of the soul towards God. You and I do not know what saintly character is--what it is to be between Egypt and Canaan--if we are not aware that those two things stand out to withstand our passage every day.
Christ glorified--rest glorious. He has us out of "Egypt". The exhortation attaches to a people out of "Egypt". We have passed the blood sprinkled lintel. The glorious Canaan is before us. The gospel not only of the blood of Christ, but of the glory of Christ. It took one form in the ear of the Israelites and it takes another form to us; but to them, as to us, rest was preached. The blessed Creator provided Himself a rest after creation. He promised Himself a rest in Canaan after bringing them through the wilderness.
Adam disturbed His creation-rest. Israel disturbed His Canaan-rest. Is He, therefore, disappointed in His rest? No; He has found it in Christ when man in every way had disappointed Him. Christ is the One who has worked out that rest, and who holds it now, and it remains with Him both for God, and for His saints. Musings on Hebrews - J. G. Bellett
N.J. Hiebert - 8924
August 1
I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee. Job 42:5
Job was a good man already. He feared God and eschewed [shunned] evil, and God called him "My servant Job" and said of him, "There is none like him in the earth." (Job 1:8)
Job had heard and had believed. That is good enough to start with. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). Moreover, Job had lived an exemplary life. But, like many who have come that far, he needed to see God, not in a vision or manifestation to the senses but in a personal, overwhelming, humbling, pride-shattering consciousness of the very presence of God Himself.
Through the ages, such an experience, though wide and diverse in its patterns, has marked the men God has used most. Too many have heard and believed and lived but have not seen. God brings us to where we can say, "I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee" (Job 42:5)
Faith is a very simple thing, tho' little understood;
It frees the soul from death's dread sting, by resting on the blood.
It looks not on the things around, nor on the things within;
It takes its flight to scenes above, beyond the sphere of sin.
It sees upon the the throne of God a victim that was slain;
It rests its all on His shed blood, and says, "I'm born again."
Faith is not what we see or feel; It is a simple trust
In what the God of love has said of Jesus as the Just. Asa Hull
Day by Day with Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 8925
Job was a good man already. He feared God and eschewed [shunned] evil, and God called him "My servant Job" and said of him, "There is none like him in the earth." (Job 1:8)
Job had heard and had believed. That is good enough to start with. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). Moreover, Job had lived an exemplary life. But, like many who have come that far, he needed to see God, not in a vision or manifestation to the senses but in a personal, overwhelming, humbling, pride-shattering consciousness of the very presence of God Himself.
Through the ages, such an experience, though wide and diverse in its patterns, has marked the men God has used most. Too many have heard and believed and lived but have not seen. God brings us to where we can say, "I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee" (Job 42:5)
Faith is a very simple thing, tho' little understood;
It frees the soul from death's dread sting, by resting on the blood.
It looks not on the things around, nor on the things within;
It takes its flight to scenes above, beyond the sphere of sin.
It sees upon the the throne of God a victim that was slain;
It rests its all on His shed blood, and says, "I'm born again."
Faith is not what we see or feel; It is a simple trust
In what the God of love has said of Jesus as the Just. Asa Hull
Day by Day with Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 8925
August 2
August 3
No comments:
Post a Comment