And Jesus said unto the centurion, go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. Matthew 8:13
Christ is our life and according to the faith we have we are to trust Him to sustain even out bodies and rest assured that He will keep us here as long as He wants us in this world. "We are immortal until our work is done." (David Livingstone)
Guidance. "In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:6) It is easier to preach about guidance than to be sure of it in some cases. Sometimes we expect the Lord to make it plainer than He does. By the Word, prayer, meditation, circumstances, sometimes the advice of true Christian friends, by steps and by stops, "God leads His dear children along."
Calls, results, funds. I have found it best to let the Lord open doors without any effort on my part. Sometimes I have become too anxious when there was no visible response to my preaching and unduly elated when there was. "The wind bloweth where it listeth [wishes]" John 3:8. It is not possible to determine fully which meeting is the greater defeat or victory.
"Our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20) "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20). I am a citizen of heaven so-journeying on earth, not a citizen of earth journeying to heaven. God help me never to lose my pilgrim character. It is so easy to drive down our tent-pegs in this world.
That I May Know Him - Vance Havner
N.J.Hiebert - 9037
November 21
And they (Joseph's brethren) sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying...Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. Genesis 50:16-17
Jacob was dead and now his brethren were trying to convince Joseph to forgive them. But he had long since forgiven them for the evil they had done to him. For seventeen years they had been living under the care of Joseph without realizing that he had completely forgiven them!
Do we realize that our forgiveness was a once and for all act and we are safe and under Christ's love and care? Is the Lord grieved with our lack of understanding of our security in Him? Ray Jones
The work which His goodness began, the arm of His strength will complete;
His promise is Yea and Amen, and never was forfeited yet;
Things future, nor things that are now, nor all things below nor above,
Can make Him His purpose forgo, or sever our souls from His love.
Our names from the palms of His hands, eternity will not erase:
Impressed on His heart they remain, in marks of indelible grace:
And we to the end shall endure, as sure as the earnest is given;
More happy, but not more secure, the spirits departed to heaven.
August M. Toplady
N.J.Hiebert - 9038
Jacob was dead and now his brethren were trying to convince Joseph to forgive them. But he had long since forgiven them for the evil they had done to him. For seventeen years they had been living under the care of Joseph without realizing that he had completely forgiven them!
Do we realize that our forgiveness was a once and for all act and we are safe and under Christ's love and care? Is the Lord grieved with our lack of understanding of our security in Him? Ray Jones
The work which His goodness began, the arm of His strength will complete;
His promise is Yea and Amen, and never was forfeited yet;
Things future, nor things that are now, nor all things below nor above,
Can make Him His purpose forgo, or sever our souls from His love.
Our names from the palms of His hands, eternity will not erase:
Impressed on His heart they remain, in marks of indelible grace:
And we to the end shall endure, as sure as the earnest is given;
More happy, but not more secure, the spirits departed to heaven.
August M. Toplady
N.J.Hiebert - 9038
November 22
JESUS LOVES EVEN ME
As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love. John 15:9
The wonder of Jesus' deep love for each of us has been expressed in this text in beautiful but childlike language by the noted musician of early gospel music, Philip P. Bliss. After attending a service where the hymn "O How I Love Jesus" was sung repeatedly, Bliss thought, "Have I not been singing enough about my poor love for Jesus and shall I not rather sing of His great love for me?"
Soon he completed both the words and music of one of the all-time favourite children's hymns, which is widely sung and enjoyed by adults as well. There has been no writer of verse since his time who has shown such a grasp of the fundamental truths of the gospel, or such a gift for putting them into a poetic and singable form.
The third stanza of this simple but very appealing hymn is especially meaningful when we realize that Philip Bliss died suddenly at the age of thirty-eight in a tragic train accident. His many stirring hymns, however, have lived on. They all focus clearly on important biblical truths, but none is more moving than the reminder in this text that Jesus loves even me.
I am so glad that our Father in heaven tells of His love in the book He has given; wonderful things in the Bible I see--this is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.
Tho I forget Him and wander away, still He doth love me wherever I stray; back to His dear loving arms would I flee, when I remember that Jesus loves me.
O if there's only one song I can sing when in His beauty I see the great King, this shall my song in eternity be: "O what a wonder that Jesus loves me!"
CHORUS: I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me; I am so glad that Jesus loves; Jesus loves even me. Philip P. Bliss
N.J.Hiebert - 9039
As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love. John 15:9
The wonder of Jesus' deep love for each of us has been expressed in this text in beautiful but childlike language by the noted musician of early gospel music, Philip P. Bliss. After attending a service where the hymn "O How I Love Jesus" was sung repeatedly, Bliss thought, "Have I not been singing enough about my poor love for Jesus and shall I not rather sing of His great love for me?"
Soon he completed both the words and music of one of the all-time favourite children's hymns, which is widely sung and enjoyed by adults as well. There has been no writer of verse since his time who has shown such a grasp of the fundamental truths of the gospel, or such a gift for putting them into a poetic and singable form.
The third stanza of this simple but very appealing hymn is especially meaningful when we realize that Philip Bliss died suddenly at the age of thirty-eight in a tragic train accident. His many stirring hymns, however, have lived on. They all focus clearly on important biblical truths, but none is more moving than the reminder in this text that Jesus loves even me.
I am so glad that our Father in heaven tells of His love in the book He has given; wonderful things in the Bible I see--this is the dearest, that Jesus loves me.
Tho I forget Him and wander away, still He doth love me wherever I stray; back to His dear loving arms would I flee, when I remember that Jesus loves me.
O if there's only one song I can sing when in His beauty I see the great King, this shall my song in eternity be: "O what a wonder that Jesus loves me!"
CHORUS: I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me; I am so glad that Jesus loves; Jesus loves even me. Philip P. Bliss
N.J.Hiebert - 9039
November 23
When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto Thee, into Thine holy temple. Jonah 2:7
In the days of his prosperity, his pride and his self will, Jonah had forgotten Jehovah, or perhaps we should say, had disregarded Jehovah, but now, when the billows and the breakers were going over him, the waters encompassing him, even to the soul; now when he was down at the bottoms of the mountains, when he was utterly without hope, he said, "the bars of the earth closed about me forever." (Jonah 2:6)
Now, his soul fainted. He had no resource, no hope in man, there was not one to whom he could turn. Now, he remembered Jehovah, and he prayed. There was no other hope, no other way, nothing else he could do, so he prayed. Not only did he pray, but faith rose from that strange "prayer room," and by faith he could see right into "Thy holy temple," (Jonah 2:7) towards which he had looked, and saw that his prayer had entered in, right inside the veil, to the very presence of God.
Perhaps we all have tasted a bit of this experience of Jonah. Which of us has not tried to manage our own affairs, and when everything went wrong, and we were at our wits' end; when our soul fainted within us, and we had no way, no hope, no plan, then we "remembered Jehovah." (Jonah 2:7). Then we prayed.
We did not deserve to get a hearing for our prayer when it was forced from us in such extremities, but, thank God, we have found, like Jonah, that even then, it "came in unto Thee, into Thy holy temple." (Jonah 2:7).
Lessons From Jonah the Prophet - G. C. Willis
N.J.Hiebert - 9040
In the days of his prosperity, his pride and his self will, Jonah had forgotten Jehovah, or perhaps we should say, had disregarded Jehovah, but now, when the billows and the breakers were going over him, the waters encompassing him, even to the soul; now when he was down at the bottoms of the mountains, when he was utterly without hope, he said, "the bars of the earth closed about me forever." (Jonah 2:6)
Now, his soul fainted. He had no resource, no hope in man, there was not one to whom he could turn. Now, he remembered Jehovah, and he prayed. There was no other hope, no other way, nothing else he could do, so he prayed. Not only did he pray, but faith rose from that strange "prayer room," and by faith he could see right into "Thy holy temple," (Jonah 2:7) towards which he had looked, and saw that his prayer had entered in, right inside the veil, to the very presence of God.
Perhaps we all have tasted a bit of this experience of Jonah. Which of us has not tried to manage our own affairs, and when everything went wrong, and we were at our wits' end; when our soul fainted within us, and we had no way, no hope, no plan, then we "remembered Jehovah." (Jonah 2:7). Then we prayed.
We did not deserve to get a hearing for our prayer when it was forced from us in such extremities, but, thank God, we have found, like Jonah, that even then, it "came in unto Thee, into Thy holy temple." (Jonah 2:7).
Lessons From Jonah the Prophet - G. C. Willis
N.J.Hiebert - 9040
November 24
They found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. Luke 24:2
Did not our hearts burn within us...while He opened to us the Scriptures? (v.32) And their eyes were opened and they knew Him. (v.31)
Then opened He their understanding. (v.45)
This resurrection chapter is full of open things: an open tomb; open Scriptures; open eyes; and open understanding. Each carries a responsibility.
An empty tomb calls us to a relationship with a living Saviour. Knowledge of Him is found in the opened Scriptures and with opened understanding, our hearts should burn to love Him more fully and serve Him more faithfully. S. McEachern
The Lord is risen indeed, and all His work performed!
The captive Surety now is freed, and death, our foe, disarmed.
The Lord is risen indeed: He lives--to die no more;
He lives--His people's cause to plead, whose curse and shame He bore.
The Lord is risen indeed: and death has lost its prey:
And with Him all the ransomed seed shall reign in endless day. T. Kelly
N.J.Hiebert - 9041
Did not our hearts burn within us...while He opened to us the Scriptures? (v.32) And their eyes were opened and they knew Him. (v.31)
Then opened He their understanding. (v.45)
This resurrection chapter is full of open things: an open tomb; open Scriptures; open eyes; and open understanding. Each carries a responsibility.
An empty tomb calls us to a relationship with a living Saviour. Knowledge of Him is found in the opened Scriptures and with opened understanding, our hearts should burn to love Him more fully and serve Him more faithfully. S. McEachern
The Lord is risen indeed, and all His work performed!
The captive Surety now is freed, and death, our foe, disarmed.
The Lord is risen indeed: He lives--to die no more;
He lives--His people's cause to plead, whose curse and shame He bore.
The Lord is risen indeed: and death has lost its prey:
And with Him all the ransomed seed shall reign in endless day. T. Kelly
N.J.Hiebert - 9041
November 25
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8
What a most awfully solemn word! Instead of a blessing, a twice-repeated curse! How these words should make every one of us stop and think!
If I have the happy privilege, and the solemn responsibility of announcing God's good news, how earnestly I should seek to see to it, that what I announce is in very truth God's good news, and not my own thoughts or ideas; else it may be that solemn word may come to me: "Cursed be he!"
Sad to say, there are tens of thousands today who preach the law, without the least idea that they are putting themselves under this terrible curse. But so it is. It would seem as though the one who was specially doing this wicked work in Galatia, may have been a man of distinction.
The words that Paul uses, "Even if we, or an angel out of heaven, should announce good news to you beside what we preached, cursed be he!" would seem to indicate he was a great man. Also in Galatians 5:10, "whoever he be," would seem to give us the same meaning.
Today there are men who hold high positions in the churches of men, who may have many degrees after their names, but they are cursed of God because they preach a different good news, which is not another. It is Christianity with something added. That is exactly what these false teachers brought to the Galatians.
If anyone tells me I must keep the law for salvation, this is not good news. It is just the opposite. It is very, very bad news, for I never can keep the law, and I must perish. Galatians - G. C. Willis
N.J.Hiebert - 9042
What a most awfully solemn word! Instead of a blessing, a twice-repeated curse! How these words should make every one of us stop and think!
If I have the happy privilege, and the solemn responsibility of announcing God's good news, how earnestly I should seek to see to it, that what I announce is in very truth God's good news, and not my own thoughts or ideas; else it may be that solemn word may come to me: "Cursed be he!"
Sad to say, there are tens of thousands today who preach the law, without the least idea that they are putting themselves under this terrible curse. But so it is. It would seem as though the one who was specially doing this wicked work in Galatia, may have been a man of distinction.
The words that Paul uses, "Even if we, or an angel out of heaven, should announce good news to you beside what we preached, cursed be he!" would seem to indicate he was a great man. Also in Galatians 5:10, "whoever he be," would seem to give us the same meaning.
Today there are men who hold high positions in the churches of men, who may have many degrees after their names, but they are cursed of God because they preach a different good news, which is not another. It is Christianity with something added. That is exactly what these false teachers brought to the Galatians.
If anyone tells me I must keep the law for salvation, this is not good news. It is just the opposite. It is very, very bad news, for I never can keep the law, and I must perish. Galatians - G. C. Willis
N.J.Hiebert - 9042
November 26
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Isaiah 26:3
"Quiet tension is not trust. It is simply compressed anxiety". Too often we think we are trusting when we are merely controlling our panic. True faith gives not only a calm exterior but a quiet heart.
Miss Amy Carmichael gives a beautiful illustration from nature of this kind of trust. The sun bird, one of the tiniest of birds, a native of India, builds a pendant nest, hanging it by four frail threads, generally from a spray of the vallaris plant. It is a delicate work of art, with its roof and tiny porch, which a splash of water or a child's touch might destroy.
Miss Carmichael tells how she saw a little sun bird building such a nest just before the monsoon season, and felt that for once bird wisdom had failed; for how could such a delicate structure, in such an exposed situation, weather the winds and the torrential rains? The monsoon broke, and from her window she watched the nest swaying with the branches in the wind.
Then she perceived that the nest had been so placed that the leaves immediately above it formed little gutters which carried the water away from the nest. There sat the sun bird, with its tiny head resting on her little porch, and whenever a drop of water fell on her long, curved beak, she sucked it in as if it were nectar. The storm raged furiously, but the sun bird sat, quiet and unafraid, hatching her tiny eggs.
We have a more substantial rest for head and heart than the sun bird's porch! We have the promises of God. They are enough, however terrifying the storm. J. C. Macaulay.
N.J. Hiebert - 9043
"Quiet tension is not trust. It is simply compressed anxiety". Too often we think we are trusting when we are merely controlling our panic. True faith gives not only a calm exterior but a quiet heart.
Miss Amy Carmichael gives a beautiful illustration from nature of this kind of trust. The sun bird, one of the tiniest of birds, a native of India, builds a pendant nest, hanging it by four frail threads, generally from a spray of the vallaris plant. It is a delicate work of art, with its roof and tiny porch, which a splash of water or a child's touch might destroy.
Miss Carmichael tells how she saw a little sun bird building such a nest just before the monsoon season, and felt that for once bird wisdom had failed; for how could such a delicate structure, in such an exposed situation, weather the winds and the torrential rains? The monsoon broke, and from her window she watched the nest swaying with the branches in the wind.
Then she perceived that the nest had been so placed that the leaves immediately above it formed little gutters which carried the water away from the nest. There sat the sun bird, with its tiny head resting on her little porch, and whenever a drop of water fell on her long, curved beak, she sucked it in as if it were nectar. The storm raged furiously, but the sun bird sat, quiet and unafraid, hatching her tiny eggs.
We have a more substantial rest for head and heart than the sun bird's porch! We have the promises of God. They are enough, however terrifying the storm. J. C. Macaulay.
N.J. Hiebert - 9043
November 27
And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, the Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. 2 Samuel 12:13
It might well seem to us at this point that David was indeed beyond redemption. Certainly for the casual reader with little if any spiritual understanding this episode in the king's life removes him from any further possibility of human respect.
The inescapable verdict would seem to be one of absolute abhorrence--especially for one who claimed to honour the Most High. Certainly David's duplicity has brought endless reproach upon the man, and upon all of God's people, across the ensuing centuries.
Only the grace of God and the unfailing faithfulness of His Spirit, still at work in David's life, could ever lift him again from the deep and terrible pit of evil in which he was mired.
Only, only, only the redemptive mercy, the incredible pity, the eternal generosity of a compassionate, caring, loving, merciful God could possibly forgive his offences.
- This David saw!
- This he now knew!
- This he understood as his only hope!
He was utterly silent, subdued, smitten before Nathan. And it was at this point that God worked a miracle of redemption in his life. He can do the same for us at the low points in our lives."Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; thought they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18 Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7
Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller
N.J.Hiebert - 9044
It might well seem to us at this point that David was indeed beyond redemption. Certainly for the casual reader with little if any spiritual understanding this episode in the king's life removes him from any further possibility of human respect.
The inescapable verdict would seem to be one of absolute abhorrence--especially for one who claimed to honour the Most High. Certainly David's duplicity has brought endless reproach upon the man, and upon all of God's people, across the ensuing centuries.
Only the grace of God and the unfailing faithfulness of His Spirit, still at work in David's life, could ever lift him again from the deep and terrible pit of evil in which he was mired.
Only, only, only the redemptive mercy, the incredible pity, the eternal generosity of a compassionate, caring, loving, merciful God could possibly forgive his offences.
- This David saw!
- This he now knew!
- This he understood as his only hope!
He was utterly silent, subdued, smitten before Nathan. And it was at this point that God worked a miracle of redemption in his life. He can do the same for us at the low points in our lives."Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; thought they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18 Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7
Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller
N.J.Hiebert - 9044
November 28
I go away, and come again unto you. John 14:28
These words refer to the parting, before our Lord Jesus would come again and receive His disciples unto Himself, never to be parted from Him again.
But can one thought, however rich, ever exhaust the meaning in His words? These special words, I go away and come again unto you, cast light on Isaiah 48:21: "They thirsted not when He led them through the deserts."
He who never really leaves us does at times appear to do so. We all know what desert times are, what it means not to see Him clearly, not to hear His voice, not to feel His presence.
But "there is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of one little glowworm." This word of cheer is far more unquenchable than any light of earth. Does it seem as though He has gone away?
He has not, but does it sometimes seem so? Then let His word do its loving will in our hearts. "I will not stay away. I go away, and come again unto you." Whispers of His ways - Amy Carmichael
N.J.Hiebert - 9045
These words refer to the parting, before our Lord Jesus would come again and receive His disciples unto Himself, never to be parted from Him again.
But can one thought, however rich, ever exhaust the meaning in His words? These special words, I go away and come again unto you, cast light on Isaiah 48:21: "They thirsted not when He led them through the deserts."
He who never really leaves us does at times appear to do so. We all know what desert times are, what it means not to see Him clearly, not to hear His voice, not to feel His presence.
But "there is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of one little glowworm." This word of cheer is far more unquenchable than any light of earth. Does it seem as though He has gone away?
He has not, but does it sometimes seem so? Then let His word do its loving will in our hearts. "I will not stay away. I go away, and come again unto you." Whispers of His ways - Amy Carmichael
N.J.Hiebert - 9045
November 29
Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury...and he commanded the most mighty men that were in His army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. Daniel 3:19-20.
Even the men stoking the furnace were killed by its heat...and wonder of wonders, Nebuchadnezzar saw them walking around with their bonds loosed, and and One "like the Son of God" (v.25) was with them in the midst of the flames. This had a salutary effect on Nebuchadnezzar and his attitude completely changed. He called the three martyrs "ye servants of the most high God" (v.26) and gave complete freedom of worship to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
He also threatened his own people with death and destruction if they dared speak a word against these men or against their God. He then makes the amazing statement, "There is no other God that can deliver after this sort" (v.29) Many of God's dear people are called upon to pass through the fire from time to time. It is in the fire that they come to know the intimate presence of the Lord in a way they have never known before, and they find that the fire is not as harmful as they had supposed.
Like the men in the furnace, it removes much that has been a bondage. The Lord will never leave us in the fire alone. Think of the precious promise that Jehovah brings to us His redeemed people "Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee" (Isaiah 43:1-2).
Peter takes up this theme writing, "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter1:7). Could it be that some dear reader is passing through a fiery trial of some kind or another? Remember that He has said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5) In the final analysis, the fire will only consume the dross, bringing forth the fine gold to the glory of our God. Daniel - William Burnett
N.J.Hiebert - 9046
Even the men stoking the furnace were killed by its heat...and wonder of wonders, Nebuchadnezzar saw them walking around with their bonds loosed, and and One "like the Son of God" (v.25) was with them in the midst of the flames. This had a salutary effect on Nebuchadnezzar and his attitude completely changed. He called the three martyrs "ye servants of the most high God" (v.26) and gave complete freedom of worship to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
He also threatened his own people with death and destruction if they dared speak a word against these men or against their God. He then makes the amazing statement, "There is no other God that can deliver after this sort" (v.29) Many of God's dear people are called upon to pass through the fire from time to time. It is in the fire that they come to know the intimate presence of the Lord in a way they have never known before, and they find that the fire is not as harmful as they had supposed.
Like the men in the furnace, it removes much that has been a bondage. The Lord will never leave us in the fire alone. Think of the precious promise that Jehovah brings to us His redeemed people "Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee" (Isaiah 43:1-2).
Peter takes up this theme writing, "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter1:7). Could it be that some dear reader is passing through a fiery trial of some kind or another? Remember that He has said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5) In the final analysis, the fire will only consume the dross, bringing forth the fine gold to the glory of our God. Daniel - William Burnett
N.J.Hiebert - 9046
November 30
Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 2 Timothy 1:11
The faithful in this day may indeed be a small and insignificant minority, even as the Apostle Paul and the few who were associated with him at the close of his life; nevertheless, in "that day" it will be found to be far better to have been with the despised few than with the unfaithful mass.
The vanity of the flesh likes to be popular and self important and make itself prominent before the world and the saints, but in view of that day it is better to take a lowly place in self-effacement rather than a pubic place in self-advertisement, for then it will be found that many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
We may indeed suffer for our own failure, and this should humble us. Nevertheless, with the example of the Apostle before us, we do well to remember that had we walked in absolute faithfulness we should have suffered still more, for it ever remains true that "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (3:12).
If we are faithful to the light that God has given us, and seek to walk in separation from all that is a denial of the truth, we shall find, in our little measure that we shall have to face persecution and opposition, and, in its most painful forms, from our fellow-Christians.
Well for us, when the trial comes, if we can, like Paul, commit all to the Lord, and wait for His vindication in that day. Too often we are fretful and impatient in the presence of wrongs and seek to have them righted in this day instead of waiting for "that day". If, in the faith of our souls, the glory of that day shines before us, instead of being tempted to rebel at the insults and wrongs that may be allowed, we shall "rejoice and be exceeding glad" for, says the Lord, "great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:12) Hamilton Smith
N.J.Hiebert - 9047
The faithful in this day may indeed be a small and insignificant minority, even as the Apostle Paul and the few who were associated with him at the close of his life; nevertheless, in "that day" it will be found to be far better to have been with the despised few than with the unfaithful mass.
The vanity of the flesh likes to be popular and self important and make itself prominent before the world and the saints, but in view of that day it is better to take a lowly place in self-effacement rather than a pubic place in self-advertisement, for then it will be found that many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
We may indeed suffer for our own failure, and this should humble us. Nevertheless, with the example of the Apostle before us, we do well to remember that had we walked in absolute faithfulness we should have suffered still more, for it ever remains true that "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (3:12).
If we are faithful to the light that God has given us, and seek to walk in separation from all that is a denial of the truth, we shall find, in our little measure that we shall have to face persecution and opposition, and, in its most painful forms, from our fellow-Christians.
Well for us, when the trial comes, if we can, like Paul, commit all to the Lord, and wait for His vindication in that day. Too often we are fretful and impatient in the presence of wrongs and seek to have them righted in this day instead of waiting for "that day". If, in the faith of our souls, the glory of that day shines before us, instead of being tempted to rebel at the insults and wrongs that may be allowed, we shall "rejoice and be exceeding glad" for, says the Lord, "great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:12) Hamilton Smith
N.J.Hiebert - 9047
December 1
But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, they hated me without a cause. John 15:25
We love Him, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19
He who was hated without a cause loved without a cause. In fact His love without cause both preceded and will outlast the hatred expressed toward Him. The Lord never states the reason for His love, but He always gives the reason for His judgment.
It is the wonder of all wonders that He loved us when we were unlovable and so much so that He gave His Son to die for us. Gary W. Seale
When I know that for me He the anguish bore,
That from sin He might set me free,
Oh, I know that I'll love Him forever more,
When I think of His love for me. Louis Paul Lehman, Jr.
The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell.
Though guilty we, yet on the tree God gave His Son to win;
All who believe are reconciled, and pardoned from their sin.
Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky.
Fredrick Martin Lehman
N.J.Hiebert - 9048
We love Him, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19
He who was hated without a cause loved without a cause. In fact His love without cause both preceded and will outlast the hatred expressed toward Him. The Lord never states the reason for His love, but He always gives the reason for His judgment.
It is the wonder of all wonders that He loved us when we were unlovable and so much so that He gave His Son to die for us. Gary W. Seale
When I know that for me He the anguish bore,
That from sin He might set me free,
Oh, I know that I'll love Him forever more,
When I think of His love for me. Louis Paul Lehman, Jr.
The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star, and reaches to the lowest hell.
Though guilty we, yet on the tree God gave His Son to win;
All who believe are reconciled, and pardoned from their sin.
Could we with ink the ocean fill, and were the skies of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky.
Fredrick Martin Lehman
N.J.Hiebert - 9048
December 2
Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.
Psalm 119:11
When we speak on that verse to the little people, we tell them that there you have the right word- Thy Word; in the right place--my heart; for the right purpose--that I might not sin against God. We older folk are the children of eternity; we, too, need to hide our Father's Word in our hearts; and so I pass on a few suggestions that may enable rightly to divide the Word of truth.
- When you are in sorrow, read John 14.
- When men fail you, read Psalm 27.
- When you have sinned, read Psalm 51.
- When you are worried, read Matthew 6.
- When God seems far away, read Psalm 139.
- When you are discouraged, read Isaiah 40.
- If you want to be fruitful, read John 15.
- To recount your blessings, read Psalm 103.
- When your faith is weak, read Hebrews 11.
- When you want courage, read Joshua 1.
- When feeling down and out, read Romans 8.
- When loved ones pass on, read Psalm 90.
- When inclined to be critical, read 1 Corinthians 13.
- Before undertaking a journey, read Psalm 121. Henry Durbanville
N.J.Hiebert - 9049
When we speak on that verse to the little people, we tell them that there you have the right word- Thy Word; in the right place--my heart; for the right purpose--that I might not sin against God. We older folk are the children of eternity; we, too, need to hide our Father's Word in our hearts; and so I pass on a few suggestions that may enable rightly to divide the Word of truth.
- When you are in sorrow, read John 14.
- When men fail you, read Psalm 27.
- When you have sinned, read Psalm 51.
- When you are worried, read Matthew 6.
- When God seems far away, read Psalm 139.
- When you are discouraged, read Isaiah 40.
- If you want to be fruitful, read John 15.
- To recount your blessings, read Psalm 103.
- When your faith is weak, read Hebrews 11.
- When you want courage, read Joshua 1.
- When feeling down and out, read Romans 8.
- When loved ones pass on, read Psalm 90.
- When inclined to be critical, read 1 Corinthians 13.
- Before undertaking a journey, read Psalm 121. Henry Durbanville
N.J.Hiebert - 9049
December 3
BEING WHERE GOD WANTS US TO BE
And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land. Jonah 2:10
Initially, Jonah refused to do what he knew to be the will of God. Has that not been true of all of us? But God brought Jonah to his senses and delivered him! Jonah came up from the depths of the sea humbled and chastened, but scarcely broken, for the concluding chapter of his book shows that he still had much to learn. But he had experienced the power of God to lay low those who rise up against His will, and he was also assured that, come what may, God will never cast off His own.
We need not suppose that the great fish remained stationary during Jonah's imprisonment; the eye of the Creator was upon it, and it was guided to drop the prophet just where the Lord wanted him. The obedience of the humblest creatures, as recorded in Scripture, is deeply instructive. The Lord Jesus, when on earth, wanted a fish which possessed a shekel, and to have that particular fish--and no other--caught on Peter's hook (Matthew 17:27).
The colt upon which no man ever sat, an untamed novice for work, obediently carried the Lord through the streets of Jerusalem (Matthew 21:7). In like manner, this sea monster was at the appointed place when Jonah was cast out of the ship; it took care of him for the divinely appointed period, and then released him in God's time, and in the place where God required him. Alas that man, the most gifted of all earthy creatures, should be the arch rebel of this planet!
We are of the most use to God when we are where He wants us to be. God wanted Jonah to be in Nineveh. Where does He want you? Even when we are in the right place at the right time, we need the guidance of the Spirit constantly as to what we should say or do. We may know this truth, but it is essential that we put it into practice! W. W. Feredy
N.J.Hiebert - 9050
And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land. Jonah 2:10
Initially, Jonah refused to do what he knew to be the will of God. Has that not been true of all of us? But God brought Jonah to his senses and delivered him! Jonah came up from the depths of the sea humbled and chastened, but scarcely broken, for the concluding chapter of his book shows that he still had much to learn. But he had experienced the power of God to lay low those who rise up against His will, and he was also assured that, come what may, God will never cast off His own.
We need not suppose that the great fish remained stationary during Jonah's imprisonment; the eye of the Creator was upon it, and it was guided to drop the prophet just where the Lord wanted him. The obedience of the humblest creatures, as recorded in Scripture, is deeply instructive. The Lord Jesus, when on earth, wanted a fish which possessed a shekel, and to have that particular fish--and no other--caught on Peter's hook (Matthew 17:27).
The colt upon which no man ever sat, an untamed novice for work, obediently carried the Lord through the streets of Jerusalem (Matthew 21:7). In like manner, this sea monster was at the appointed place when Jonah was cast out of the ship; it took care of him for the divinely appointed period, and then released him in God's time, and in the place where God required him. Alas that man, the most gifted of all earthy creatures, should be the arch rebel of this planet!
We are of the most use to God when we are where He wants us to be. God wanted Jonah to be in Nineveh. Where does He want you? Even when we are in the right place at the right time, we need the guidance of the Spirit constantly as to what we should say or do. We may know this truth, but it is essential that we put it into practice! W. W. Feredy
N.J.Hiebert - 9050
December 4
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