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
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
SAVIOUR OR JUDGE?
If thou forebear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain . . . doth not He that pondereth the heart consider it? . . . and shall not He render to every man according to his works? Proverbs 24:11-12
- When one has even a glimmer of the tremendous difference between having Christ and being
- without Christ;
- when one gets but one shuddering glimpse of what eternity is,
- and what it must mean, as well as what it may mean, without Christ:
- when one gets but a flash of realization of the tremendous fact that all these neighbours of ours, rich and poor alike, will have to spend that eternity either with Him or without Him
- it is hard, very hard indeed to understand how a man or a woman can believe these things at all, and make no effort for anything beyond the temporal elevation of those around, sometimes not even beyond their amusements!
"People must have entertainment," they urge. I do not find that "must" in the Bible, but I do find, "We must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ." (Romans 14:10) and if you have any sort of belief in that, how can you care to use those lips of yours, which might be a fountain of life to the dying souls before you, merely to entertain them. As you sow, so you reap.
Will you not sow that song? Will you not drop that word
Till the coldest heart be stirred from their slumber deep and long?
Then your harvest shall abound with rejoicing full and grand,
Where the heavenly summer-songs resound,
And the fruits of faithful work are found, in the glorious Holy Land.
Opened Treasures - Frances R. Havergal
N.J. Hiebert - 8949
If thou forebear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain . . . doth not He that pondereth the heart consider it? . . . and shall not He render to every man according to his works? Proverbs 24:11-12
- When one has even a glimmer of the tremendous difference between having Christ and being
- without Christ;
- when one gets but one shuddering glimpse of what eternity is,
- and what it must mean, as well as what it may mean, without Christ:
- when one gets but a flash of realization of the tremendous fact that all these neighbours of ours, rich and poor alike, will have to spend that eternity either with Him or without Him
- it is hard, very hard indeed to understand how a man or a woman can believe these things at all, and make no effort for anything beyond the temporal elevation of those around, sometimes not even beyond their amusements!
"People must have entertainment," they urge. I do not find that "must" in the Bible, but I do find, "We must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ." (Romans 14:10) and if you have any sort of belief in that, how can you care to use those lips of yours, which might be a fountain of life to the dying souls before you, merely to entertain them. As you sow, so you reap.
Will you not sow that song? Will you not drop that word
Till the coldest heart be stirred from their slumber deep and long?
Then your harvest shall abound with rejoicing full and grand,
Where the heavenly summer-songs resound,
And the fruits of faithful work are found, in the glorious Holy Land.
Opened Treasures - Frances R. Havergal
N.J. Hiebert - 8949
August 25
Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it? John 18:11
And He went a little further, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt. Matthew 26:39
This cup was a symbol of the wrath of God. Christ drank the undiluted wrath of a Holy God against sin, that we might drink the cup of remembrance of His death. As we drink of it today, may our hearts be full of what He did to bring us into His presence. Duncan Maxwell
O Christ, what burdens bowed Thy head! our load was laid on Thee;
Thou stoodest in the sinner's stead--to bear all ill for me.
A victim lead, Thy blood was shed; now there's no load for me.
Death and the curse were in our cup--O Christ, 'twas full for Thee!
But Thou has drained the last dark drop, 'tis empty now for me.
That bitter cup--love drank it up; left but the love for me.
Jehovah lifted up His rod--O Christ, it fell on Thee!
Thou wast forsaken of Thy God; no distance now for me.
Thy blood beneath that rod has flowed: Thy bruising healeth me.
The tempest's awful voice was heard. O Christ it broke on Thee;
Thy open bosom was my ward; it bore the storm for me.
Thy form was scarred, Thy visage marred; now cloudless peace for me.
For me, Lord Jesus, Thou has died, and I have died in Thee;
Thou'rt risen: my bands are all untied; and now Thou livest in Me.
The Father's face of radiant grace shines now in light on me. Mrs. Cousins
N.J. Hiebert - 8950
And He went a little further, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt. Matthew 26:39
This cup was a symbol of the wrath of God. Christ drank the undiluted wrath of a Holy God against sin, that we might drink the cup of remembrance of His death. As we drink of it today, may our hearts be full of what He did to bring us into His presence. Duncan Maxwell
O Christ, what burdens bowed Thy head! our load was laid on Thee;
Thou stoodest in the sinner's stead--to bear all ill for me.
A victim lead, Thy blood was shed; now there's no load for me.
Death and the curse were in our cup--O Christ, 'twas full for Thee!
But Thou has drained the last dark drop, 'tis empty now for me.
That bitter cup--love drank it up; left but the love for me.
Jehovah lifted up His rod--O Christ, it fell on Thee!
Thou wast forsaken of Thy God; no distance now for me.
Thy blood beneath that rod has flowed: Thy bruising healeth me.
The tempest's awful voice was heard. O Christ it broke on Thee;
Thy open bosom was my ward; it bore the storm for me.
Thy form was scarred, Thy visage marred; now cloudless peace for me.
For me, Lord Jesus, Thou has died, and I have died in Thee;
Thou'rt risen: my bands are all untied; and now Thou livest in Me.
The Father's face of radiant grace shines now in light on me. Mrs. Cousins
N.J. Hiebert - 8950
August 26
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Philippians 2:3-4 (not each having-the-eye-on the (interests) of themselves, but each on the (interests) of others also). "But in lowly-mindedness esteeming one another more excellent than themselves."
The word "But" is a strong word, drawing our earnest attention to the very great contrast between lowly-mindedness and party-spirit or vain-glory.
The words "one another" are really in the plural, but I do not know how this can be said in English, to make it clearer that it is. We have already noticed how much we get about our mind, or minding; and in the word "Lowly-mindedness." we find this again. In Ephesians 4:2 we find exactly the same word as one of the bonds which bind the saints together. There it is inked with "meekness."
Years ago I was walking with Mr. Willie Crossly, when suddenly he asked: "Christopher, What is the difference between lowliness (or, lowly-mindedness) and meekness?" I had to reply, "I don't know, Mr. Crossly." He said, I will tell you. Lowly-mindedness will never give offence. Meekness will never take offence." Oh, that we each had more of these two qualities! How much strife and contention would be avoided! Sacrifices of Joy - G. Christopher Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8951
The word "But" is a strong word, drawing our earnest attention to the very great contrast between lowly-mindedness and party-spirit or vain-glory.
The words "one another" are really in the plural, but I do not know how this can be said in English, to make it clearer that it is. We have already noticed how much we get about our mind, or minding; and in the word "Lowly-mindedness." we find this again. In Ephesians 4:2 we find exactly the same word as one of the bonds which bind the saints together. There it is inked with "meekness."
Years ago I was walking with Mr. Willie Crossly, when suddenly he asked: "Christopher, What is the difference between lowliness (or, lowly-mindedness) and meekness?" I had to reply, "I don't know, Mr. Crossly." He said, I will tell you. Lowly-mindedness will never give offence. Meekness will never take offence." Oh, that we each had more of these two qualities! How much strife and contention would be avoided! Sacrifices of Joy - G. Christopher Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8951
August 27
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luke 10:19
Sometimes we do not feel in the least like treading down scorpions and serpents and all the power of the enemy. Perhaps we are allowed to feel our nothingness, so that we may in the depths of our heart understand those other words "Without Me ye can do nothing." (John 15:5)
I think there was something of this in our Lord Jesus' mind, when He told the story of one who had nothing to set before his friend--not a crumb--and it was midnight. When we do not feel victorious and have nothing to give to others, it is in truth "midnight" in our soul, "the dark night of the soul", old writers called it.
But we have a God to Whom we can go at any minute, the weakest minute, the darkest minute, "at midnight". "Be Thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: Thou hast given commandment to save me; for Thou art my Rock and my Fortress." (Psalm 71:3)
And if it be victory over the power of the enemy in our own hearts that we need, He will give us not just crumbs, but loaves-- "He will rise and give him as many as he needeth." (Luke 11:5-8) Edges of His Ways - Amy Carmichael
N.J. Hiebert - 8952
Sometimes we do not feel in the least like treading down scorpions and serpents and all the power of the enemy. Perhaps we are allowed to feel our nothingness, so that we may in the depths of our heart understand those other words "Without Me ye can do nothing." (John 15:5)
I think there was something of this in our Lord Jesus' mind, when He told the story of one who had nothing to set before his friend--not a crumb--and it was midnight. When we do not feel victorious and have nothing to give to others, it is in truth "midnight" in our soul, "the dark night of the soul", old writers called it.
But we have a God to Whom we can go at any minute, the weakest minute, the darkest minute, "at midnight". "Be Thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: Thou hast given commandment to save me; for Thou art my Rock and my Fortress." (Psalm 71:3)
And if it be victory over the power of the enemy in our own hearts that we need, He will give us not just crumbs, but loaves-- "He will rise and give him as many as he needeth." (Luke 11:5-8) Edges of His Ways - Amy Carmichael
N.J. Hiebert - 8952
August 28
THE CLEAR EYE OF FAITH
And as He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. Mark 10:46,47
It is lovely to trace the faith displayed by Bartimaeus. The crowd dismissively informs the blind, destitute beggar that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by. To most, that is all Jesus ever was: a certain man from a geographic location at a specific point in time. To Bartimaeus, those facts are useless. A man from Nazareth, compassionate as he might ever be, could do nothing for him. But Jesus the Son of David, the long-awaited Messiah, God's divine Servant--that is who blind Bartimaeus sees with the clear eye of faith.
He is persistent despite the crowd's attempt to silence him. Society considers it perfectly acceptable to tag along behind Jesus, but the crowd is embarrassed when somebody desperately calls on Him as Saviour. However, the call of faith pierces the noise and reaches the heart of the Lord. He will never pass by anyone who is grasping towards Him (Acts 17:27).
Many who hear the Lord's invitation try to maintain some symbol of dignity as they approach Him. But all that Bartimaeus possessed was a beggar's cloak; and really, despite our self-importance, not one of us has anything more than that. Yet Bartimaeus casts even that robe aside. "Lord" he says, addressing the Lord both reverently and fervently, "I want to see."
He might have asked for power or wealth, but what would those do for him? He was not ashamed to acknowledge the true depth of his need. The prayer of faith is met by the grace of the Lord Jesus, Who heals both physically and spiritually. Thus transformed, Bartimaeus makes the Lord's pathway his own, and he follows Jesus on the road. Stephen Campbell
N.J. Hiebert - 8953
And as He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. Mark 10:46,47
It is lovely to trace the faith displayed by Bartimaeus. The crowd dismissively informs the blind, destitute beggar that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by. To most, that is all Jesus ever was: a certain man from a geographic location at a specific point in time. To Bartimaeus, those facts are useless. A man from Nazareth, compassionate as he might ever be, could do nothing for him. But Jesus the Son of David, the long-awaited Messiah, God's divine Servant--that is who blind Bartimaeus sees with the clear eye of faith.
He is persistent despite the crowd's attempt to silence him. Society considers it perfectly acceptable to tag along behind Jesus, but the crowd is embarrassed when somebody desperately calls on Him as Saviour. However, the call of faith pierces the noise and reaches the heart of the Lord. He will never pass by anyone who is grasping towards Him (Acts 17:27).
Many who hear the Lord's invitation try to maintain some symbol of dignity as they approach Him. But all that Bartimaeus possessed was a beggar's cloak; and really, despite our self-importance, not one of us has anything more than that. Yet Bartimaeus casts even that robe aside. "Lord" he says, addressing the Lord both reverently and fervently, "I want to see."
He might have asked for power or wealth, but what would those do for him? He was not ashamed to acknowledge the true depth of his need. The prayer of faith is met by the grace of the Lord Jesus, Who heals both physically and spiritually. Thus transformed, Bartimaeus makes the Lord's pathway his own, and he follows Jesus on the road. Stephen Campbell
N.J. Hiebert - 8953
August 29
But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal's wife, saying, behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to salute our master; and he railed on them. But the men were very good unto us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we anything, as long as we were conversant with them...They were a wall unto us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. 1 Samuel 25:14-16
Before having received this teaching from the mouth of godly Abigail (1 Samuel 25:30-31), David had girded on his sword and had ordered his companions to do the same. He was getting ahead of the moment for vengeance; the hour of judgment had not yet struck; it would come through the means of One greater than David. Of Him it is said: "Gird Thy sword upon Thy thigh, O Mighty One with Thy glory and Thy majesty." (Psalm 45:3) but as long as David was a stranger in his inheritance it was still the time of grace.
Abigail's faith understood this. This weak woman, knowing what was appropriate to grace, becomes God's instrument to keep the greatest of His servants, the very anointed of the Lord Himself, from evil. Only one Man--Grace in person, the grace of God which has appeared to all men--being infallible, never needed to be reminded of the feelings that befit the position that He had taken here on earth. We can all learn in Abigail's school. One rarely finds a more disinterested affection based on the perfections her faith was discerning in David.
She hastens to prepare everything that her husband had refused to David. Oh that souls who have heard that evil is decided against them might do the same. This is faith. There is no other resource but to go to meet him who is going to judge. And when Abigail saw David, she hasted and lighted off the donkey, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and fell at his feet, and said, upon me, let this iniquity be!" (vv.23-24) 1 Samuel - H. L. Rossier
N.J. Hiebert - 8954
Before having received this teaching from the mouth of godly Abigail (1 Samuel 25:30-31), David had girded on his sword and had ordered his companions to do the same. He was getting ahead of the moment for vengeance; the hour of judgment had not yet struck; it would come through the means of One greater than David. Of Him it is said: "Gird Thy sword upon Thy thigh, O Mighty One with Thy glory and Thy majesty." (Psalm 45:3) but as long as David was a stranger in his inheritance it was still the time of grace.
Abigail's faith understood this. This weak woman, knowing what was appropriate to grace, becomes God's instrument to keep the greatest of His servants, the very anointed of the Lord Himself, from evil. Only one Man--Grace in person, the grace of God which has appeared to all men--being infallible, never needed to be reminded of the feelings that befit the position that He had taken here on earth. We can all learn in Abigail's school. One rarely finds a more disinterested affection based on the perfections her faith was discerning in David.
She hastens to prepare everything that her husband had refused to David. Oh that souls who have heard that evil is decided against them might do the same. This is faith. There is no other resource but to go to meet him who is going to judge. And when Abigail saw David, she hasted and lighted off the donkey, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and fell at his feet, and said, upon me, let this iniquity be!" (vv.23-24) 1 Samuel - H. L. Rossier
N.J. Hiebert - 8954
August 30
GOING TO GOD
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. Ephesians 4:14
We live in a busy, bustling world. Our society is the product of a clamorous culture. Life is noisy. It is often rude, increasingly crude. Enormous pressures of a hundred sorts exert a profound impact upon us.
The tensions of our technology have been transmitted to our lifestyle. We are, for the most part, people driven by enormous desires, aroused by insatiable appetites; tantalized by tempting tastes; inflamed by passing pursuits and passions.
So we rush to and fro. We are people on the go. And amid all the mayhem God calls to us softly, persistently, patiently, and says: "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10) Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller
N.J. Hiebert - 8955
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. Ephesians 4:14
We live in a busy, bustling world. Our society is the product of a clamorous culture. Life is noisy. It is often rude, increasingly crude. Enormous pressures of a hundred sorts exert a profound impact upon us.
The tensions of our technology have been transmitted to our lifestyle. We are, for the most part, people driven by enormous desires, aroused by insatiable appetites; tantalized by tempting tastes; inflamed by passing pursuits and passions.
So we rush to and fro. We are people on the go. And amid all the mayhem God calls to us softly, persistently, patiently, and says: "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10) Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller
N.J. Hiebert - 8955
August 31
And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart. Deuteronomy 8:2
The wilderness life tends to bring out a great deal of the evil that is in our hearts. We begin our Christian careers with the joy of deliverance, but it is as we go on from stage to stage of our desert course that we become acquainted with self. But we are not to suppose that as we grow in self-knowledge our joy must decline. Quite the opposite! For then our joy would depend on ignorance of self, whereas it really depends on our knowledge of God.
As the believer goes onward, he learns that sin is a reality; that divine grace is a reality; that salvation is a reality--a deep, personal reality; and that the advocacy of Christ is a reality. In a word, he learns the depth, the fullness, the power, the application of God's gracious resources.
As Moses said to Israel (vv. 3-4) "He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, [not that you might be driven to despair, but that He might feed] thee with manna...Thy clothing grew not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years."
"Thou shalt remember!" What a touching and beautiful appeal! Remember forty years of evidence of what was in the heart of God toward His redeemed people whom He clothed, fed, and cared for in a vast and howling wilderness. What a noble and soul satisfying display of the fullness of divine resources!
How is it possible that, with the history of Israel's desert wandering lying open before us, we could ever harbour a single doubt or fear! Oh! that our hearts may be more completely emptied of self and more completely filled with Christ. This alone brings true holiness and true happiness. C. H. Mackintosh
N.J. Hiebert - 8956
The wilderness life tends to bring out a great deal of the evil that is in our hearts. We begin our Christian careers with the joy of deliverance, but it is as we go on from stage to stage of our desert course that we become acquainted with self. But we are not to suppose that as we grow in self-knowledge our joy must decline. Quite the opposite! For then our joy would depend on ignorance of self, whereas it really depends on our knowledge of God.
As the believer goes onward, he learns that sin is a reality; that divine grace is a reality; that salvation is a reality--a deep, personal reality; and that the advocacy of Christ is a reality. In a word, he learns the depth, the fullness, the power, the application of God's gracious resources.
As Moses said to Israel (vv. 3-4) "He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, [not that you might be driven to despair, but that He might feed] thee with manna...Thy clothing grew not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years."
"Thou shalt remember!" What a touching and beautiful appeal! Remember forty years of evidence of what was in the heart of God toward His redeemed people whom He clothed, fed, and cared for in a vast and howling wilderness. What a noble and soul satisfying display of the fullness of divine resources!
How is it possible that, with the history of Israel's desert wandering lying open before us, we could ever harbour a single doubt or fear! Oh! that our hearts may be more completely emptied of self and more completely filled with Christ. This alone brings true holiness and true happiness. C. H. Mackintosh
N.J. Hiebert - 8956
September 1
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Galatians 4:4-5
What an exciting thought-- "When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son." For centuries, which grew darker and darker, the faithful people of God waited for the promised Messiah who would reign, according to Isaiah 9:6, "Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
Isaiah goes on to say that "of the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end." "He will reign with judgment and with righteousness, from henceforth even forever." But when would He come? When would be this "fullness of the time"? It is not too difficult for us today to identify with the desire and longing expressed in the prophecies of the Old Testament that speak of a Redeemer who would come to deliver His people from the oppression and trouble all around them.
We too live in similar times. While there are a few bright spots of hope, they are quickly overshadowed by the vast amounts of selfishness, misery, strife, despair, and destruction all around us. But there is one great difference between then and now. "The fullness of the time" has come! And all who believe "God sent His Son".
The millennial time is yet to come when our Lord will reign physically over this earth in the manner described by Isaiah and the other prophets. But the time is here and now for each one of us to receive the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, the peace which shall guard our hearts and our thoughts by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). We can enjoy Him now if we recognize and own Him as the One sent to redeem us from our sins.
L.J. Ondrejack
N.J. Hiebert - 8957
What an exciting thought-- "When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son." For centuries, which grew darker and darker, the faithful people of God waited for the promised Messiah who would reign, according to Isaiah 9:6, "Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
Isaiah goes on to say that "of the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end." "He will reign with judgment and with righteousness, from henceforth even forever." But when would He come? When would be this "fullness of the time"? It is not too difficult for us today to identify with the desire and longing expressed in the prophecies of the Old Testament that speak of a Redeemer who would come to deliver His people from the oppression and trouble all around them.
We too live in similar times. While there are a few bright spots of hope, they are quickly overshadowed by the vast amounts of selfishness, misery, strife, despair, and destruction all around us. But there is one great difference between then and now. "The fullness of the time" has come! And all who believe "God sent His Son".
The millennial time is yet to come when our Lord will reign physically over this earth in the manner described by Isaiah and the other prophets. But the time is here and now for each one of us to receive the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, the peace which shall guard our hearts and our thoughts by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). We can enjoy Him now if we recognize and own Him as the One sent to redeem us from our sins.
L.J. Ondrejack
N.J. Hiebert - 8957
September 2
For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. Nehemiah 4:18
An evangelist came for a week's work. "Please will you lend me a Bible?" he asked.
"Haven't you brought your own?"
"No, I thought I could borrow one."
Compare that with Nehemiah's builders. "Every one had his sword girded by his side." It must have been rather in the way, dangling from his sash or belt, but he knew better than to go to work without his sword.
Our sword, of course, is a spiritual thing; it is the word of God, as Ephesians 6:17 tells us. Let us never go anywhere without it. Whatever we don't take, let us take that.
Now for today, and the foes of today, here is a great word: Psalm 144:1 "Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.
He will teach us how to use our sword today.
Whispers of His Power - Amy Carmichael.
N.J. Hiebert - 8958
An evangelist came for a week's work. "Please will you lend me a Bible?" he asked.
"Haven't you brought your own?"
"No, I thought I could borrow one."
Compare that with Nehemiah's builders. "Every one had his sword girded by his side." It must have been rather in the way, dangling from his sash or belt, but he knew better than to go to work without his sword.
Our sword, of course, is a spiritual thing; it is the word of God, as Ephesians 6:17 tells us. Let us never go anywhere without it. Whatever we don't take, let us take that.
Now for today, and the foes of today, here is a great word: Psalm 144:1 "Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.
He will teach us how to use our sword today.
Whispers of His Power - Amy Carmichael.
N.J. Hiebert - 8958
September 3
THE IMPOTENCE OF WORLDLY WISDOM
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 1 Corinthians 1:20
The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, has a great deal to say about the impotence of human wisdom in relation to spiritual things, and this is a lesson that we also need to heed. We must not put priority upon intellectual ability when dealing with spiritual matters.
"But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." (1 Corinthians 2: 9-10).
The Spirit-led man has the unique capacity to understand spiritual things that are beyond the capability of the greatest intellects. Undoubtedly, Daniel was a man of superior intellect, but he was at pains to show that the answers he received did not come from his own skill but from the God of heaven.
DANIEL - Godly Living in a Hostile World - William Burnett.
N.J. Hiebert - 8959
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 1 Corinthians 1:20
The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, has a great deal to say about the impotence of human wisdom in relation to spiritual things, and this is a lesson that we also need to heed. We must not put priority upon intellectual ability when dealing with spiritual matters.
"But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." (1 Corinthians 2: 9-10).
The Spirit-led man has the unique capacity to understand spiritual things that are beyond the capability of the greatest intellects. Undoubtedly, Daniel was a man of superior intellect, but he was at pains to show that the answers he received did not come from his own skill but from the God of heaven.
DANIEL - Godly Living in a Hostile World - William Burnett.
N.J. Hiebert - 8959
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