October 21
Be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5
About, above me, evermore, Christ's gentle presence broods,
He shares with me my silences, He fills my solitudes.
His face, His form, I cannot see, no spoken word can hear,
But with some finer sense of soul do I perceive Him near.
Oh, how my heart within me burns! what ecstasy is mine,
That He thus vouchsafes unto me His comradeship divine.
Are not these joys too sweet to last? May He not soon depart?
"Lo, I am with you all the days" He answereth my heart.
There are three great Biblical names, whose spiritual meanings unfold what God can be to His people during the days of their pilgrimage. These words cover, not only the special need of which we have been thinking, but also every problem and difficulty which we may encounter as we journey to the Land of Rest.
The first is "Ebenezer", which means "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us (1 Samuel 7:12). The second is "Emmanuel", which means, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). The third is "Jehovah-Jireh", which means "The Lord will provide" (Genesis 22:14).
"Ebenezer"--with all the happy memories that it recalls--that is the only word that adequately explains the past. "Emanuel" with all the wealth of comradeship that it connotes--that is the only word that can give assurance for the present. "Jehovah-Jireh"--with all the boundless provision that it implies--that is the only word that can impart confidence as we face the future.
The Best is Yet to Be - Henry Durbanville
N.J. Hiebert - 9007
About, above me, evermore, Christ's gentle presence broods,
He shares with me my silences, He fills my solitudes.
His face, His form, I cannot see, no spoken word can hear,
But with some finer sense of soul do I perceive Him near.
Oh, how my heart within me burns! what ecstasy is mine,
That He thus vouchsafes unto me His comradeship divine.
Are not these joys too sweet to last? May He not soon depart?
"Lo, I am with you all the days" He answereth my heart.
There are three great Biblical names, whose spiritual meanings unfold what God can be to His people during the days of their pilgrimage. These words cover, not only the special need of which we have been thinking, but also every problem and difficulty which we may encounter as we journey to the Land of Rest.
The first is "Ebenezer", which means "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us (1 Samuel 7:12). The second is "Emmanuel", which means, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). The third is "Jehovah-Jireh", which means "The Lord will provide" (Genesis 22:14).
"Ebenezer"--with all the happy memories that it recalls--that is the only word that adequately explains the past. "Emanuel" with all the wealth of comradeship that it connotes--that is the only word that can give assurance for the present. "Jehovah-Jireh"--with all the boundless provision that it implies--that is the only word that can impart confidence as we face the future.
The Best is Yet to Be - Henry Durbanville
N.J. Hiebert - 9007
October 22
A PARABLE OF THE FANNER BEES
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9
It was a glorious night of midsummer--a moon at full and a host of stars. The old bee garden was bathed in soft crystalline light--and ever so light a breeze lisped in the treetops. At the door of one of the hives we came to a halt. There arose from the hive a sibilant...persistent...not unlike the sound of sea waves...advancing...
"They are fanner bees," whispered the old beekeeper. "Its their job to keep the hive sweet and fresh. They're standing with their heads lowered, turned toward the center of the hive. Their wings are moving so rapidly that if you could see them you would think you were looking at a gray mist. They are drawing the bad air through one side of the entrance, while the pure air is sucked in on the other side."
Standing there close to nature, listening to the bee fanners, I felt close to one of nature's wonders--the mystery of the hive life. Presently the old bee-keeper stooped to the hive, holding a lighted candle in his hand. Instantly the light was extinguished by the strong air current, those infinitesimal bee wings moving in unison, making a draft so strong that the candle light was instantly quenched. Think of it!
As we stood there in the starlit garden the old preacher said, "The fanners--drawing out the bad air, letting in the fresh. Isn't that how people who call themselves Christians ought to act?" If we had enough fanners, if they were as keen on their jobs as those bees are on theirs, wouldn't the great hive of the world grow sweet and fresh? Selected
"Now thanks be unto God, which...maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish." (2 Corinthians 14,15)
N.J. Hiebert - 9008
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9
It was a glorious night of midsummer--a moon at full and a host of stars. The old bee garden was bathed in soft crystalline light--and ever so light a breeze lisped in the treetops. At the door of one of the hives we came to a halt. There arose from the hive a sibilant...persistent...not unlike the sound of sea waves...advancing...
"They are fanner bees," whispered the old beekeeper. "Its their job to keep the hive sweet and fresh. They're standing with their heads lowered, turned toward the center of the hive. Their wings are moving so rapidly that if you could see them you would think you were looking at a gray mist. They are drawing the bad air through one side of the entrance, while the pure air is sucked in on the other side."
Standing there close to nature, listening to the bee fanners, I felt close to one of nature's wonders--the mystery of the hive life. Presently the old bee-keeper stooped to the hive, holding a lighted candle in his hand. Instantly the light was extinguished by the strong air current, those infinitesimal bee wings moving in unison, making a draft so strong that the candle light was instantly quenched. Think of it!
As we stood there in the starlit garden the old preacher said, "The fanners--drawing out the bad air, letting in the fresh. Isn't that how people who call themselves Christians ought to act?" If we had enough fanners, if they were as keen on their jobs as those bees are on theirs, wouldn't the great hive of the world grow sweet and fresh? Selected
"Now thanks be unto God, which...maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish." (2 Corinthians 14,15)
N.J. Hiebert - 9008
October 23
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22:31,32
The word translated "desired" is really a stronger term than our English word; it is better rendered "demanded." Just as Satan went before God and practically demanded to have the opportunity to test Job, accusing him before God, saying that Job loved God only for what God gave him, so Satan demanded to test Peter. But Jesus said, "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not."
You know when we get into the Devil's sieve he can shake us up badly, but all that is left when he is through is chaff: the wheat falls through, and Satan has only the chaff. So do not be afraid of the Devil's sieve; God is able to sustain us. Remember that Jesus has said, "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not!"
Peter failed sadly. He denied his Lord three times, but his faith was preserved, and we find him turning back to Jesus and able to say, "Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee." (John 21:17) The Lord Jesus said, "And when thou art converted [when you are restored], strengthen thy brethren." Sometimes the Lord has to allow some of His best servants to fail terribly in order to show them their weakness, and that they may be more tender and sympathetic toward others.
Not realizing his own weakness Peter said, "Lord, I am ready to go with Thee, both into prison, and to death." (Luke 22:33) But the Lord said, "I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me." Luke 22:34) The Lord knew Peter far better than he knew himself, and He knows you and me better than we know ourselves. Luke - H. A. Ironside
N.J. Hiebert - 9009
The word translated "desired" is really a stronger term than our English word; it is better rendered "demanded." Just as Satan went before God and practically demanded to have the opportunity to test Job, accusing him before God, saying that Job loved God only for what God gave him, so Satan demanded to test Peter. But Jesus said, "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not."
You know when we get into the Devil's sieve he can shake us up badly, but all that is left when he is through is chaff: the wheat falls through, and Satan has only the chaff. So do not be afraid of the Devil's sieve; God is able to sustain us. Remember that Jesus has said, "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not!"
Peter failed sadly. He denied his Lord three times, but his faith was preserved, and we find him turning back to Jesus and able to say, "Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee." (John 21:17) The Lord Jesus said, "And when thou art converted [when you are restored], strengthen thy brethren." Sometimes the Lord has to allow some of His best servants to fail terribly in order to show them their weakness, and that they may be more tender and sympathetic toward others.
Not realizing his own weakness Peter said, "Lord, I am ready to go with Thee, both into prison, and to death." (Luke 22:33) But the Lord said, "I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me." Luke 22:34) The Lord knew Peter far better than he knew himself, and He knows you and me better than we know ourselves. Luke - H. A. Ironside
N.J. Hiebert - 9009
October 24
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep [or garrison] your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
It is most important that we should be engaged with Him--for this reason, that our care not infrequently is the consequence of some failure on our own part and consequently, sensitive, conscientious souls fix their eye upon their own delinquencies, and become disqualified for enjoying this peace of which we are speaking.
Of course, if the believer has sinned, that sin must be confessed, and communion restored. We could not for a moment imagine the peace of God filling the heart of anyone who is pursuing a path of disobedience.
But, on the other hand, it is to be noticed that in the verse before us it says nothing as to this peace becoming ours because of anything we have either done or not done. It is "through Christ Jesus." Let us think of Him.
He is altogether pleasing to God. He was the Obedient One--obedient unto death, even the death of the cross; and nothing was ever more glorifying to God; and that Cross has, as it were, shut you out of God's sight altogether as to what you have done and what you are, and left only Christ in all His perfection between you and God.
And so the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, reaches us through a perfect medium, and does not have to find its way through our imperfections, or possibly it would be turned back long before it came to our hearts at all. Christ Himself is the living link between your heart and God's.
Angels in White - Russell Elliott
N.J. Hiebert - 9010
It is most important that we should be engaged with Him--for this reason, that our care not infrequently is the consequence of some failure on our own part and consequently, sensitive, conscientious souls fix their eye upon their own delinquencies, and become disqualified for enjoying this peace of which we are speaking.
Of course, if the believer has sinned, that sin must be confessed, and communion restored. We could not for a moment imagine the peace of God filling the heart of anyone who is pursuing a path of disobedience.
But, on the other hand, it is to be noticed that in the verse before us it says nothing as to this peace becoming ours because of anything we have either done or not done. It is "through Christ Jesus." Let us think of Him.
He is altogether pleasing to God. He was the Obedient One--obedient unto death, even the death of the cross; and nothing was ever more glorifying to God; and that Cross has, as it were, shut you out of God's sight altogether as to what you have done and what you are, and left only Christ in all His perfection between you and God.
And so the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, reaches us through a perfect medium, and does not have to find its way through our imperfections, or possibly it would be turned back long before it came to our hearts at all. Christ Himself is the living link between your heart and God's.
Angels in White - Russell Elliott
N.J. Hiebert - 9010
October 25
WORDS IN SEASON
The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary." Isaiah 50:4
A word spoken in due season, how good is it! Proverbs 15:23
Lord, speak to me, that I may speak
In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou hast sought, so let me seek
Thy erring children lost and lone.
If God had passed over the sin of Adam and Eve in the garden, I should have been able to say, Sin is no matter, but when I look at the cross I cannot.
Take out redemption and scripture becomes impossible to understand; introduce it, and all is plain.
If we who believe on Him were not justified and made like Him, He would not see of the fruit and travail of His soul. . . . A Redeemer without the redeemed would have lost the reward of His work and sufferings. We form part of the glory of Christ, and it is a deep source of joy to our souls that we by our likeness to Him in eternity shall be the proof of the value of the work of Christ.
The Lord is coming . . . the time for the world is passing away. . . . May God find us watching, and thinking only of one thing--of Him about Whom God thinks--Jesus, our precious Saviour. Footprints for Pilgrims - J. N. Darby
N.J. Hiebert - 9011
The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary." Isaiah 50:4
A word spoken in due season, how good is it! Proverbs 15:23
Lord, speak to me, that I may speak
In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou hast sought, so let me seek
Thy erring children lost and lone.
If God had passed over the sin of Adam and Eve in the garden, I should have been able to say, Sin is no matter, but when I look at the cross I cannot.
Take out redemption and scripture becomes impossible to understand; introduce it, and all is plain.
If we who believe on Him were not justified and made like Him, He would not see of the fruit and travail of His soul. . . . A Redeemer without the redeemed would have lost the reward of His work and sufferings. We form part of the glory of Christ, and it is a deep source of joy to our souls that we by our likeness to Him in eternity shall be the proof of the value of the work of Christ.
The Lord is coming . . . the time for the world is passing away. . . . May God find us watching, and thinking only of one thing--of Him about Whom God thinks--Jesus, our precious Saviour. Footprints for Pilgrims - J. N. Darby
N.J. Hiebert - 9011
October 26
ABIDE IN CHRIST
These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15:11
Abiding fully in Christ is a life of exquisite and overflowing happiness. As Christ gets more complete possession of the soul, it enters into the joy of its Lord. His own joy, the joy of heaven, becomes its own, and that in full measure, and as an ever-abiding portion.
Just as joy on earth is everywhere connected with the vine and its fruit, so joy is an essential characteristic of the life of the believer who fully abides in Christ, the heavenly Vine.
We all know the value of joy. It alone is the proof that what we have really satisfies the heart. As long as duty, or self-interest, or other motives influence me, men cannot know what the object of my pursuit or possession is really worth to me.
But when it gives me joy, and they see me delight in it, they know that to me at least it is a treasure. Hence there is nothing so attractive as joy, no preaching so persuasive as the sight of hearts made glad.
Just this makes gladness such a mighty element in the Christian character: there is no proof of the reality of God's love and the blessing He bestows which men so soon feel the force of as when the joy of God overcomes all the trials of life.
And for the Christian's own welfare, joy is no less indispensable: the joy of the Lord is his strength; confidence, and courage, and patience find their inspiration in joy. With a heart full of joy no work can weary, and no burden can depress; God Himself is strength and song. Abide in Christ - Andrew Murray
N.J. Hiebert - 9012
These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15:11
Abiding fully in Christ is a life of exquisite and overflowing happiness. As Christ gets more complete possession of the soul, it enters into the joy of its Lord. His own joy, the joy of heaven, becomes its own, and that in full measure, and as an ever-abiding portion.
Just as joy on earth is everywhere connected with the vine and its fruit, so joy is an essential characteristic of the life of the believer who fully abides in Christ, the heavenly Vine.
We all know the value of joy. It alone is the proof that what we have really satisfies the heart. As long as duty, or self-interest, or other motives influence me, men cannot know what the object of my pursuit or possession is really worth to me.
But when it gives me joy, and they see me delight in it, they know that to me at least it is a treasure. Hence there is nothing so attractive as joy, no preaching so persuasive as the sight of hearts made glad.
Just this makes gladness such a mighty element in the Christian character: there is no proof of the reality of God's love and the blessing He bestows which men so soon feel the force of as when the joy of God overcomes all the trials of life.
And for the Christian's own welfare, joy is no less indispensable: the joy of the Lord is his strength; confidence, and courage, and patience find their inspiration in joy. With a heart full of joy no work can weary, and no burden can depress; God Himself is strength and song. Abide in Christ - Andrew Murray
N.J. Hiebert - 9012
October 27
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth. 1 Peter 2:21-22
In this passage the sufferings of Christ are spoken of as an example for the Christian to follow. In John 13:36, the Lord told Peter, "Whither I go, thou canst not follow Me now." He was going to the cross to lay down His life for the sins of His people.
Neither Peter not anyone else could have part in the atoning sufferings of the Son of God. In this the Lord Jesus Christ was all alone. But in His pathway leading up to the cross Christ suffered for righteousness' sake, not for sin, and in this He is a model for us.
Sin having come into the world through man's disobedience, we now see the sad effects of it on every hand. There is much suffering in this world as a result. Unrighteousness thrives, and the Christian finds himself in the midst of these conditions. He has received a new nature that delights to do the will of God and everything around him is foreign to him now.
The believer has been set apart by God to the obedience of Christ. That means the Christian is to obey as Christ obeyed. And as we take on that heavenly character that was portrayed by Christ, we will experience the hatred and opposition of the world. As they rejected and hated Christ, so also will they treat His followers.
And in the way in which Christ responded to such treatment He is a model to us. He submitted to the cruelties of man but committed Himself and the outcome to God. He rested in the fact that God, in whom He trusted, would judge righteously. What peace it gives to the soul when one leaves all in God's hands. He will bring all hidden things to light and rightly evaluate all.
J. Redekop
N.J. Hiebert - 9013
In this passage the sufferings of Christ are spoken of as an example for the Christian to follow. In John 13:36, the Lord told Peter, "Whither I go, thou canst not follow Me now." He was going to the cross to lay down His life for the sins of His people.
Neither Peter not anyone else could have part in the atoning sufferings of the Son of God. In this the Lord Jesus Christ was all alone. But in His pathway leading up to the cross Christ suffered for righteousness' sake, not for sin, and in this He is a model for us.
Sin having come into the world through man's disobedience, we now see the sad effects of it on every hand. There is much suffering in this world as a result. Unrighteousness thrives, and the Christian finds himself in the midst of these conditions. He has received a new nature that delights to do the will of God and everything around him is foreign to him now.
The believer has been set apart by God to the obedience of Christ. That means the Christian is to obey as Christ obeyed. And as we take on that heavenly character that was portrayed by Christ, we will experience the hatred and opposition of the world. As they rejected and hated Christ, so also will they treat His followers.
And in the way in which Christ responded to such treatment He is a model to us. He submitted to the cruelties of man but committed Himself and the outcome to God. He rested in the fact that God, in whom He trusted, would judge righteously. What peace it gives to the soul when one leaves all in God's hands. He will bring all hidden things to light and rightly evaluate all.
J. Redekop
N.J. Hiebert - 9013
October 28
And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; and the rib, which the Lord God had taken from the man, made He a woman, and brought her unto the man. "They shall be one flesh." (Genesis 2:21-24) (Mark 10:8)
We can surely take this as the first hint that all believers are permanently united with Christ in the bond of holy matrimony as His bride.
Close to the heart - the rib cage surrounds vital organs, namely heart and lungs. We correctly associate our heart with love as the seat of our affections. So taking the rib in preference to any other bone tells us of God's love towards His creature and the expression of love that Adam no doubt had for his mate.
The operation - God as surgeon put Adam into a deep sleep and the rib was extracted. I liken it to surgery because it says God closed up the flesh afterward. This suggests the sleep of death to which the Lord Jesus was subjected, in order that He could win a bride for Himself.
The connection - For a lifetime afterwards, Adam and Eve were grateful for the bond between them, since he says in the following verse, "This is now bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh". And so are we, as we consider our union with the Lord.
Protection - Ephesians 5:25-28 "So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies" Part of the marriage is the husband's promise to cherish (protect) his wife as long as they live. This is suggested by the protective role of the rib cage around the heart and lungs, both organs essential to life itself.
The testimony - These thoughts lead us to contemplating and displaying the connection between natural wedlock and the marriage of the Lord Jesus to His bride, the church (composed pf everyone who has been redeemed by His blood). We have the privilege and responsibility to represent that unity in the durability and character of our earthly marriages.
Eternity - When we get to glory, the relationship between husband and wife will be eclipsed by total absorption with our relationship to the Lord as His bride, for whom He died. And in this we will be completely satisfied. "I will behold Thy face in righteousness, I shall be satisfied when I awake with Thy likeness. Psalm 17:15 Lorne Perry
N.J. Hiebert - 9014
We can surely take this as the first hint that all believers are permanently united with Christ in the bond of holy matrimony as His bride.
Close to the heart - the rib cage surrounds vital organs, namely heart and lungs. We correctly associate our heart with love as the seat of our affections. So taking the rib in preference to any other bone tells us of God's love towards His creature and the expression of love that Adam no doubt had for his mate.
The operation - God as surgeon put Adam into a deep sleep and the rib was extracted. I liken it to surgery because it says God closed up the flesh afterward. This suggests the sleep of death to which the Lord Jesus was subjected, in order that He could win a bride for Himself.
The connection - For a lifetime afterwards, Adam and Eve were grateful for the bond between them, since he says in the following verse, "This is now bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh". And so are we, as we consider our union with the Lord.
Protection - Ephesians 5:25-28 "So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies" Part of the marriage is the husband's promise to cherish (protect) his wife as long as they live. This is suggested by the protective role of the rib cage around the heart and lungs, both organs essential to life itself.
The testimony - These thoughts lead us to contemplating and displaying the connection between natural wedlock and the marriage of the Lord Jesus to His bride, the church (composed pf everyone who has been redeemed by His blood). We have the privilege and responsibility to represent that unity in the durability and character of our earthly marriages.
Eternity - When we get to glory, the relationship between husband and wife will be eclipsed by total absorption with our relationship to the Lord as His bride, for whom He died. And in this we will be completely satisfied. "I will behold Thy face in righteousness, I shall be satisfied when I awake with Thy likeness. Psalm 17:15 Lorne Perry
N.J. Hiebert - 9014
October 29
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me, and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
The Christian should regard himself as the channel through which the manifold grace of Christ may flow out to a needy world; and the more freely he communicates, the more freely will he receive, "for there is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that with-holdeth more than is meet, and it tendeth to poverty." (Proverbs 11:24)
This places the believer in a place of sweetest privilege, and, at the same time, of the most solemn responsibility. He is called to be the constant witness and exhibiter of the grace of Him on whom he believes.
Now, the more he enters into the privilege, the more will he answer the responsibility. If he is habitually feeding upon Christ, he cannot avoid exhibiting Him. The more the Holy Spirit keeps the Christian's eye fixed on Jesus, the more will his heart be occupied with His adorable Person, and his life and character bear unequivocal testimony to HIs grace.
Faith is at once the power of ministry, the power of testimony, and the power of worship. If we are not living "by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us, and gave Himself for us," we shall neither be effectual servants, faithful witnesses, nor true worshippers.
We may be doing a great deal, but it will not be service to Christ: we may be saying a great deal, but it will not be testimony for Christ: we may exhibit a great deal of piety and devotion, but it will not be spiritual and true worship. Genesis - C. H. Macintosh
N.J. Hiebert - 9015
The Christian should regard himself as the channel through which the manifold grace of Christ may flow out to a needy world; and the more freely he communicates, the more freely will he receive, "for there is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that with-holdeth more than is meet, and it tendeth to poverty." (Proverbs 11:24)
This places the believer in a place of sweetest privilege, and, at the same time, of the most solemn responsibility. He is called to be the constant witness and exhibiter of the grace of Him on whom he believes.
Now, the more he enters into the privilege, the more will he answer the responsibility. If he is habitually feeding upon Christ, he cannot avoid exhibiting Him. The more the Holy Spirit keeps the Christian's eye fixed on Jesus, the more will his heart be occupied with His adorable Person, and his life and character bear unequivocal testimony to HIs grace.
Faith is at once the power of ministry, the power of testimony, and the power of worship. If we are not living "by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us, and gave Himself for us," we shall neither be effectual servants, faithful witnesses, nor true worshippers.
We may be doing a great deal, but it will not be service to Christ: we may be saying a great deal, but it will not be testimony for Christ: we may exhibit a great deal of piety and devotion, but it will not be spiritual and true worship. Genesis - C. H. Macintosh
N.J. Hiebert - 9015
October 30
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Genesis 2:17
Note the remarkable contrast between the testimony set up in Eden and that which is set up now. Then, when all around was life, God spoke of death; now, on the contrary, when all around is death, God speaks of life: then, the word was, "in the day thou eatest thou shalt die;" now, the word is "believe and live."
And, as in Eden the enemy sought to make void God's testimony as to the result of eating the fruit, so now he seeks to make void God's testimony as to the result of believing the gospel.
God had said, "in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die"; but the serpent said, "Ye shall not surely die." And now, when God's Word plainly declares that "he that beliveth on the Son hath everlasting life" (John 3:36), the same serpent seeks to persuade people that they have not everlasting life, nor should they presume to think of such a thing until they have first done, felt and experienced all manner of things.
If you have not yet heartily believed the divine record, let me beseech you to allow "the voice of the Lord" to prevail above the hiss of the serpent. "He that heareth My word, and beliveth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)
C. H. Mackintosh
N.J. Hiebert - 9016
Genesis 2:17
Note the remarkable contrast between the testimony set up in Eden and that which is set up now. Then, when all around was life, God spoke of death; now, on the contrary, when all around is death, God speaks of life: then, the word was, "in the day thou eatest thou shalt die;" now, the word is "believe and live."
And, as in Eden the enemy sought to make void God's testimony as to the result of eating the fruit, so now he seeks to make void God's testimony as to the result of believing the gospel.
God had said, "in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die"; but the serpent said, "Ye shall not surely die." And now, when God's Word plainly declares that "he that beliveth on the Son hath everlasting life" (John 3:36), the same serpent seeks to persuade people that they have not everlasting life, nor should they presume to think of such a thing until they have first done, felt and experienced all manner of things.
If you have not yet heartily believed the divine record, let me beseech you to allow "the voice of the Lord" to prevail above the hiss of the serpent. "He that heareth My word, and beliveth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)
C. H. Mackintosh
N.J. Hiebert - 9016
October 31
I am not what I was,"That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:12,13
I am not what I shall be, Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2 .
I am not what I should be, I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called. Ephesians 4:1.
I am not what I would be, Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12,13.
But, by the grace of God, I am, what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10
When I trace the way He's led me in the many years gone by,
Kept us thru the many trials, sent us succour from on high,
Kept us in the sore temptations, when the tempter's voice was heard,
In my soul I hear Him whisper; Child of God, hold fast my Word.
When I look into the future, think of what I yet may meet,
And of how the subtle tempter, spreads his snares to catch my feet.
Then my eyes will turn to Jesus seated on the Father's throne,
See Him there my intercessor pleading for His feeble one.
(From the Archives of Tom Dear)
N.J. Hiebert - 9017
I am not what I shall be, Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2 .
I am not what I should be, I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called. Ephesians 4:1.
I am not what I would be, Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:12,13.
But, by the grace of God, I am, what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10
When I trace the way He's led me in the many years gone by,
Kept us thru the many trials, sent us succour from on high,
Kept us in the sore temptations, when the tempter's voice was heard,
In my soul I hear Him whisper; Child of God, hold fast my Word.
When I look into the future, think of what I yet may meet,
And of how the subtle tempter, spreads his snares to catch my feet.
Then my eyes will turn to Jesus seated on the Father's throne,
See Him there my intercessor pleading for His feeble one.
(From the Archives of Tom Dear)
N.J. Hiebert - 9017
November 1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving...1Timothy 4:1-3
Behind this apostasy there is the direct influence of seducing spirits leading to the doctrines of demons in contrast to the truth. The apostate is not simply a neglecter of the truth, nor a rejector of the truth. He is one who, having made a profession of the faith, deliberately gives up the truth and takes up some other religious creed as being superior to Christianity.
The demons speak lies while professing to maintain the truth. The devil we know "is a liar." (John 8:44) and beguiled our first parents by speaking lies in hypocrisy. The fact that the truth has no power over their souls and that they give heed to doctrines of demons clearly proves that their consciences are so seared that they are no longer able to distinguish between good and evil.
Apostasy, then, involves not only the giving up of the truth but also the adoption of error--the doctrine of demons. In place of the truth the apostate affects a religion of the flesh which professes to be of the very highest sanctity. They make the assumption of extraordinary purity by forbidding to marry, and great self-denial by abstinence from meats.
In reality, having turned from the faith, they deny God as our Saviour, and in refusing marriage and meats, they deny God as the Creator. This means the loss of all true piety which fears God, and in result opens the door to licence and wantonness. These seducing spirits, pandering to the pride of the flesh, hold out before men the promise of the greatest sanctity in order to lead them into the deepest corruption.
1 Timothy - An Expository Outline - Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 9018
Behind this apostasy there is the direct influence of seducing spirits leading to the doctrines of demons in contrast to the truth. The apostate is not simply a neglecter of the truth, nor a rejector of the truth. He is one who, having made a profession of the faith, deliberately gives up the truth and takes up some other religious creed as being superior to Christianity.
The demons speak lies while professing to maintain the truth. The devil we know "is a liar." (John 8:44) and beguiled our first parents by speaking lies in hypocrisy. The fact that the truth has no power over their souls and that they give heed to doctrines of demons clearly proves that their consciences are so seared that they are no longer able to distinguish between good and evil.
Apostasy, then, involves not only the giving up of the truth but also the adoption of error--the doctrine of demons. In place of the truth the apostate affects a religion of the flesh which professes to be of the very highest sanctity. They make the assumption of extraordinary purity by forbidding to marry, and great self-denial by abstinence from meats.
In reality, having turned from the faith, they deny God as our Saviour, and in refusing marriage and meats, they deny God as the Creator. This means the loss of all true piety which fears God, and in result opens the door to licence and wantonness. These seducing spirits, pandering to the pride of the flesh, hold out before men the promise of the greatest sanctity in order to lead them into the deepest corruption.
1 Timothy - An Expository Outline - Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 9018
November 2
WHAT KIND OF FAITH?
According to your faith be it unto you. Matthew 9:29
Do I have the right kind of faith? "If you have any faith at all, you may be sure it is the right kind." Do not waste time taking your faith apart and putting it back together. Do not expect saving faith to be some strange, different kind. You believe in Christ with faith like the faith you use when you trust someone or something else.
It is the object that makes the difference. If you have any uncertainty about the matter, come to a definite decision. Trust Christ now. It may help you to put down the time and place. You must have confidence in the decision and consider it settled. But do not confuse faith in your faith with faith in the Saviour. Faith has no value of its own, it has value only as it connects us with Him.
It is a trick of Satan to get us occupied with examining our faith instead of resting in the Faithful One. Go to Him just as you are as best you know. "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37) Vance Havner
O what a Saviour that He died for me! from condemnation He hath made me free;
'He that believeth on the Son' saith He, 'Hath everlasting life'
All my iniquities on Him were laid, all my indebtedness by Him was paid;
All who believe on Him, the Lord hath said, 'Have everlasting life.'
Though poor and needy, I can trust my Lord, though weak and and sinful, I believe His word; O blessed message! every child of God, 'Hath everlasting life.'
Though all unworthy, yet I will not doubt, for him that cometh, He will not cast out,
He that believeth, O! the good news shout, 'Hath everlasting life.' J. McGranahan
N.J. Hiebert - 9019
According to your faith be it unto you. Matthew 9:29
Do I have the right kind of faith? "If you have any faith at all, you may be sure it is the right kind." Do not waste time taking your faith apart and putting it back together. Do not expect saving faith to be some strange, different kind. You believe in Christ with faith like the faith you use when you trust someone or something else.
It is the object that makes the difference. If you have any uncertainty about the matter, come to a definite decision. Trust Christ now. It may help you to put down the time and place. You must have confidence in the decision and consider it settled. But do not confuse faith in your faith with faith in the Saviour. Faith has no value of its own, it has value only as it connects us with Him.
It is a trick of Satan to get us occupied with examining our faith instead of resting in the Faithful One. Go to Him just as you are as best you know. "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37) Vance Havner
O what a Saviour that He died for me! from condemnation He hath made me free;
'He that believeth on the Son' saith He, 'Hath everlasting life'
All my iniquities on Him were laid, all my indebtedness by Him was paid;
All who believe on Him, the Lord hath said, 'Have everlasting life.'
Though poor and needy, I can trust my Lord, though weak and and sinful, I believe His word; O blessed message! every child of God, 'Hath everlasting life.'
Though all unworthy, yet I will not doubt, for him that cometh, He will not cast out,
He that believeth, O! the good news shout, 'Hath everlasting life.' J. McGranahan
N.J. Hiebert - 9019
November 3
