August 12
THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER
"He shall glorify Me: for He shall received of Mine, and shall show it unto you. John 16:14
Blest, Thy Spirit's touch well known, to the heart's oft silent strings;
Wakening them to Thee alone, while my spirit of Thee sings.
Bright the vision He doth bring, of Thyself before my sight;
Fit eclipse of everything, every earthly joy or light.
Whether for walk, conflict, testimony or worship, our only and all-sufficient power is in the Holy Ghost. The maintenance of constant dependence is a necessary condition of continued spiritual power.
There are many of the Lord's people who have learned in a measure their weakness, but who know nothing of the source of power as provided in the Holy Spirit; There are others who believe in the provision, but who have scarcely any skill in drawing upon it for use; there are others again who act even in the christian life as if everything depended upon themselves.
It must not be forgotten that power does not act independently of our spiritual condition. The Holy Spirit dwells within, so that our bodies are His temples. If we are careless, not watchful, if we seek our pleasure in the world, rather than in Christ, let us not for one moment suppose that He will condescend to use us as vessels of His power...
But, on the other hand, if the eye be single, and a single eye sees nothing but Christ, if He is the object of our lives, the Holy Spirit then ungrieved will sustain us in every position in which we are placed, and bring us victoriously out of the very conflict through which we may pass. Let us not rest until we know practically something of being channels for the manifestation of divine power even in this world. Footprints for Pilgrims - Edward Dennett
N.J. Hiebert - 8936
"He shall glorify Me: for He shall received of Mine, and shall show it unto you. John 16:14
Blest, Thy Spirit's touch well known, to the heart's oft silent strings;
Wakening them to Thee alone, while my spirit of Thee sings.
Bright the vision He doth bring, of Thyself before my sight;
Fit eclipse of everything, every earthly joy or light.
Whether for walk, conflict, testimony or worship, our only and all-sufficient power is in the Holy Ghost. The maintenance of constant dependence is a necessary condition of continued spiritual power.
There are many of the Lord's people who have learned in a measure their weakness, but who know nothing of the source of power as provided in the Holy Spirit; There are others who believe in the provision, but who have scarcely any skill in drawing upon it for use; there are others again who act even in the christian life as if everything depended upon themselves.
It must not be forgotten that power does not act independently of our spiritual condition. The Holy Spirit dwells within, so that our bodies are His temples. If we are careless, not watchful, if we seek our pleasure in the world, rather than in Christ, let us not for one moment suppose that He will condescend to use us as vessels of His power...
But, on the other hand, if the eye be single, and a single eye sees nothing but Christ, if He is the object of our lives, the Holy Spirit then ungrieved will sustain us in every position in which we are placed, and bring us victoriously out of the very conflict through which we may pass. Let us not rest until we know practically something of being channels for the manifestation of divine power even in this world. Footprints for Pilgrims - Edward Dennett
N.J. Hiebert - 8936
August 13
Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business...and He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them... Luke 2:49,51.
Luke reminds us He "was subject unto [Mary and Jospeh]". This was another way of loveliness in Him as a child of twelve years. After the episode in the temple, and His gentle reproof, "Know ye not that I must be about My Father's business?" it is recorded that He went down with Joseph and Mary, "and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them". He declared that God was His Father, and that His business was all important to Him, but nevertheless recognized His earthly relationship and was subject to Joseph and Mary. That subjection of His own voluntary will was lovely in Him.
Joseph and Mary had the manifest token that He fully comprehended His Sonship of God and His exalted mission, but that did not change His moral perfection as subject to those whose care God had entrusted Him. This one incident when He was twelve years of age is on record to reveal the consistent moral perfection of our Lord as He grew up in the family of Joseph the carpenter.
When our Lord was "sitting in the midst of the doctors" (Luke 2:46) in the temple, He again like charity, did not behave Himself unseemly (1 Corinthians 13:5). He was "hearing them, and asking them questions." It does not say, He was teaching them or answering their questions. He did not pose as a teacher, though there dwelt in Him "all the treasures of wisdom knowledge" (Colossians 2:3) "All that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers."
He was the true speaker of Psalm 119:99, "I have more understanding than all my teachers: for Thy testimonies are my meditation." All His life, Isaiah 50:4 was true of Him: "He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned." Thus, His childhood and youth were passed in quiet, loving fellowship with God, hearing His voice and responding to His love. A Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake
N.J. Hiebert - 8937
Luke reminds us He "was subject unto [Mary and Jospeh]". This was another way of loveliness in Him as a child of twelve years. After the episode in the temple, and His gentle reproof, "Know ye not that I must be about My Father's business?" it is recorded that He went down with Joseph and Mary, "and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them". He declared that God was His Father, and that His business was all important to Him, but nevertheless recognized His earthly relationship and was subject to Joseph and Mary. That subjection of His own voluntary will was lovely in Him.
Joseph and Mary had the manifest token that He fully comprehended His Sonship of God and His exalted mission, but that did not change His moral perfection as subject to those whose care God had entrusted Him. This one incident when He was twelve years of age is on record to reveal the consistent moral perfection of our Lord as He grew up in the family of Joseph the carpenter.
When our Lord was "sitting in the midst of the doctors" (Luke 2:46) in the temple, He again like charity, did not behave Himself unseemly (1 Corinthians 13:5). He was "hearing them, and asking them questions." It does not say, He was teaching them or answering their questions. He did not pose as a teacher, though there dwelt in Him "all the treasures of wisdom knowledge" (Colossians 2:3) "All that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers."
He was the true speaker of Psalm 119:99, "I have more understanding than all my teachers: for Thy testimonies are my meditation." All His life, Isaiah 50:4 was true of Him: "He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned." Thus, His childhood and youth were passed in quiet, loving fellowship with God, hearing His voice and responding to His love. A Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake
N.J. Hiebert - 8937
August 14
Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Psalm 85:10
Lord, while our souls in faith repose upon Thy precious blood,
PEACE like an even river flows, and MERCY, like a flood.
In this very impressive imagery, writer Mary Bowley contrasts Peace and Mercy, suggesting these thoughts and scriptures to my soul:
Mercy had to come first because without it, there could be no gift of settled peace for people like us. And that depended upon Christ dying to finally settle the sin question. The flood image suggests destructive force; example: Genesis 9:11 "And I will establish my covenant with you, neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood." This was God's mercy at work. Sinners had to be destroyed, but in His mercy, He made provision for one righteous family to rise above the waters.
Besides, everyone around was invited into the ark, but they all mocked and refused. This surely reminds us of Christ's work at the cross to finally end the power of sin; but at what a cost! The measure of that flood of judgment upon Him as sin-bearer may be feebly gathered from the stupendous quantity of water that was needed to cover the whole earth in Noah's day. "Thy mercy endureth forever." Psalm 136:1
After the Lord rose from the dead, offered the good news of salvation, and then ascended bodily to heaven, Peace like a river could immediately flow to all who believe. A river suggests a calm, steady flow and unlimited abundance from which all the redeemed can draw for drinking, cleansing and comfort. Such a flow also suggests a destination; which for all believers is eternity with our Lord in glory. (Isaiah 66:12) says "For thus sayeth the Lord, Behold I will extend Peace to her like a river." The prophet here was speaking of Israel's future, but we believers can take it for ourselves. The Lord said, "My peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you. (John 12:27) Lorne Perry
N.J. Hiebert - 8938
Lord, while our souls in faith repose upon Thy precious blood,
PEACE like an even river flows, and MERCY, like a flood.
In this very impressive imagery, writer Mary Bowley contrasts Peace and Mercy, suggesting these thoughts and scriptures to my soul:
Mercy had to come first because without it, there could be no gift of settled peace for people like us. And that depended upon Christ dying to finally settle the sin question. The flood image suggests destructive force; example: Genesis 9:11 "And I will establish my covenant with you, neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood." This was God's mercy at work. Sinners had to be destroyed, but in His mercy, He made provision for one righteous family to rise above the waters.
Besides, everyone around was invited into the ark, but they all mocked and refused. This surely reminds us of Christ's work at the cross to finally end the power of sin; but at what a cost! The measure of that flood of judgment upon Him as sin-bearer may be feebly gathered from the stupendous quantity of water that was needed to cover the whole earth in Noah's day. "Thy mercy endureth forever." Psalm 136:1
After the Lord rose from the dead, offered the good news of salvation, and then ascended bodily to heaven, Peace like a river could immediately flow to all who believe. A river suggests a calm, steady flow and unlimited abundance from which all the redeemed can draw for drinking, cleansing and comfort. Such a flow also suggests a destination; which for all believers is eternity with our Lord in glory. (Isaiah 66:12) says "For thus sayeth the Lord, Behold I will extend Peace to her like a river." The prophet here was speaking of Israel's future, but we believers can take it for ourselves. The Lord said, "My peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you. (John 12:27) Lorne Perry
N.J. Hiebert - 8938
August 15
- Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice...he went out, and wept bitterly Matthew 26:75
- He saith unto him the third time...lovest thou Me? Peter...saith unto Him, Lord...Thou knowest that I love Thee...Jesus saith unto him, Feed My sheep. John 21:17.
-And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
The following story is told regarding an incident that took place December 30, 1879 in Menlo Park, New Jersey. For countless hours over a long period of time, Thomas Edison had toiled in his laboratory over his latest invention--a common item today that is taken for granted throughout the world. Over those long dreary hours in Edison's lab there had been many failures and discouragements but the time arrived when the great inventor had finally achieved success. He created the world's first glass electric light bulb.
After that long time of labour and failures, Mr. Edison now held in his hands a small, fragile glass globe that emitted a steady glow of light. The next day, December 31, 1879, Mr. Edison intended to unveil to the world the first electric light bulb. Work in his lab was over and his assistants were busily cleaning and straightening everything in preparation for the morrow's planned demonstration. As he reached for a part of the display, Mr Edison very carefully handed the fragile glass bulb to one of his assistants.
Much to everyone's dismay, the assistant allowed the glass bulb to slip out of his hands and fall on the floor where it shattered to into tiny pieces. The poor assistant was speechless, aghast at what he had just done. Mr Edison, however, did not demand he leave his laboratory never to return. Instead he quietly asked who would be willing to stay to help make a duplicate. No one left. Toiling all through the long night, blowing glass and diligently working to recreate the light bulb, the exhausted group finished in time for the presentation the next day.
As he readied the presentation Mr. Edison handed the precious globe to the very assistant who had dropped the first one. Another assistant asked how Mr. Edison could trust him. The great inventor replied that he knew of no one on the face of the earth who would hold and handle that precious bulb with greater care. The Christian Shepherd - Doug Nicolet
N.J. Hiebert - 8939
- He saith unto him the third time...lovest thou Me? Peter...saith unto Him, Lord...Thou knowest that I love Thee...Jesus saith unto him, Feed My sheep. John 21:17.
-And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
The following story is told regarding an incident that took place December 30, 1879 in Menlo Park, New Jersey. For countless hours over a long period of time, Thomas Edison had toiled in his laboratory over his latest invention--a common item today that is taken for granted throughout the world. Over those long dreary hours in Edison's lab there had been many failures and discouragements but the time arrived when the great inventor had finally achieved success. He created the world's first glass electric light bulb.
After that long time of labour and failures, Mr. Edison now held in his hands a small, fragile glass globe that emitted a steady glow of light. The next day, December 31, 1879, Mr. Edison intended to unveil to the world the first electric light bulb. Work in his lab was over and his assistants were busily cleaning and straightening everything in preparation for the morrow's planned demonstration. As he reached for a part of the display, Mr Edison very carefully handed the fragile glass bulb to one of his assistants.
Much to everyone's dismay, the assistant allowed the glass bulb to slip out of his hands and fall on the floor where it shattered to into tiny pieces. The poor assistant was speechless, aghast at what he had just done. Mr Edison, however, did not demand he leave his laboratory never to return. Instead he quietly asked who would be willing to stay to help make a duplicate. No one left. Toiling all through the long night, blowing glass and diligently working to recreate the light bulb, the exhausted group finished in time for the presentation the next day.
As he readied the presentation Mr. Edison handed the precious globe to the very assistant who had dropped the first one. Another assistant asked how Mr. Edison could trust him. The great inventor replied that he knew of no one on the face of the earth who would hold and handle that precious bulb with greater care. The Christian Shepherd - Doug Nicolet
N.J. Hiebert - 8939
August 16
And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man...wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife...
2 Samuel 12 7,9.
Nathan speaks but one phrase, "Thou art the man," to convict David. David too says but one thing in God's presence: "I have sinned against the Lord." When a soul has seen this it has taken a tremendous step forward. When a Christian has fallen and God has exposed his sin we habitually find the confession of his fault: "I have sinned." but what difference does that make when this sin has already been brought to light? David says: "I have sinned against Jehovah," not: I have sinned against Uriah or against Uriah's wife.
Our sins against others may be forgiven by those whom we have offended; we may make amends in a certain measure for the sins we commit against ourselves, but what can we say when we have sinned against the Lord? One says: "I have sinned," for he is ashamed of his sin because men see it; but it is quite another thing when one is convicted that the thing he has done is evil in the sight of the Lord.
Having produced this through conviction of sin, God does not keep his poor guilty servant waiting. Again He speaks but one sentence to him: "Jehovah has also put away thy sin." He does not say: Jehovah will, but rather "has put away thy sin." He had dealt with his servant's sin beforehand; He had made provision so that the sin was put away from David and so that it no longer came up before God. That is what we find at the cross of Christ.
Then Nathan tells David: "Thou: shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou has given great occasion to the enemies of Jehovah to blaspheme, even the child that is born to thee shall certainly die. And Nathan departed to his house." (vv. 13-15) Such is the consequence that the world draw from our faults. 2 Samuel - H. L. Rossier
N.J. Hiebert - 8941
Nathan speaks but one phrase, "Thou art the man," to convict David. David too says but one thing in God's presence: "I have sinned against the Lord." When a soul has seen this it has taken a tremendous step forward. When a Christian has fallen and God has exposed his sin we habitually find the confession of his fault: "I have sinned." but what difference does that make when this sin has already been brought to light? David says: "I have sinned against Jehovah," not: I have sinned against Uriah or against Uriah's wife.
Our sins against others may be forgiven by those whom we have offended; we may make amends in a certain measure for the sins we commit against ourselves, but what can we say when we have sinned against the Lord? One says: "I have sinned," for he is ashamed of his sin because men see it; but it is quite another thing when one is convicted that the thing he has done is evil in the sight of the Lord.
Having produced this through conviction of sin, God does not keep his poor guilty servant waiting. Again He speaks but one sentence to him: "Jehovah has also put away thy sin." He does not say: Jehovah will, but rather "has put away thy sin." He had dealt with his servant's sin beforehand; He had made provision so that the sin was put away from David and so that it no longer came up before God. That is what we find at the cross of Christ.
Then Nathan tells David: "Thou: shalt not die. Howbeit, because by this deed thou has given great occasion to the enemies of Jehovah to blaspheme, even the child that is born to thee shall certainly die. And Nathan departed to his house." (vv. 13-15) Such is the consequence that the world draw from our faults. 2 Samuel - H. L. Rossier
N.J. Hiebert - 8941
August 17
TRUST, WORK and WATCH
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:34
(Each day hath enough trouble of its own.)
Trust today and leave tomorrow; each day has enough of care;
Therefore, whatsoe'er thy burden, God will give thee strength to bear.
He is Faithful! Cast on Him thine every care.
Work today, and leave tomorrow; all around there's urgent need;
All around there's sin and sorrow; broadcast, daily sow the seed.
He is faithful! He shall bless thy work indeed.
Watch today, and leave the morrow; for tomorrow may not come;
For today thy loving Saviour, may appear to take thee home.
He is faithful! Look for Him, the coming One. William Sloan
N.J. Hiebert - 8942
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:34
(Each day hath enough trouble of its own.)
Trust today and leave tomorrow; each day has enough of care;
Therefore, whatsoe'er thy burden, God will give thee strength to bear.
He is Faithful! Cast on Him thine every care.
Work today, and leave tomorrow; all around there's urgent need;
All around there's sin and sorrow; broadcast, daily sow the seed.
He is faithful! He shall bless thy work indeed.
Watch today, and leave the morrow; for tomorrow may not come;
For today thy loving Saviour, may appear to take thee home.
He is faithful! Look for Him, the coming One. William Sloan
N.J. Hiebert - 8942
August 18
For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till He come. 1 Corinthians 11:26
Several perspectives are emphasized in this lovely passage on the Lord's supper. Our hearts should be occupied with each. In this verse, we are to look backward to the cross and see our Saviour giving His life for us.
Secondly, we are to look forward and anticipate His return, when we will not need the emblems anymore, but will see Him, be with Him, and be like Him.
Again, we are to look upward to our great High Priest who is ever able to take our spiritual sacrifices and make them acceptable to God.
Finally, we are to look inward. "let a man examine himself" (v 28), and then come with a pure heart to this holy feast.
Harold G. Smith
On Calvary's brow my Saviour died,
'Twas there my Lord was crucified:
'Twas on the cross He bled for me,
And purchased there my pardon free.
W. M. K Darwood
N.J. Hiebert - 8943
Several perspectives are emphasized in this lovely passage on the Lord's supper. Our hearts should be occupied with each. In this verse, we are to look backward to the cross and see our Saviour giving His life for us.
Secondly, we are to look forward and anticipate His return, when we will not need the emblems anymore, but will see Him, be with Him, and be like Him.
Again, we are to look upward to our great High Priest who is ever able to take our spiritual sacrifices and make them acceptable to God.
Finally, we are to look inward. "let a man examine himself" (v 28), and then come with a pure heart to this holy feast.
Harold G. Smith
On Calvary's brow my Saviour died,
'Twas there my Lord was crucified:
'Twas on the cross He bled for me,
And purchased there my pardon free.
W. M. K Darwood
N.J. Hiebert - 8943
August 19
FRUIT OF THE LAND
How long are ye slack to possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you? Joshua 18:3.
We ought not stand on Jordan's stormy banks casting a wishful eye to Canaan's fair and happy land, where our possessions lie. "Dwelling in Beulah Land" (Isaiah 62:4) is possible here and now. Living in Canaan may be a fact today.
It is also a fight, the fight of faith, as we follow our Joshua, the Captain of our salvation and "possess our possessions."
And there will be fruit. It is today, said the spies. "It floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it." (Numbers 13:27). "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22,23).
Alas, so many are still in the wilderness, longing for garlic instead of grace, melons instead of manna! The best advertisement of the land is the fruit of it. Where are your milk and honey? Men will believe the fact when from the fight you bring the fruit. Day by Day with Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 8944
How long are ye slack to possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you? Joshua 18:3.
We ought not stand on Jordan's stormy banks casting a wishful eye to Canaan's fair and happy land, where our possessions lie. "Dwelling in Beulah Land" (Isaiah 62:4) is possible here and now. Living in Canaan may be a fact today.
It is also a fight, the fight of faith, as we follow our Joshua, the Captain of our salvation and "possess our possessions."
And there will be fruit. It is today, said the spies. "It floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it." (Numbers 13:27). "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22,23).
Alas, so many are still in the wilderness, longing for garlic instead of grace, melons instead of manna! The best advertisement of the land is the fruit of it. Where are your milk and honey? Men will believe the fact when from the fight you bring the fruit. Day by Day with Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 8944
August 20
Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. Ecclesiastes 7:3
Every person and every nation must take lessons in God's school of adversity. We can say, "Blessed is night, for it reveals to us the stars." In the same way we can say, "Blessed is sorrow, for it reveals God's comfort."
The floods washed away home and mill, all the poor man had in the world. But as he stood on the scene of his loss, after the water had subsided, broken-hearted and discouraged, he saw something shining in the bank which the waters had washed bare.
"It looks like gold," he said. It was gold. The flood which had beggared him made him rich. So it is ofttimes in life. H. C. Trumbull
N. J. Hiebert - 8945
Every person and every nation must take lessons in God's school of adversity. We can say, "Blessed is night, for it reveals to us the stars." In the same way we can say, "Blessed is sorrow, for it reveals God's comfort."
The floods washed away home and mill, all the poor man had in the world. But as he stood on the scene of his loss, after the water had subsided, broken-hearted and discouraged, he saw something shining in the bank which the waters had washed bare.
"It looks like gold," he said. It was gold. The flood which had beggared him made him rich. So it is ofttimes in life. H. C. Trumbull
N. J. Hiebert - 8945
August 21
DELIVERANCE FROM WORRY
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7
This should make an end of all worry and anxiety. We may possess a divine carelessness. Be careful for nothing. Have no anxiety. Why should we worry or be anxious? Worry is the child of unbelief.
Anxiety can never stay if the eyes of the heart behold the Man in Glory and faith realizes that all is in the hands of One "who doeth all things well." (Matthew 7:37) Worry and anxiety accuse Him.
Martha did that when she was encumbered with much service and then said to Him, "Doest Thou not care?" (Luke 10:40). Each time we give way to anxiety, we act as if He did not care. But He does; and He would have us rest in faith and and commit all to Himself. The Work of Christ - A. C. Gaebelein
Simply trusting every day, trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small, trusting Jesus, that is all.
Brightly doth His spirit shine into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall; trusting Jesus, that is all.
Singing if my way is clear; praying if the path be drear;
If in danger, for Him call; trusting Jesus, that is all.
Trusting Him while life shall last, trusting Him till earth be past;
Till within the jasper wall: trusting Jesus that is all. E. Page
N.J. Hiebert - 8946
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7
This should make an end of all worry and anxiety. We may possess a divine carelessness. Be careful for nothing. Have no anxiety. Why should we worry or be anxious? Worry is the child of unbelief.
Anxiety can never stay if the eyes of the heart behold the Man in Glory and faith realizes that all is in the hands of One "who doeth all things well." (Matthew 7:37) Worry and anxiety accuse Him.
Martha did that when she was encumbered with much service and then said to Him, "Doest Thou not care?" (Luke 10:40). Each time we give way to anxiety, we act as if He did not care. But He does; and He would have us rest in faith and and commit all to Himself. The Work of Christ - A. C. Gaebelein
Simply trusting every day, trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small, trusting Jesus, that is all.
Brightly doth His spirit shine into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall; trusting Jesus, that is all.
Singing if my way is clear; praying if the path be drear;
If in danger, for Him call; trusting Jesus, that is all.
Trusting Him while life shall last, trusting Him till earth be past;
Till within the jasper wall: trusting Jesus that is all. E. Page
N.J. Hiebert - 8946
August 22
In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? Psalm 11:1
People who study and understand birds know they fly much higher when migrating than when in local flight. They concluded that migrating birds take wing higher than the others for three reasons:
- They get a boundless view and more easily find their points of direction.
-They are out of the flight path of birds of prey and clear of obstacles.
-Their flight is accelerated due to the greater purification of the atmosphere.
The higher the child of God soars the more clearly discernible is God's flight plan. The soul cannot find escape from the attacks of satanic forces, when doubting God's promises. Neither does it find refuge by prostrating itself face downward. Depressing thoughts give no relief to the mind, nor does doubting God's love when the storm clouds envelope.
It is true that one defeated, cast-down person can inoculate a whole group at work, at school, in the community, with the gloom of despair. Attitudes are catching.
The sweetest songs of David were born in the storms of his life. The shepherd boy was called "the sweet psalmist of Israel" (2 Samuel 3:1). Out from the fury of the storm rose loud notes of praise to his God on high. The result is two beautiful and melodious Psalms - 23 and 91. These Psalms have comforted people of all generations. How much the world would have lost without those comforting words from the struggling heart of David. Streams in the Desert
N.J. Hiebert - 8947
People who study and understand birds know they fly much higher when migrating than when in local flight. They concluded that migrating birds take wing higher than the others for three reasons:
- They get a boundless view and more easily find their points of direction.
-They are out of the flight path of birds of prey and clear of obstacles.
-Their flight is accelerated due to the greater purification of the atmosphere.
The higher the child of God soars the more clearly discernible is God's flight plan. The soul cannot find escape from the attacks of satanic forces, when doubting God's promises. Neither does it find refuge by prostrating itself face downward. Depressing thoughts give no relief to the mind, nor does doubting God's love when the storm clouds envelope.
It is true that one defeated, cast-down person can inoculate a whole group at work, at school, in the community, with the gloom of despair. Attitudes are catching.
The sweetest songs of David were born in the storms of his life. The shepherd boy was called "the sweet psalmist of Israel" (2 Samuel 3:1). Out from the fury of the storm rose loud notes of praise to his God on high. The result is two beautiful and melodious Psalms - 23 and 91. These Psalms have comforted people of all generations. How much the world would have lost without those comforting words from the struggling heart of David. Streams in the Desert
N.J. Hiebert - 8947
August 23
I sleep but my heart waketh. Song of Solomon 5:2
By far the greater proportion of Christians are more occupied with themselves, and their changeable feelings, than with the word of God.
This is the fruitful source of endless troubles and perplexities of the soul. How often it happens in the history of some Christians that when they experience a change of feeling in themselves, they hastily conclude that Christ Himself is not now what He once was to them.
They judge the Lord by their own feelings, in place of believing in Him according to His own word. This is looking to self in place of Christ, and being governed by feelings in place of the unchangeable truth of God.
Song of Solomon - Andrew Miller
Have I an object, Lord, below which would divide my heart with Thee;
Which would divert its even flow in answer to Thy constancy?
Oh teach me quickly to return, and cause my heart afresh to burn.
Have I a hope, however dear, which would defer Thy coming, Lord!
Which would detain my spirit here (Where not can lasting joy afford)?
From It, my Saviour, set me free, to look, and long, and wait for Thee.
Be Thou the object bright and fair to fill and satisfy the heart;
My hope to meet Thee in the air, and nevermore from Thee to part:
That I may undistracted be to follow, serve, and wait for Thee. G. W. Frazer
N.J. Hiebert - 8948
By far the greater proportion of Christians are more occupied with themselves, and their changeable feelings, than with the word of God.
This is the fruitful source of endless troubles and perplexities of the soul. How often it happens in the history of some Christians that when they experience a change of feeling in themselves, they hastily conclude that Christ Himself is not now what He once was to them.
They judge the Lord by their own feelings, in place of believing in Him according to His own word. This is looking to self in place of Christ, and being governed by feelings in place of the unchangeable truth of God.
Song of Solomon - Andrew Miller
Have I an object, Lord, below which would divide my heart with Thee;
Which would divert its even flow in answer to Thy constancy?
Oh teach me quickly to return, and cause my heart afresh to burn.
Have I a hope, however dear, which would defer Thy coming, Lord!
Which would detain my spirit here (Where not can lasting joy afford)?
From It, my Saviour, set me free, to look, and long, and wait for Thee.
Be Thou the object bright and fair to fill and satisfy the heart;
My hope to meet Thee in the air, and nevermore from Thee to part:
That I may undistracted be to follow, serve, and wait for Thee. G. W. Frazer
N.J. Hiebert - 8948
August 24
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