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
September 4
ROUGH WATER
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee. Isaiah 43:2
There are no words of comfort like those that our Father speaks to us. We are called to go straight through the foaming river holding fast to this assurance.
And we look at the white water. There are pot-holes among the boulders where a foot might be caught and held; a sudden spate might easily overwhelm us; the spray half blind us; the noise deafen us.
There is no human way, no human hope; there is nothing to be seen but a boiling flood, boulders, snags, tossing spray; there is not one inch of smooth water anywhere. But the word of our God holds fast. It would be cowardice to fear. God save us from cowardice. "Be of good cheer, my brother; I feel the bottom, and it is good." (John Bunyan - Pilgrims Progress - 1628-1688)
But life can be terrifying. Things can happen that seem to tear such words out of our mouth and drive them like dust before a hurricane. Look at that shattered life, that young life, and tell me of a God of mercy and pity--how can you?
Those words fall on many hearts today; and only He whose prayer in Gethsemane began with the words, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me," can enable the soul of man in its extremity to continue that prayer as He continued it, and to end it as He ended it. There are times in life when the one place in all the world where we can find what we are seeking is the garden of Gethsemane.
From that garden it is only a few steps to Golgotha, where they crucified Him. Our questions are hushed there. - Gold by Moonlight - Amy Carmichael.
N.J. HIebert - 8960
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee. Isaiah 43:2
There are no words of comfort like those that our Father speaks to us. We are called to go straight through the foaming river holding fast to this assurance.
And we look at the white water. There are pot-holes among the boulders where a foot might be caught and held; a sudden spate might easily overwhelm us; the spray half blind us; the noise deafen us.
There is no human way, no human hope; there is nothing to be seen but a boiling flood, boulders, snags, tossing spray; there is not one inch of smooth water anywhere. But the word of our God holds fast. It would be cowardice to fear. God save us from cowardice. "Be of good cheer, my brother; I feel the bottom, and it is good." (John Bunyan - Pilgrims Progress - 1628-1688)
But life can be terrifying. Things can happen that seem to tear such words out of our mouth and drive them like dust before a hurricane. Look at that shattered life, that young life, and tell me of a God of mercy and pity--how can you?
Those words fall on many hearts today; and only He whose prayer in Gethsemane began with the words, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me," can enable the soul of man in its extremity to continue that prayer as He continued it, and to end it as He ended it. There are times in life when the one place in all the world where we can find what we are seeking is the garden of Gethsemane.
From that garden it is only a few steps to Golgotha, where they crucified Him. Our questions are hushed there. - Gold by Moonlight - Amy Carmichael.
N.J. HIebert - 8960
September 5
GUIDED BY THE PILLARS OF GOD
And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night. Exodus 13:21
What is of importance to notice here is that the people of Israel were divinely guided on their march. He who selected their path guided them in it, went before them in the the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, in all their wanderings. These gracious symbols of His presence He never took from them as long as they were in the wilderness.
This is only an illustration of the truth, that the Lord is ever a guide of His people. He who leads them out of Egypt may ever be seen before them in the path in which they have entered. He never says, "Go"; but His word is always, "Follow Me." "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John14:6). It is quite true that we have not the visible guidance which the children of Israel enjoyed; but it is no less discernible and certain to the spiritual eye. "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)
It is interesting to remark that there was no such guidance in Egypt or in the land. This brings out the important truth, that it is only in the wilderness, that the indication of a way is needed.
And there is in His tenderness and mercy that the Lord leads His own, showing them the way in which they should walk, where they should rest, and when they should march, leaving nothing to them, but Himself undertaking all for them, only requiring that their eyes should be kept fixed on their Guide. Happy are the people who are thus led, and who are made willing to follow, who by grace are enabled to say, "Only Thou our Leader be, and we still will follow Thee." Edward Dennett
N.J. Hiebert - 8961
And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night. Exodus 13:21
What is of importance to notice here is that the people of Israel were divinely guided on their march. He who selected their path guided them in it, went before them in the the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, in all their wanderings. These gracious symbols of His presence He never took from them as long as they were in the wilderness.
This is only an illustration of the truth, that the Lord is ever a guide of His people. He who leads them out of Egypt may ever be seen before them in the path in which they have entered. He never says, "Go"; but His word is always, "Follow Me." "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (John14:6). It is quite true that we have not the visible guidance which the children of Israel enjoyed; but it is no less discernible and certain to the spiritual eye. "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)
It is interesting to remark that there was no such guidance in Egypt or in the land. This brings out the important truth, that it is only in the wilderness, that the indication of a way is needed.
And there is in His tenderness and mercy that the Lord leads His own, showing them the way in which they should walk, where they should rest, and when they should march, leaving nothing to them, but Himself undertaking all for them, only requiring that their eyes should be kept fixed on their Guide. Happy are the people who are thus led, and who are made willing to follow, who by grace are enabled to say, "Only Thou our Leader be, and we still will follow Thee." Edward Dennett
N.J. Hiebert - 8961
September 6
Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Mark 12:14
We need to note the answer, for from it we learn what the Christian's attitude is to be with regard to this present evil world and the powers that govern it. A more important question could scarcely be raised. For God's earthly people to be under the heel of a foreign power, even though through their own fault, was the most grievous and humiliating situation conceivable.
What to do in regard to this was the burning question of the hour. Notice, Christ does not tell them to offer resistance. His reply is, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's." (Mark 12:17)
This is all the more remarkable, because the conditions then existing were wholly contrary to what God intended, and Christ could easily have altered such conditions had He wished. But He leaves the matter just where it was. The fact is, He never interfered in the world's matters, and if He did not, was He likely to advise others to do so? He found the Romans in power, and He left them in power. He was born under their yoke, He died under it.
It was the Roman power that crucified Him. Christ never once resisted that power. The only time He used force was to drive the money-changers out of the temple. But the temple was His Father's House, God's things. The point for us is that the Lord did not allow Himself to become embroiled in the politics of the world, nor would He sanction the use of carnal weapons.
So there are God's things and Caesar's things. Let us be careful that we render to God the things that are God's. In this way we shall render the best service to the world. Break of Day - Russell Elliott
N.J. Hiebert - 8962
We need to note the answer, for from it we learn what the Christian's attitude is to be with regard to this present evil world and the powers that govern it. A more important question could scarcely be raised. For God's earthly people to be under the heel of a foreign power, even though through their own fault, was the most grievous and humiliating situation conceivable.
What to do in regard to this was the burning question of the hour. Notice, Christ does not tell them to offer resistance. His reply is, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's." (Mark 12:17)
This is all the more remarkable, because the conditions then existing were wholly contrary to what God intended, and Christ could easily have altered such conditions had He wished. But He leaves the matter just where it was. The fact is, He never interfered in the world's matters, and if He did not, was He likely to advise others to do so? He found the Romans in power, and He left them in power. He was born under their yoke, He died under it.
It was the Roman power that crucified Him. Christ never once resisted that power. The only time He used force was to drive the money-changers out of the temple. But the temple was His Father's House, God's things. The point for us is that the Lord did not allow Himself to become embroiled in the politics of the world, nor would He sanction the use of carnal weapons.
So there are God's things and Caesar's things. Let us be careful that we render to God the things that are God's. In this way we shall render the best service to the world. Break of Day - Russell Elliott
N.J. Hiebert - 8962
September 7
And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stripped Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; and they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. Genesis 37:23,24
THE SON REPUDIATED The father had distinguished him by a coat of many colours, the brethren degrade him by stripping him. So on many illustrious occasions when Christ is distinguished above all others by some special display of divine power, wisdom and grace, man will at once strip Him of His coat of many colours and seek to degrade Him to the level of a mere man by asking,"Is not this the carpenter's son?" (Matthew 13:55) or is not this the carpenter?" (Mark 6:3) As in the case of Joseph, the stripping was only the prelude to the pit, so with Christ, the rejection of every witness to His glory, led man at last with wicked hands to deliver Him to death.
THE SON RESCUED There is however a significant difference between the type and the antitype. Isaac in his day very blessedly brings the death of Christ before us. He may be bound upon the altar, Abraham may stretch forth his hand and take the knife to slay his son, but at once the angel is present to stay his hand. Joseph may again take up the story of the cross, as his brethren cast him into the pit, but for him "the pit was empty, there was no water in it."
How different the cross of Christ. The same God at whose bidding "Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son," (Genesis 22:12) can now say, "Awake, O sword...against the Man that is my fellow." (Zechariah 13:7) and though twelve legions of angels await His commands, yet not one is bidden to hold back the sword of judgment. It is no empty pit into which He must go. He can say, "Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. Thy wrath lieth hard upon Me, and Thou has afflicted Me with all Thy waves" (Psalm 88:6,7). Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8963
THE SON REPUDIATED The father had distinguished him by a coat of many colours, the brethren degrade him by stripping him. So on many illustrious occasions when Christ is distinguished above all others by some special display of divine power, wisdom and grace, man will at once strip Him of His coat of many colours and seek to degrade Him to the level of a mere man by asking,"Is not this the carpenter's son?" (Matthew 13:55) or is not this the carpenter?" (Mark 6:3) As in the case of Joseph, the stripping was only the prelude to the pit, so with Christ, the rejection of every witness to His glory, led man at last with wicked hands to deliver Him to death.
THE SON RESCUED There is however a significant difference between the type and the antitype. Isaac in his day very blessedly brings the death of Christ before us. He may be bound upon the altar, Abraham may stretch forth his hand and take the knife to slay his son, but at once the angel is present to stay his hand. Joseph may again take up the story of the cross, as his brethren cast him into the pit, but for him "the pit was empty, there was no water in it."
How different the cross of Christ. The same God at whose bidding "Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son," (Genesis 22:12) can now say, "Awake, O sword...against the Man that is my fellow." (Zechariah 13:7) and though twelve legions of angels await His commands, yet not one is bidden to hold back the sword of judgment. It is no empty pit into which He must go. He can say, "Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. Thy wrath lieth hard upon Me, and Thou has afflicted Me with all Thy waves" (Psalm 88:6,7). Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8963
September 8
Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and Thou hast afflicted me with all Thy waves. Selah. Psalm 88:7
THE SON REWARDED: While the sufferings of Isaac and Joseph both point to the cross, yet each portray a different aspect of that great mystery. Isaac goes up to the mount to be offered up. Joseph goes down to the pit. And the mount speaks of the glory of the Person offered up. The pit tells of the misery and degradation of those for whom He is offered up. He is the son, and more, the only son, and yet more he is the promised heir, Isaac, and beloved of his father.
But when Joseph goes down to the pit, while it is true his moral excellence cannot be hid, yet it is not his personal glory that is prominent but rather the evil and corruption of those who surround Joseph. If at last his brethren are to be brought into blessing and share in the glory of Joseph, then Joseph must take their place of distance and degradation as set forth in the pit. "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission," (Hebrews 9:22) and "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die it abideth alone" (John 12:24).
THE SON REVEALING: Having cast Joseph into the pit, his brethren "sat down to eat bread." (Genesis 37:25). Nor was it otherwise at the cross. The presence of Joseph only serves to reveal the evil of his brethren, just as the cross becomes the occasion to expose the depth of corruption in the heart of man. The leaders of Israel yield up the true Passover Lamb to death, and calmly sit down to eat the passover feast--an evil and adulterous generation, like the adulterous woman in Prov. 30:20.
The company of merchant men on their way to Egypt at once suggest to Judah the opportunity of making profit out of their brother. Why not sell Joseph and make a little money? If they are not going to gratify their hatred by killing Joseph, why not gratify their covetousness by selling Joseph? Hence they gave their brother up to the Gentiles and gave themselves up to money making. And what Judah did a thousand years before Christ came, His descendants have done for nearly two thousand years since His rejection. Jospeh - Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8964
THE SON REWARDED: While the sufferings of Isaac and Joseph both point to the cross, yet each portray a different aspect of that great mystery. Isaac goes up to the mount to be offered up. Joseph goes down to the pit. And the mount speaks of the glory of the Person offered up. The pit tells of the misery and degradation of those for whom He is offered up. He is the son, and more, the only son, and yet more he is the promised heir, Isaac, and beloved of his father.
But when Joseph goes down to the pit, while it is true his moral excellence cannot be hid, yet it is not his personal glory that is prominent but rather the evil and corruption of those who surround Joseph. If at last his brethren are to be brought into blessing and share in the glory of Joseph, then Joseph must take their place of distance and degradation as set forth in the pit. "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission," (Hebrews 9:22) and "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die it abideth alone" (John 12:24).
THE SON REVEALING: Having cast Joseph into the pit, his brethren "sat down to eat bread." (Genesis 37:25). Nor was it otherwise at the cross. The presence of Joseph only serves to reveal the evil of his brethren, just as the cross becomes the occasion to expose the depth of corruption in the heart of man. The leaders of Israel yield up the true Passover Lamb to death, and calmly sit down to eat the passover feast--an evil and adulterous generation, like the adulterous woman in Prov. 30:20.
The company of merchant men on their way to Egypt at once suggest to Judah the opportunity of making profit out of their brother. Why not sell Joseph and make a little money? If they are not going to gratify their hatred by killing Joseph, why not gratify their covetousness by selling Joseph? Hence they gave their brother up to the Gentiles and gave themselves up to money making. And what Judah did a thousand years before Christ came, His descendants have done for nearly two thousand years since His rejection. Jospeh - Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8964
September 9
- In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1
- Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. John 14:6
- Behold, I come quickly. . .I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. . . .Even so come, Lord Jesus.
Revelation 22:12,13,20.
An old stone-breaker said, as he sat by the roadside, during the lunch hour, reading his much worn Bible. A party of tourists came by, and one of them said: "How can an old fool like you understand that Book?" With the grace of a Christian gentleman, the old man replied: "It would not be possible, sir, in the ordinary way; but you see I happen to know the Author.
"Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it..." (Deuteronomy 4:2) The outstanding instance of the want of accuracy in quoting Scripture is found in Genesis 3. It is a warning that in dealing with the Word of God, we should take nothing from it, add nothing to it, and change nothing in it.
Eve did all three. She took from the Word of God. God had said: "of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat", save one; but Eve omitted the word "freely" making God to appear less bountiful than He was (Genesis 2:16) She added to the Word of God. He had said of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil: "Thou shalt not eat of it." But in her reply to Satan Eve declares that God had also said: "neither shall ye touch it" which He had not (Genesis 2:17; 3:3; Proverbs 30:6)
She changed the word of God. He had said: "In the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (Genesis 2:17; 3:3) but when Eve quoted the words of warning she said: "neither shall ye touch it lest ye die." and by so doing changed an absolute certainty into a mere possibility (Matthew 4:4). She thus misquoted the terms of the divine permission, overstated the prohibition, and underated the penalty. The Wonderful Word - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 8965
- Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. John 14:6
- Behold, I come quickly. . .I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. . . .Even so come, Lord Jesus.
Revelation 22:12,13,20.
An old stone-breaker said, as he sat by the roadside, during the lunch hour, reading his much worn Bible. A party of tourists came by, and one of them said: "How can an old fool like you understand that Book?" With the grace of a Christian gentleman, the old man replied: "It would not be possible, sir, in the ordinary way; but you see I happen to know the Author.
"Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it..." (Deuteronomy 4:2) The outstanding instance of the want of accuracy in quoting Scripture is found in Genesis 3. It is a warning that in dealing with the Word of God, we should take nothing from it, add nothing to it, and change nothing in it.
Eve did all three. She took from the Word of God. God had said: "of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat", save one; but Eve omitted the word "freely" making God to appear less bountiful than He was (Genesis 2:16) She added to the Word of God. He had said of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil: "Thou shalt not eat of it." But in her reply to Satan Eve declares that God had also said: "neither shall ye touch it" which He had not (Genesis 2:17; 3:3; Proverbs 30:6)
She changed the word of God. He had said: "In the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (Genesis 2:17; 3:3) but when Eve quoted the words of warning she said: "neither shall ye touch it lest ye die." and by so doing changed an absolute certainty into a mere possibility (Matthew 4:4). She thus misquoted the terms of the divine permission, overstated the prohibition, and underated the penalty. The Wonderful Word - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 8965
September 10
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7.
What solemn words are these. If a man sows rice, he reaps rice. If a man sows turnips, he reaps turnips. Day by day we are sowing--sowing what? We are sowing thoughts, words, deeds! What shall we reap? What will the harvest be?
There are three things the Apostle brings to our notice about sowing:
1. What we sow: "Whatsoever a man soweth, that very thing he shall also reap."
2. Where we sow: "He that soweth to (in the interests) of his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption:"
- He that soweth (in the interest of) to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." (Galatians 6:8)
3. How we sow: "He which soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly; He which soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully." (2 Corinthians 9:6)
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6:9). Galatians - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8966
What solemn words are these. If a man sows rice, he reaps rice. If a man sows turnips, he reaps turnips. Day by day we are sowing--sowing what? We are sowing thoughts, words, deeds! What shall we reap? What will the harvest be?
There are three things the Apostle brings to our notice about sowing:
1. What we sow: "Whatsoever a man soweth, that very thing he shall also reap."
2. Where we sow: "He that soweth to (in the interests) of his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption:"
- He that soweth (in the interest of) to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." (Galatians 6:8)
3. How we sow: "He which soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly; He which soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully." (2 Corinthians 9:6)
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6:9). Galatians - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8966
September 11
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
The Occasion Of Temptation. The least passage of your life may prove an occasion of sin to you: at what a little wicket (small door) many times a great sin enters! David's eye did but casually light on Bathsheba, and the good man's foot was presently in the devil's trap: you have need to pray that God would set a guard about your senses wherever you go, and to cry with Him, "Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity"? (Psalm 119:37)
It should be our care, if we would not yield to the sin, nor to walk by, or sit at the door of the occasion: parley (discuss) not with that in your thoughts, which you do not mean to let into your heart. If we mean not to be burnt, let us not walk upon the coals of temptation. You tempt God to suffer your locks to be cut, when you are so bold as to lay your head in the lap of a temptation. (Judges 16:19)
Set a strong guard about your outward senses: These are Satan's landing-places especially the eye and the ear. Take heed what you import at these; vain discourse seldom passes without leaving some tincture upon the heart. And for your eye, let it not wander; wanton objects cause wanton thoughts. Job knew his eye and his thoughts were likely to go together, and therefore to secure one he covenants with the other. "I made a covenant with mine eyes; why should I think upon a maid." Job 31:1 The Christian in Complete Armour - William Gurnall (1616-1679)
N.J. Hiebert - 8967
The Occasion Of Temptation. The least passage of your life may prove an occasion of sin to you: at what a little wicket (small door) many times a great sin enters! David's eye did but casually light on Bathsheba, and the good man's foot was presently in the devil's trap: you have need to pray that God would set a guard about your senses wherever you go, and to cry with Him, "Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity"? (Psalm 119:37)
It should be our care, if we would not yield to the sin, nor to walk by, or sit at the door of the occasion: parley (discuss) not with that in your thoughts, which you do not mean to let into your heart. If we mean not to be burnt, let us not walk upon the coals of temptation. You tempt God to suffer your locks to be cut, when you are so bold as to lay your head in the lap of a temptation. (Judges 16:19)
Set a strong guard about your outward senses: These are Satan's landing-places especially the eye and the ear. Take heed what you import at these; vain discourse seldom passes without leaving some tincture upon the heart. And for your eye, let it not wander; wanton objects cause wanton thoughts. Job knew his eye and his thoughts were likely to go together, and therefore to secure one he covenants with the other. "I made a covenant with mine eyes; why should I think upon a maid." Job 31:1 The Christian in Complete Armour - William Gurnall (1616-1679)
N.J. Hiebert - 8967
September 12
My son, let them (scriptures - Psalm 119:11) not depart from thine eyes: Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Proverbs 3-21-24
Some one has said, "It is not enough that one hold the truth, if the truth hold not him." To so take hold of what God has revealed as to have it control the heart and life, is what is continually insisted on in this most practical of all books.
Thus, to "keep sound wisdom and discretion," gives one to lay hold on what is really life, and ornaments the neck with grace. The foot, too, will be kept from stumbling, and the disciple will be guided in the way of truth.
Rest and refreshment become likewise the portion of all who esteem the Word of God above all the thoughts of men. Notes on Proverbs - H.A. Ironside
N.J. Hiebert - 8968
So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Proverbs 3-21-24
Some one has said, "It is not enough that one hold the truth, if the truth hold not him." To so take hold of what God has revealed as to have it control the heart and life, is what is continually insisted on in this most practical of all books.
Thus, to "keep sound wisdom and discretion," gives one to lay hold on what is really life, and ornaments the neck with grace. The foot, too, will be kept from stumbling, and the disciple will be guided in the way of truth.
Rest and refreshment become likewise the portion of all who esteem the Word of God above all the thoughts of men. Notes on Proverbs - H.A. Ironside
N.J. Hiebert - 8968
September 13
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2
"Acceptable" in Tamil means lovable, beloved: and in the preceding verbs I found something strengthening and comforting: "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind."
It would fare ill with us if He tired of renewing that which does so often faint and fail; for though we do truly choose to prove that good, acceptable, perfect will, and declare it to be beloved, yet sometimes we slip just there, and then comes discouragement. Here is the word for such an hour. We have a God who renews, renews day by day.
(The same verb is used in 2 Corinthians 4:16 "The inward man is renewed day by day.") Renewed in the spirit of our minds--renewed in the inward man, not once a year or at some special meeting, but day by day--we can conquer, we can rejoice in the will of God, and we can find it so lovable that we shall never for one moment want anything else.
"For even Christ pleased not Himself; but as it is written, the reproaches of them that reproached Thee fell on Me." (Romans 15:3)
Thou Givest...They Gather - Amy Carmichael
N.J. Hiebert - 8969
"Acceptable" in Tamil means lovable, beloved: and in the preceding verbs I found something strengthening and comforting: "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind."
It would fare ill with us if He tired of renewing that which does so often faint and fail; for though we do truly choose to prove that good, acceptable, perfect will, and declare it to be beloved, yet sometimes we slip just there, and then comes discouragement. Here is the word for such an hour. We have a God who renews, renews day by day.
(The same verb is used in 2 Corinthians 4:16 "The inward man is renewed day by day.") Renewed in the spirit of our minds--renewed in the inward man, not once a year or at some special meeting, but day by day--we can conquer, we can rejoice in the will of God, and we can find it so lovable that we shall never for one moment want anything else.
"For even Christ pleased not Himself; but as it is written, the reproaches of them that reproached Thee fell on Me." (Romans 15:3)
Thou Givest...They Gather - Amy Carmichael
N.J. Hiebert - 8969
September 14
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