October 11
I have surely seen the affliction of My people . . . come now, therefore , I will send thee, (Exodus 3:7,10)
Does that seem a weak ending to a powerful beginning? The Lord God looks upon terrible affliction and He sends a weak man to deal with it. Could He not have sent fire from heaven? Could He not have rent the heavens and sent His ministers of calamity and disasters? Why chose a man when the archangel Gabriel stands ready at obedience?
This is not the way of the Lord. He uses human means to divine ends. He works through man to the emancipation of men. He pours His strength into a worm, and it becomes an instrument with teeth. He stiffens a frail reed and it becomes an iron pillar.
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing.
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He,
The Lord of Host's His name, from age to age the same.
And He must win the battle. Martin Luther
And this mighty God will use thee and me. On every side there are Egypts where affliction abounds, there are homes where ignorance breeds, there are workshops where tyranny reigns, there are lands where oppression is rampant. "Come now, therefore, I will send thee." Thus saith the Lord, and He who gives the command will also give the equipment." J. H. Jowett.
N.J. Hiebert - 8997
Does that seem a weak ending to a powerful beginning? The Lord God looks upon terrible affliction and He sends a weak man to deal with it. Could He not have sent fire from heaven? Could He not have rent the heavens and sent His ministers of calamity and disasters? Why chose a man when the archangel Gabriel stands ready at obedience?
This is not the way of the Lord. He uses human means to divine ends. He works through man to the emancipation of men. He pours His strength into a worm, and it becomes an instrument with teeth. He stiffens a frail reed and it becomes an iron pillar.
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing.
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He,
The Lord of Host's His name, from age to age the same.
And He must win the battle. Martin Luther
And this mighty God will use thee and me. On every side there are Egypts where affliction abounds, there are homes where ignorance breeds, there are workshops where tyranny reigns, there are lands where oppression is rampant. "Come now, therefore, I will send thee." Thus saith the Lord, and He who gives the command will also give the equipment." J. H. Jowett.
N.J. Hiebert - 8997
October 12
He that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. John 10:2
I am the door of the sheep. John 10:7
You may have heard a little incident told by Dr. Piazzi Smith. On one occasion he saw a shepherd leading his flock up the hill. He led them into the fold and made them comfortable, and then Dr. Smith said, "Do you leave the sheep in this fold all night?" "Yes." "But aren't there wild beasts around?" "Yes." "Wont they try to get the sheep?" "Yes."
"Well, you have no door here; how can you keep the wild beasts out?" "But the Arab shepherd lay down on his side, and as he settled himself in the entry way, he looked up and smiled and said, "I am the door." You see, no wild beast could enter without awakening him, and no sheep would go out over his body.
So Jesus said, "I am the Door." I am the one through whom My sheep enter into blessing and I am their guard and their guide. Then He says, "I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." John 10:9.
Oh, that is what David meant when he said, "He leadeth me beside the still waters, He maketh me to lie down in green pastures." (Psalm 23:2) The shepherd takes care of the sheep, guides them to proper pastures, where they are refreshed and fed.
So our blessed Lord makes Himself responsible for those who put their trust in HIm. Gospel of John - H. A, Ironside
N.J. Hiebert - 8998
I am the door of the sheep. John 10:7
You may have heard a little incident told by Dr. Piazzi Smith. On one occasion he saw a shepherd leading his flock up the hill. He led them into the fold and made them comfortable, and then Dr. Smith said, "Do you leave the sheep in this fold all night?" "Yes." "But aren't there wild beasts around?" "Yes." "Wont they try to get the sheep?" "Yes."
"Well, you have no door here; how can you keep the wild beasts out?" "But the Arab shepherd lay down on his side, and as he settled himself in the entry way, he looked up and smiled and said, "I am the door." You see, no wild beast could enter without awakening him, and no sheep would go out over his body.
So Jesus said, "I am the Door." I am the one through whom My sheep enter into blessing and I am their guard and their guide. Then He says, "I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." John 10:9.
Oh, that is what David meant when he said, "He leadeth me beside the still waters, He maketh me to lie down in green pastures." (Psalm 23:2) The shepherd takes care of the sheep, guides them to proper pastures, where they are refreshed and fed.
So our blessed Lord makes Himself responsible for those who put their trust in HIm. Gospel of John - H. A, Ironside
N.J. Hiebert - 8998
October 13
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
With what perfect and entire confidence did Jesus give Himself over into His heavenly Father's care. It enabled Him to face the most trying hour, to drink the most bitter cup, and to endure the taunt during His crucifixion, "He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He will have Him: for He said, I am the Son of God." (Matthew 27:43).
How many a perplexity would we avoid by turning ourselves over to God as He did. In seasons of darkness and trouble, let us lift the confiding eye of faith to Him and say, "I am oppressed; undertake for me." (Isaiah 38:14) How blessed we are if we believe that He directs all that befalls us; that no contingencies can frustrate His plans; and that the way He leads us with all its briars and thorns is not only a right way but, the right way.
The result of such a habitual staying of ourselves on the Lord will be a deep, abiding peace. Ripples that a storm ruffles can only be on the surface of the ocean--all beneath is a serene settled calm. Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep Him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee."
Christian! look back on your checkered path. Look at how wondrously He has threaded you through the maze of your way, relieving your fears and bringing about your hopes! Are there evils looming in the future? Do not anticipate the trials of tomorrow but leave them with Him, knowing that no affliction will be sent that is greater than you can bear.
His voice will be heard stealing from the bosom of the threatening cloud, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). As with Israel of old, He will make those very waves that may now be so threatening a fenced wall on every side! J. R. Macduff
N.J. Hiebert - 8999
1 Peter 2:21,22
With what perfect and entire confidence did Jesus give Himself over into His heavenly Father's care. It enabled Him to face the most trying hour, to drink the most bitter cup, and to endure the taunt during His crucifixion, "He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He will have Him: for He said, I am the Son of God." (Matthew 27:43).
How many a perplexity would we avoid by turning ourselves over to God as He did. In seasons of darkness and trouble, let us lift the confiding eye of faith to Him and say, "I am oppressed; undertake for me." (Isaiah 38:14) How blessed we are if we believe that He directs all that befalls us; that no contingencies can frustrate His plans; and that the way He leads us with all its briars and thorns is not only a right way but, the right way.
The result of such a habitual staying of ourselves on the Lord will be a deep, abiding peace. Ripples that a storm ruffles can only be on the surface of the ocean--all beneath is a serene settled calm. Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep Him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee."
Christian! look back on your checkered path. Look at how wondrously He has threaded you through the maze of your way, relieving your fears and bringing about your hopes! Are there evils looming in the future? Do not anticipate the trials of tomorrow but leave them with Him, knowing that no affliction will be sent that is greater than you can bear.
His voice will be heard stealing from the bosom of the threatening cloud, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). As with Israel of old, He will make those very waves that may now be so threatening a fenced wall on every side! J. R. Macduff
N.J. Hiebert - 8999
October 14
SPRINGTIME TO OUR SOULS
Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:34-36.
Only the total availability of our souls to the impinging presence of the Living Lord can set them free. Just as the sun of spring rising ever higher in the sky releases the earth from its winter bondage, so the new life of the Risen Sun, the Christ of God, sets our spirits free.
Jesus Himself said, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (Joh 8:36). Free to follow Him. Free to to revel in His love. Free to find abundant energy, hope, and life in Him.
All of us have our summer days of strength and bright assurance. All of us, too, have our autumn days when the shadows lengthen across our years. All of us will have our winters of deep despair and some the dark pain of death. And all of us can know again the powerful resurgence of Christ's triumphant, overcoming life made real in our experience by His presence and resurrection power.
We must find our life, our strength, our love, our hope, our ultimate healing, and wholeness in Christ. All other human philosophies will cheat us of the best. All other false religions, mysticism, or spiritism of any sort, are but a delusion that leads to darkness, despair, and death.
But glory of glories, wonder of wonders, Christ brings His light amid our darkness. He brings His love into our despair. He brings His life to replace our death. He is springtime to our souls!
Songs of My Soul - W. Philip Keller
N.J. Hiebert - 9000
Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:34-36.
Only the total availability of our souls to the impinging presence of the Living Lord can set them free. Just as the sun of spring rising ever higher in the sky releases the earth from its winter bondage, so the new life of the Risen Sun, the Christ of God, sets our spirits free.
Jesus Himself said, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (Joh 8:36). Free to follow Him. Free to to revel in His love. Free to find abundant energy, hope, and life in Him.
All of us have our summer days of strength and bright assurance. All of us, too, have our autumn days when the shadows lengthen across our years. All of us will have our winters of deep despair and some the dark pain of death. And all of us can know again the powerful resurgence of Christ's triumphant, overcoming life made real in our experience by His presence and resurrection power.
We must find our life, our strength, our love, our hope, our ultimate healing, and wholeness in Christ. All other human philosophies will cheat us of the best. All other false religions, mysticism, or spiritism of any sort, are but a delusion that leads to darkness, despair, and death.
But glory of glories, wonder of wonders, Christ brings His light amid our darkness. He brings His love into our despair. He brings His life to replace our death. He is springtime to our souls!
Songs of My Soul - W. Philip Keller
N.J. Hiebert - 9000
October 15
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Many years ago, a dear man, newly saved, was giving his testimony at an open air gospel preaching street meeting in a large city. As he was speaking, a heckler in the crowd began to taunt him. He yelled: "Why don't you shut up and sit down? "YOU'RE JUST DREAMING." Hardly had the heckler finished yelling at the Christian when he felt a tug on his coat. Glancing down he looked into the sweet face of a neatly dressed little girl. With a soft, trembling voice and an earnest look, she stared into the face of the heckler and asked; "SIR, MAY I SPEAK TO YOU?"
The heckler taken aback by her quiet, serious and courteous demeanour, could only nod a "yes". With a trembling but firm voice the little girl began. "That man up there talking is my daddy. Daddy used to to get drunk almost every night. He spent all the money he made at work, down at the saloon. My mama was very sad and we cried a lot. Sometimes when my daddy came home, he would be angry and hit my mama. I was scared and would hide. I never had nice shoes or a nice dress to wear to school because daddy was always drunk." Pointing happily to her clothing she continued.
"Look at my new shoes and my pretty dress. Guess what? My daddy bought these for me." The heckler began to squirm uneasily, looking for a way to escape, but the little evangelist wasn't through with him yet. "See this lady over there in the pretty blue dress? That my mama. She's the only one that has a big smile on her face. Sir, do you know that now she doesn't cry anymore when daddy comes home and I don't have to hide anymore, either. Mama sings even when she is doing the ironing."
The heckler, quite deflated and embarrassed, was by now desperately looking for escape from the group of people who had been listening to the child's testimony. But there was no escape until she finished, saying with all the sweet innocence and purity of a small child: "MISTER, IF YOU REALLY THINK MY DADDY IS DREAMING, PLEASE DON'T WAKE HIM UP" Doug Nicolet - 2007
N.J. Hiebert - 9001
Many years ago, a dear man, newly saved, was giving his testimony at an open air gospel preaching street meeting in a large city. As he was speaking, a heckler in the crowd began to taunt him. He yelled: "Why don't you shut up and sit down? "YOU'RE JUST DREAMING." Hardly had the heckler finished yelling at the Christian when he felt a tug on his coat. Glancing down he looked into the sweet face of a neatly dressed little girl. With a soft, trembling voice and an earnest look, she stared into the face of the heckler and asked; "SIR, MAY I SPEAK TO YOU?"
The heckler taken aback by her quiet, serious and courteous demeanour, could only nod a "yes". With a trembling but firm voice the little girl began. "That man up there talking is my daddy. Daddy used to to get drunk almost every night. He spent all the money he made at work, down at the saloon. My mama was very sad and we cried a lot. Sometimes when my daddy came home, he would be angry and hit my mama. I was scared and would hide. I never had nice shoes or a nice dress to wear to school because daddy was always drunk." Pointing happily to her clothing she continued.
"Look at my new shoes and my pretty dress. Guess what? My daddy bought these for me." The heckler began to squirm uneasily, looking for a way to escape, but the little evangelist wasn't through with him yet. "See this lady over there in the pretty blue dress? That my mama. She's the only one that has a big smile on her face. Sir, do you know that now she doesn't cry anymore when daddy comes home and I don't have to hide anymore, either. Mama sings even when she is doing the ironing."
The heckler, quite deflated and embarrassed, was by now desperately looking for escape from the group of people who had been listening to the child's testimony. But there was no escape until she finished, saying with all the sweet innocence and purity of a small child: "MISTER, IF YOU REALLY THINK MY DADDY IS DREAMING, PLEASE DON'T WAKE HIM UP" Doug Nicolet - 2007
N.J. Hiebert - 9001
October 16
"The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?"
(Psalm 118:6)
When He giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? Job 34:29
The Lord is for me. What can man do unto me?
Nothing.
Nothing that really matters.
Nothing that can do any harm.
Nothing that will not be turned to golden good.
Sometimes we feel as though man could do a great deal. A perverse child can cloud a whole day. The sight of deadly sin, injustice and suffering can overwhelm us. And deeper things, the inward assaults of the never-resting foe (though he is not man but stronger than man) can seem to do appalling things.
But still the word stands, the question that can have only one answer. The Lord is for me. What can man do unto me? Nothing.
And to another question there is only one answer. "When He giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?" No one. However things seem, the answers to those two questions are among the things that cannot be shaken. Whispers of His Power - Amy Carmichael
Be not dismayed what-e'er betide, God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.
Thro' days of toil when heart doth fail, God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail, God will take care of you.
All you may need He will provide, God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will be denied, God will take care of you.
No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one upon His breast, God will take care of you. G. D. Martin
N.J. Hiebert - 9002
When He giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? Job 34:29
The Lord is for me. What can man do unto me?
Nothing.
Nothing that really matters.
Nothing that can do any harm.
Nothing that will not be turned to golden good.
Sometimes we feel as though man could do a great deal. A perverse child can cloud a whole day. The sight of deadly sin, injustice and suffering can overwhelm us. And deeper things, the inward assaults of the never-resting foe (though he is not man but stronger than man) can seem to do appalling things.
But still the word stands, the question that can have only one answer. The Lord is for me. What can man do unto me? Nothing.
And to another question there is only one answer. "When He giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?" No one. However things seem, the answers to those two questions are among the things that cannot be shaken. Whispers of His Power - Amy Carmichael
Be not dismayed what-e'er betide, God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.
Thro' days of toil when heart doth fail, God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail, God will take care of you.
All you may need He will provide, God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will be denied, God will take care of you.
No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one upon His breast, God will take care of you. G. D. Martin
N.J. Hiebert - 9002
October 17
Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Daniel 2:19
Daniel was able to show Nebuchadnezzar that, in his dream, God had revealed the whole course of Gentile power, and how it would end. His dream of the great image covered from the time of the Babylonian empire, until times yet future, when the revived Roman empire will again be a force in the world.
In his dream Nebuchadnezzar saw the image struck by a stone cut without hands out of the mountain. It smashed the image to pieces and ground it to powder. The stone was then seen to become a great mountain that filled the whole earth.
Daniel was able to show that the empires of this world are headed for destruction, and that when Christ returns in power and glory, it will not be to improve the world system but to destroy it completely. Christ will establish His kingdom in the world where men once cried, "Away with Him, crucify Him" (John 19:15), saying in effect, "We will not have this Man to reign over us" (Luke 19:14).
Now we might wonder what all of this has to do with us. This revelation is significant to us because, knowing what God has in mind for the political and social systems of our world, we will understand that the Kingdom of Christ will not come through a process of gradual improvement in the human condition, nor through our political or social involvement.
No. God's plan is to destroy the world system, and on its ashes to establish His Kingdom of Righteousness. This knowledge will preserve us from expending our energies on improving world conditions. Instead we should direct them toward spreading the gospel of Christ, which tells man that he is hopelessly depraved and that the answer is not in improving his nature or his world, but in receiving new birth. Daniel - William Burnett.
N.J. Hiebert - 9003
Daniel was able to show Nebuchadnezzar that, in his dream, God had revealed the whole course of Gentile power, and how it would end. His dream of the great image covered from the time of the Babylonian empire, until times yet future, when the revived Roman empire will again be a force in the world.
In his dream Nebuchadnezzar saw the image struck by a stone cut without hands out of the mountain. It smashed the image to pieces and ground it to powder. The stone was then seen to become a great mountain that filled the whole earth.
Daniel was able to show that the empires of this world are headed for destruction, and that when Christ returns in power and glory, it will not be to improve the world system but to destroy it completely. Christ will establish His kingdom in the world where men once cried, "Away with Him, crucify Him" (John 19:15), saying in effect, "We will not have this Man to reign over us" (Luke 19:14).
Now we might wonder what all of this has to do with us. This revelation is significant to us because, knowing what God has in mind for the political and social systems of our world, we will understand that the Kingdom of Christ will not come through a process of gradual improvement in the human condition, nor through our political or social involvement.
No. God's plan is to destroy the world system, and on its ashes to establish His Kingdom of Righteousness. This knowledge will preserve us from expending our energies on improving world conditions. Instead we should direct them toward spreading the gospel of Christ, which tells man that he is hopelessly depraved and that the answer is not in improving his nature or his world, but in receiving new birth. Daniel - William Burnett.
N.J. Hiebert - 9003
October 18
Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:51
We may not die, but rise and meet the Lord!
This blessed hope, God shows us in His Word,
The Spirit makes it plain to us, His own,--
He'll catch us from the world, to His Own throne.
We may not die, but rise and meet the Lord!
Oh, the bright glory these few words afford!
Changed instantly, the twinkling of an eye,
And see Thee face to face, our Lord for aye!
Some shall not die, but rise and meet their Lord,
O precious promise! faithful, true and good!
Although we do not know the day or hour,
We know that He Himself shall come in power.
We may not die, then let us more pure be,
Cut off each sin, unseen, or that men see.
This world is passing, Heaven will quickly come,
Then let us day by day, be more like Him!
We shall arise, and meet Him in the air!
Then let us not entangled be down here!
We look for Christ! We do not look for death!
Our hope at any hour, to leave this earth.
We shall arise, and to our Lord ascend,
When His victorious shout the air shall rend!
O Come! Lord Jesus Come! His saints now cry,
Come quickly! so, we e'er shall be with Thee. G. Christopher Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 9004
We may not die, but rise and meet the Lord!
This blessed hope, God shows us in His Word,
The Spirit makes it plain to us, His own,--
He'll catch us from the world, to His Own throne.
We may not die, but rise and meet the Lord!
Oh, the bright glory these few words afford!
Changed instantly, the twinkling of an eye,
And see Thee face to face, our Lord for aye!
Some shall not die, but rise and meet their Lord,
O precious promise! faithful, true and good!
Although we do not know the day or hour,
We know that He Himself shall come in power.
We may not die, then let us more pure be,
Cut off each sin, unseen, or that men see.
This world is passing, Heaven will quickly come,
Then let us day by day, be more like Him!
We shall arise, and meet Him in the air!
Then let us not entangled be down here!
We look for Christ! We do not look for death!
Our hope at any hour, to leave this earth.
We shall arise, and to our Lord ascend,
When His victorious shout the air shall rend!
O Come! Lord Jesus Come! His saints now cry,
Come quickly! so, we e'er shall be with Thee. G. Christopher Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 9004
October 19
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. Acts 20:31
The passage from which this is an extract reveals clearly the nature of these warnings and the cause of them. He foresaw that grievous wolves (Acts 20:29) would enter in among them, not sparing the flock, and that of their own selves men would arise speaking perverse things.
The history of the church proves with what unerring wisdom and foresight the Apostle spoke, and to-day on every hand we see what mischief the wolves have wrought, and what perverse things are spoken everywhere.
If there was need for the Apostle to warn, how much more need is there for such warnings to-day, from all who have the true interests of Christ's sheep at heart.
The greatest need today is for every true servant of Christ, every one who cherishes the truth and to whom Christ's interests are dear, to remember the exhortation as well as the example of the Apostle, and to feed the church of God and warn the flock. Evidently every other kind of method was accompanied and supported by prayer, for at the close of the address this great servant of God (Paul) "kneeled down and prayed with them all." (Acts 20:36) Break of Day - Russell Elliott
N.J. Hiebert - 9005
The passage from which this is an extract reveals clearly the nature of these warnings and the cause of them. He foresaw that grievous wolves (Acts 20:29) would enter in among them, not sparing the flock, and that of their own selves men would arise speaking perverse things.
The history of the church proves with what unerring wisdom and foresight the Apostle spoke, and to-day on every hand we see what mischief the wolves have wrought, and what perverse things are spoken everywhere.
If there was need for the Apostle to warn, how much more need is there for such warnings to-day, from all who have the true interests of Christ's sheep at heart.
The greatest need today is for every true servant of Christ, every one who cherishes the truth and to whom Christ's interests are dear, to remember the exhortation as well as the example of the Apostle, and to feed the church of God and warn the flock. Evidently every other kind of method was accompanied and supported by prayer, for at the close of the address this great servant of God (Paul) "kneeled down and prayed with them all." (Acts 20:36) Break of Day - Russell Elliott
N.J. Hiebert - 9005
October 20
Of His own will begat He us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first-fruits of His creatures. James 1:18 But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30
Our relationship with God and the Father is all settled, and settled forever. We are children, and our relations with God flow from that. We are to act as children of God and God deals with us as with children. We are not yet glorified, that is clear.
"For our conversation in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. (Philippians 3:20,21) "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 3:2,3).
This hope keeps the heart turned to Christ where He is in the glory. Gazing upon Him there with the hope of being like Him soon, already has its purifying effect upon us now. How can we have such a wondrous hope of being like Christ? Solely because the blessed Son of God has been made "sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21).
There on the cross He was forsaken of God and dealt with as though He were that sinful person that we are. The moment we really believe that there is nothing actually too great for Him to do for us, we may expect anything! There is nothing His love would hold back from us after such a sacrifice of Himself.
J. N. Darby
Till Thou come, o keep us steady, keep us walking in Thy ways; At Thy call may w be ready, On Thee, Lord, with joy to gaze; And in heaven sing Thine everlasting praise. T. Kelly
N.J. Hiebert - 9006
Our relationship with God and the Father is all settled, and settled forever. We are children, and our relations with God flow from that. We are to act as children of God and God deals with us as with children. We are not yet glorified, that is clear.
"For our conversation in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. (Philippians 3:20,21) "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 3:2,3).
This hope keeps the heart turned to Christ where He is in the glory. Gazing upon Him there with the hope of being like Him soon, already has its purifying effect upon us now. How can we have such a wondrous hope of being like Christ? Solely because the blessed Son of God has been made "sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21).
There on the cross He was forsaken of God and dealt with as though He were that sinful person that we are. The moment we really believe that there is nothing actually too great for Him to do for us, we may expect anything! There is nothing His love would hold back from us after such a sacrifice of Himself.
J. N. Darby
Till Thou come, o keep us steady, keep us walking in Thy ways; At Thy call may w be ready, On Thee, Lord, with joy to gaze; And in heaven sing Thine everlasting praise. T. Kelly
N.J. Hiebert - 9006
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
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