But joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5
Do you want comfort? Nothing can give it so much as the thought of Christ’s coming. There may be sorrow in the night, but joy enough—fulness of joy—in that morning when we shall see Him as He is: fulness of joy in being like Him and with Him for evermore.
It is very blessed to see the different thoughts the mind of Christ has, in different epistles, in connection with His coming.
First, in (Ephesians, 5:27) He presents to Himself a glorious church, without spot or wrinkle, as the bride.
Second, in (Philippians 3:21), poor things groaning in vile bodies—He will work in them, and change the body of humiliation into a glorious body.
Third, in (Colossians 3:3), life hid in Him, to be manifested with Him in glory. In a little while, He who is your life shall come forth, and you with Him.
Fourth, in (1 John 3)., the relationship, formed by Christ, of sons to the Father, and He will treat them as sons, they shall behold Him and be like Him, He will show Himself to them as He is. Gleanings From The Teaching of G. V. Wigram.
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And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And He touched his ear, and healed him. (Luke 22:50,51).
Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound Him. (John 18:12)
THE LAST THING THE LORD JESUS DID BEFORE HIS HANDS WERE BOUND WAS TO HEAL.
Have you ever asked yourself, if I knew this was the last thing I should do, what would I do? I have never found the answer to that question.
There are so very, very many things that we would want to do for those whom we love, that I do not think we are likely to be able to find the chief one of all these. So the best thing is just to go on simply, doing each thing as it comes as well as we can.
Our Lord Jesus spent much time in healing sick people, and in the natural course of events it happened that the last thing He did with His kind hands was to heal a bad cut.
(I wonder how they could have the heart to bind His hands after that.) In this, as in everything, He left us an example that we should follow His steps . (1 Peter 2:21)
Do the things that this next minute, this next hour, brings you, faithfully and lovingly and patiently; and then the last thing you do, before power to do is taken from you (if that should be), will be only the continuation of all that went before.
Edges of His Ways - Amy Carmichael
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The Patience of God
And account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation. (2 Peter 3:15)
When you are stuck in traffic, it does no good to blow your horn. It’s a test of patience. Same in Emergency when it’s overloaded. Not helpful to rant loudly about the failing system; instead exhibit patience. As the saying goes, What can’t be cured, must be endured.
True Patience - “The Lord is not slack concerning His promises as some men count slackness, but is long suffering (patient), not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9).
How long has God been showing His patience? It’s been more than 2,000 years since the gospel of the Grace of God was first proclaimed; and now the message has been spread throughout the world.
What is God Waiting For? - He has clearly stated in His Book, the Bible, that there will be an end to this preaching, marking the end of His patience. Matthew 24:44: “Therefore, be also ready, for in such an hour as you think not the Son of Man comes.” So, why has God’s patience been extended for so long? Perhaps, He’s waiting for one more soul to repent of their sins and believe on His Son, Jesus Christ, for permanent salvation. Could it be that God is waiting for you?
Come to Jesus - Agree with God that you are a hopeless, helpless sinner. Others cannot help you and on your own, you can do nothing to gain favour with God, except cry to the Lord Jesus for rescue. He will surely hear a sincere and desperate call to lift your soul out of that “dead end” situation.
“Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13)”
Lorne Perry for Vision 2020 in 2023
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Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves. (Romans 12:19)
There are seasons when to be still demands immeasurably higher strength than to act. Composure is often the highest result of power. To the vilest and most deadly charges Jesus responded with deep, unbroken silence, such as excited the wonder of the judge and the spectators.
To the grossest insults, the most violent ill-treatment and mockery that might well bring indignation into the feeblest heart, He responded with voiceless complacent calmness. Those who are unjustly accused, and causelessly ill-treated know what tremendous strength is necessary to keep silence to God.
"Men may misjudge thy aim, Think they have cause to blame,
Say, thou art wrong; Keep on thy quiet way,
Christ is the Judge, not they, Fear not be strong.”
Paul said, "None of these things move me." (Acts 20:24)
He did not say, none of these things hurt me. It is one thing to be hurt, and quite another to be moved. Paul had a very tender heart. We do not read of any apostle who cried as Paul did. It takes a strong man to cry. Jesus wept, and He was the manliest Man that ever lived. So it does not say, none of these things hurt me.
But the apostle had determined not to move from what he believed was right. He did not count as we are apt to count; he did not care for ease; he did not care for this mortal life. He cared for only one thing, and that was to be loyal to Christ, to have His smile. To Paul, his work was wages, his smile was Heaven. Margaret Bottome
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Thy name is as ointment poured forth. Song of Solomon 1:3
Have you ever tried to get something out of a bottle without taking the cork out first? Some people remind me of bottles with the cork in.There is something truly good inside but it is corked up. It cannot get out for the help of others. Do you feel sometimes like a corked up bottle?
It is a stuffy uncomfortable sort of feeling, but some manage to get on like that for months on end, to their great loss, and the loss, of all who have to do with them. Dear corked up bottles do go and get uncorked!
There is only one who can take out the cork of self-love, or shyness, or sleepiness, or whatever it is that that keeps you from pouring out for others all you have been given.
He Who was always sweetness poured (“Thy Name is as ointment poured forth”), He can uncork your bottle, and then all you are and have will be used in the joyful service of others. Amy Carmichael - Edges of His Ways
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They reel to and fro . . . and are at their wits end. Psalm 107:27
Are you standing at “Wits’ End Corner” Christian, with troubled brow?
Are you thinking of what is before you, and all you are bearing now?
Does all the world seem against you, and you in the battle alone?
Remember—at “Wits’ End Corner” is just where God’s power is shown.
Are you standing at “Wits’ End Corner,“ your work before you spread,
All begun, lying unfinished and pressing on heart and head,
Longing for strength to do it, stretching out trembling hands?
Remember—at ‘Wits’ End Corner,“ the Burden-Bearer stands.
Are you standing at “Wit’s End Corner”, yearning for those you love,
Longing, and praying, and watching, pleading their cause above,
Trying to lead them to Jesus, wond’ring if you’ve been true?
He whispers at “Wits’ End Corner,” I’ll win them, as I won you!”
Are you standing at “Wits’ End Corner?” Then you’re just in the very spot,
To learn the wondrous resources of Him who faileth not!
No doubt, to a brighter pathway your footsteps will soon be moved,
But only at “Wits’ End Corner” is the “God who is able” proved!
Antoinette Wilson
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1 The Proverbs of Solomon the son of David, King of Israel; (Proverbs 1:1-4)
2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;
3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;
4 To give subtility to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.
There are ten words used in this brief introductory portion.
“Every word of God is pure.” (30:5) so these terms throughout are employed with admirable precision.
The “wisdom” of verse 2 is “skilfulness”—the ability to use knowledge aright.
“Instruction” is to teach by discipline.
“Understanding” (intelligence) learning through the unhappy experiences of others or of oneself. “Wisdom” (righteousness) “right behaviour.” “judgment” to try the things that differ. “Equity” uprightness, or moral integrity.
“Subtility” (prudence), “craftiness”. “Wise as serpents” answers to it in the New Testament. “Knowledge” is information of a sound character. “Discretion” is thoughtfulness, a characteristic in which the young are generally lacking, but which becomes manifest in one who feeds upon the Word of God.
In these words we have the description of a well-rounded character, and it is important to remember that the study and practice of God’s truth alone can produce it. To the young man this part of Holy Scripture especially appeals therefore, giving him needed furnishing for his path through the world. Proverbs - H. A. Ironside
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Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him and given Him a Name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth: and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11
“Every knee should bow.” I write in a land, where all around are those who put another name above the Name JESUS: nor will they bow to that worthy Name, for they will not acknowledge Him as GOD. But the day is coming when every one of them shall in virtue of the Name JESUS bow his knees. And those who hate that precious Name, whether dead or living, each one of them will also bow.
And those knees that have only bowed to idols will, in the coming day, bow to that Name supreme-above every name.
Yes, and the infidels and the scoffers, it matters not how bold they are now: and “the fearful”, those who do not now bow for fear of the laugh of a fellow-mortal: each one of these shall surely bow. Notice, it does not bunch them together, and say “all the knees shall bow.” It looks at them each individually, ”every knee shall bow.” Sacrifices Of Joy - Philippians G. Christopher Willis
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But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 1 Corinthians 11:28
The above passage does not allow for the kind of self-examination which is really based upon a system of doubts and fears and has no warrant whatsoever in the Word of God. This self-judgment is a sacred Christian exercise of the most salutary character. It is based upon the most unclouded confidence as to our salvation and acceptance in Christ. The Christian is to judge self because he is, and not to see if he is a Christian. This makes all the difference.
Were I to examine myself for a thousand years, I should never find myself to be anything other than a ruined, vile thing which God has set aside and which I am called to reckon as “dead”. How could I ever expect to get any comfortable evidence by any such examination? Impossible!
The Christian’s evidences are not to be found in his ruined self, but in the risen Christ; and the more he can get done with self and occupied with Christ, the happier and holier he will be.
The Christian judges himself, his ways, his habits, his thoughts, his words, and his actions, because he believes he is a Christian, not because he doubts it. If he doubts, he is not fit to judge anything.
It is as knowing and enjoying the eternal stability of God’s grace, the divine efficacy of the blood of Jesus, and the all-prevailing power of his advocacy, that the true believer judges himself. The human idea of self-examination is founded upon unbelief. The divine idea of self-judgment is founded upon confidence in Christ.
C. H. Mackintosh -
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Ye shall fear (reverence) every man his mother. Leviticus 19:3
No one can adequately estimate a mother’s influence in the household and over her children either for good or ill. The first book every child reads, and the last to be laid aside, is the conduct of his or her mother.
A godly mother will feel her need of private prayer that God may give her daily wisdom, so that by her words, by example, and by the whole current of her life she may be a model of what she would wish her children to be.
Nor will she fail to arrange the affairs of the household that the reading of the Scriptures and family prayers will not fall through for want of time. Even where there is great pressure a little effort can do much. A few minutes spent together in the sanctuary of God’s presence may yield gracious help all day.
A wise mother will be careful not to give her children thoughtless commands, but when a command is given she will kindly but firmly insist on prompt obedience. She will not hastily threaten, but first ask herself whether she intends to carry out her threat if disobeyed. If not, she will see it to be much better not to threaten at all.
A sensible mother will never correct her child until she is sure the child deserves correction. The child’s story will first be heard—the whole of it—and if scolding is needed, it will be given, but not in the presence of others if it can be helped. Nor should a child ever be deceived, and when a promise is made it should be faithfully kept.
There are many worries, cares and anxieties in a mother’s life that are not always sufficiently considered, and which even the husband and father may know nothing of. But a little sympathy or an appreciative word by her husband will do wonders. The Lord is Near - 1995
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“Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound Him, and led Him away.” (John 18:12)
Thus was it, so far, with the Lord. And as we still follow Him, we still trace the way of the Son of God, the Lord from heaven. Whether we listen to Him with the officers, or with the high priest, or before Pilate, it is still in the same tone of holy distance from all that was around Him. They may do to Him whatsoever they list—He is as a stranger to it. He is not careful to answer them in their matters. He would pass through all in loneliness.
The daughters of Jerusalem do not here either yield Him their sympathy, or receive His; nor does a dying thief share that hour with Him. He is the lonely One all through that dreary way. Peter is found in the way of the ungodly, warming himself among them, as one who had only the resources which they had. Another (perhaps John himself) takes his place as the acquaintance of the high priest, and gets his advantage as such.
But all this was a sinking down into mere nature, and leaving the Son of God alone—as He had said to them, “Ye . . . shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.” (John 16:32) J. G. Bellett
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Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness.”
Hebrews 12:12-14
In verse 12 we are exhorted not to let our hands hang down. There is no reason why it should be so.
Though you are under the scourge there is not one single reason why your hands should hang down or your knees be feeble; for the Spirit has shown you yourself first in company with Christ and then with your Father who loves you. Is there any reason why you should travel as if you did not know the road? This is a beautiful conclusion.
We all know how the hands will hang down; but I set my seal to every word of this and say, “Truth, Lord.” There is no reason that we should be faint-hearted. Then having come to that he looks round. Do not let your own hands hang down; and in connection with others follow peace—in connection with God follow holiness.
“What communion hath light with darkness—what concord hath Christ with Belial?” (2 Corinthians 6:14) Musings on the Epistle to the Hebrews - J. G. Bellett
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WEATHER WATCHERS
He that observeth the winds shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. Ecclesiastes 11:4
If a farmer waited until he was sure of the weather he would never raise a crop. He has to reckon with the weather and contend with it, but he cannot be sure of it. So every year he makes a venture of faith.
We cannot let the wind and clouds of circumstance determine our course. We cannot grow a harvest for God with one eye on the weather. Just as with the farmer, circumstances are to be considered, and we shall not foolishly disregard them. But we must not let them be the main factors in making our decisions.
Too many saints live fearfully from one “weather report” to another, scanning the skies and watching the clouds, conscious of “conditions“ rather than of Christ. Faith goes ahead in fair weather and foul. It breaks up the fallow ground, sows the seed, cultivates the crop, and gathers the harvest.
There may be pests and floods and droughts, but the Lord of the Harvest will see to it that our labour is not in vain. Day by Day with Vance Havner
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Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are My friends. John 15:13,14
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O, what peace we often forfeit, O, what needless pain we bear;
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a Friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness—Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour, still our refuge,—take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee, thou wilt find a solace there.
Joseph M. Scriven (1819—1886)
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