"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans. 10:9-10
A beautiful incident in the experience of Queen Victoria is worth remembering. It is unquestionably authentic. The Queen had attended a service in St. Paul's Cathedral and had listened to a sermon that interested her greatly; then she asked her chaplain "Can one be absolutely sure in this life of eternal safety?" His answer was that he "knew of no way that one could be absolutely sure."
This was published in the Court News and fell under the eye of a humble minister of the gospel; John Townsend, an intimate friend of George Mueller, whose life of faith led to the founding of his well-known orphanages. After reading Queen Victoria's question and the answer she received, John Townsend thought and prayed much about the matter, then sent the following note to the Queen:
"To her gracious Majesty, our beloved Queen Victoria, from one of her most humble subjects: With trembling hands, but heart filled love, and because I know that we can be absolutely sure even now of our eternal life in the Home that Jesus went to prepare, may I ask your Most Gracious Majesty to read the following passages of Scripture: John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10. These passages prove there is full assurance of salvation by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ for those who believe and accept His finished work. - I sign myself, your servant for Jesus' sake"
John Townsend.
John Townsend was not alone in praying about his letter to the Queen. He took others into his confidence, and much prayer from many hearts went up to God. He received a modest-looking envelope containing the following letter:
To John Townsend: "Your letter of recent date received and in reply would state that I have carefully and prayerfully read the portions of Scripture referred to. I believe in the finished work of Christ for me, and trust by God's grace to meet you in that Home of which He said, 'I go to prepare a place for you'. " Victoria Guelph.
Whether one is an earthy monarch or an inconspicuous unknown person, the way of salvation and of eternal life is the same. Come Home
N.J. Hiebert - 10071
This was published in the Court News and fell under the eye of a humble minister of the gospel; John Townsend, an intimate friend of George Mueller, whose life of faith led to the founding of his well-known orphanages. After reading Queen Victoria's question and the answer she received, John Townsend thought and prayed much about the matter, then sent the following note to the Queen:
"To her gracious Majesty, our beloved Queen Victoria, from one of her most humble subjects: With trembling hands, but heart filled love, and because I know that we can be absolutely sure even now of our eternal life in the Home that Jesus went to prepare, may I ask your Most Gracious Majesty to read the following passages of Scripture: John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10. These passages prove there is full assurance of salvation by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ for those who believe and accept His finished work. - I sign myself, your servant for Jesus' sake"
John Townsend.
John Townsend was not alone in praying about his letter to the Queen. He took others into his confidence, and much prayer from many hearts went up to God. He received a modest-looking envelope containing the following letter:
To John Townsend: "Your letter of recent date received and in reply would state that I have carefully and prayerfully read the portions of Scripture referred to. I believe in the finished work of Christ for me, and trust by God's grace to meet you in that Home of which He said, 'I go to prepare a place for you'. " Victoria Guelph.
Whether one is an earthy monarch or an inconspicuous unknown person, the way of salvation and of eternal life is the same. Come Home
N.J. Hiebert - 10071
September 20
SUSTENANCE AND REFRESHMENT
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. Psalm 23:2
When the Israelites were passing through the wilderness, there were two things which never failed them, the manna, and the water. The former was for their sustenance and the later for their refreshment; and during that long period of forty years each recurring day brought its abundant supply (Psalm 78:24 & Isaiah 43:20). For the spiritual meaning of the manna compare Exodus16 with John 6; and for that of the water Exodus 17 with John 7.
Since the wilderness through which the Israelites passed to their inheritance represents the valley experiences through which we pass to ours, that two-fold provision aptly sets forth the nourishment and refreshment. The green pastures sustain, the still waters refresh; and our responsibility to avail ourselves of them arises from the fact that, like the manna and the water, they are freely provided.
Each morning, and with unfailing regularity, the soft showers of angel's food reached the place of their sojourning (Psalm 78:25); all they had to do was to gather, to appropriate, and to enjoy, the full and ample provision for their needs. The manna was white--telling of its purity; it tasted like honey--telling of its sweetness (Exodus 16:14,15, 31) - (Psalm 119:103,140).
When the people departed from God, however, and returned in heart to the land from which His outstretched arm had delivered them, the manna lost its sweetness: they first made light of it, and eventually despised it. "We remember the fish which we did eat in Egypt freely: ...but now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all beside this manna before our eyes." "Our soul loatheth this light bread." (Numbers 11:5:6 & 21:5)
The Pearl of Psalms - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 10072
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. Psalm 23:2
When the Israelites were passing through the wilderness, there were two things which never failed them, the manna, and the water. The former was for their sustenance and the later for their refreshment; and during that long period of forty years each recurring day brought its abundant supply (Psalm 78:24 & Isaiah 43:20). For the spiritual meaning of the manna compare Exodus16 with John 6; and for that of the water Exodus 17 with John 7.
Since the wilderness through which the Israelites passed to their inheritance represents the valley experiences through which we pass to ours, that two-fold provision aptly sets forth the nourishment and refreshment. The green pastures sustain, the still waters refresh; and our responsibility to avail ourselves of them arises from the fact that, like the manna and the water, they are freely provided.
Each morning, and with unfailing regularity, the soft showers of angel's food reached the place of their sojourning (Psalm 78:25); all they had to do was to gather, to appropriate, and to enjoy, the full and ample provision for their needs. The manna was white--telling of its purity; it tasted like honey--telling of its sweetness (Exodus 16:14,15, 31) - (Psalm 119:103,140).
When the people departed from God, however, and returned in heart to the land from which His outstretched arm had delivered them, the manna lost its sweetness: they first made light of it, and eventually despised it. "We remember the fish which we did eat in Egypt freely: ...but now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all beside this manna before our eyes." "Our soul loatheth this light bread." (Numbers 11:5:6 & 21:5)
The Pearl of Psalms - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 10072
September 21
Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto Him the whole band of soldiers.
And they stripped Him, and put on Him a scarlet robe.
And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head, and a reed in His right hand: and they bowed the knee before Him, and mocked Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
And they spit upon Him, and took the reed, and smote Him on the head.
Matthew 27:27-30.
What miserable heroes the soldiers were that day when they mocked God's lovely Son. A King? Then crown Him, and they pressed the thorns into His blessed brow. A King? Then anoint Him, so they spat in His face.
Be not deceived, for beneath that thorny crown lay all the authority of Godhood. One word and He could have forever banished His tormentors. But He loved them, and soon would die for them, and for us.
What a crown! What a King! What a love is this.
J. Boyd Nicholson
Alas! and did my Saviour bleed! And did my Saviour die?
Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?
Was it for crimes that I have done He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity, grace unknown, and love beyond degree!
Well might the sun in darkness hide, and shut His glories in,
When the Incarnate Maker died for man His creature's sin.
Isaac Watts
N.J. Hiebert - 10073
And they stripped Him, and put on Him a scarlet robe.
And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head, and a reed in His right hand: and they bowed the knee before Him, and mocked Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
And they spit upon Him, and took the reed, and smote Him on the head.
Matthew 27:27-30.
What miserable heroes the soldiers were that day when they mocked God's lovely Son. A King? Then crown Him, and they pressed the thorns into His blessed brow. A King? Then anoint Him, so they spat in His face.
Be not deceived, for beneath that thorny crown lay all the authority of Godhood. One word and He could have forever banished His tormentors. But He loved them, and soon would die for them, and for us.
What a crown! What a King! What a love is this.
J. Boyd Nicholson
Alas! and did my Saviour bleed! And did my Saviour die?
Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?
Was it for crimes that I have done He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity, grace unknown, and love beyond degree!
Well might the sun in darkness hide, and shut His glories in,
When the Incarnate Maker died for man His creature's sin.
Isaac Watts
N.J. Hiebert - 10073
September 22
I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19
When I tread an unknown maze and can discern no path I find myself humming a little chorus:
"My Lord knows the way through the wilderness;
All I have to do is to follow.
Strength for the day,
Is mine all the way,
And all that I need for tomorrow.
My Lord knows the way through the wilderness;
All I have to do is to follow."
"Thou knewest my path." (Psalm 142:3) "I being in the way the Lord led me. . . ." (Genesis 24:27) "He leadeth me. . ." (Psalm 23:2) "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass."(Psalm 37:5). Oh, the Book is full of it--My Lord knows the way!
Better still, He is the way. It was an African guide who said, "There is no way. . . . I am the way." My Lord offers me no road map to figure out alone. He Himself is the Way, and He goes along. That is so much better. I might get lost on a path, I need a Person. He is my Way and " . . . All I have to do is to follow." Day By Day with Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 10074
When I tread an unknown maze and can discern no path I find myself humming a little chorus:
"My Lord knows the way through the wilderness;
All I have to do is to follow.
Strength for the day,
Is mine all the way,
And all that I need for tomorrow.
My Lord knows the way through the wilderness;
All I have to do is to follow."
"Thou knewest my path." (Psalm 142:3) "I being in the way the Lord led me. . . ." (Genesis 24:27) "He leadeth me. . ." (Psalm 23:2) "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass."(Psalm 37:5). Oh, the Book is full of it--My Lord knows the way!
Better still, He is the way. It was an African guide who said, "There is no way. . . . I am the way." My Lord offers me no road map to figure out alone. He Himself is the Way, and He goes along. That is so much better. I might get lost on a path, I need a Person. He is my Way and " . . . All I have to do is to follow." Day By Day with Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 10074
September 23
Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let Him be crucified. Matthew 27:22
This is the question which has come ringing down the ages to every man. Pilate felt he was helpless before the multitude if he was going to save his own reputation, for he was afraid that the Jews would bring a charge against him. "And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath He done? I have found no cause of death in Him: I will therefore chastise Him, and let Him go. And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that He might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed."
Pilate went against his own conscience; he went against his own best judgment; he went against the pleadings of his wife, who sent a message to him, saying, "Have thou nothing to do with this just Man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him. Matthew 27:19). And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. "And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will."
Luke - H. A. Ironside
O, what will you do with Jesus? The call comes low and sweet;
And tenderly He bids you Your burdens lay at His feet;
O soul, so sad and weary, that sweet voice speaks to thee:
Then what will you do with Jesus? O, what shall the answer be.
O, what will you do with Jesus? The call comes low and clear;
The solemn words are sounding in every listening ear;
Immortal life's in the question, and joy thro' eternity:
Then what will you do with Jesus? O, what shall the answer be?
Nathaniel Norton
N.J. Hiebert - 10075
This is the question which has come ringing down the ages to every man. Pilate felt he was helpless before the multitude if he was going to save his own reputation, for he was afraid that the Jews would bring a charge against him. "And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath He done? I have found no cause of death in Him: I will therefore chastise Him, and let Him go. And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that He might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed."
Pilate went against his own conscience; he went against his own best judgment; he went against the pleadings of his wife, who sent a message to him, saying, "Have thou nothing to do with this just Man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him. Matthew 27:19). And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. "And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will."
Luke - H. A. Ironside
O, what will you do with Jesus? The call comes low and sweet;
And tenderly He bids you Your burdens lay at His feet;
O soul, so sad and weary, that sweet voice speaks to thee:
Then what will you do with Jesus? O, what shall the answer be.
O, what will you do with Jesus? The call comes low and clear;
The solemn words are sounding in every listening ear;
Immortal life's in the question, and joy thro' eternity:
Then what will you do with Jesus? O, what shall the answer be?
Nathaniel Norton
N.J. Hiebert - 10075
September 24
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
The sins and iniquities of the Christian can never be brought into judgment. Christ has already borne their judgment on the cross, and put them all away forever by the sacrifice of Himself. There will be no second judgment of the believer's sins. A full end has been made of all sins, confessed by us, and borne by Jesus.
"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (1 Peter 2:24)
So complete--so perfect, was the work of Christ on the cross, as the substitute of His people, that not the least question as to sin was left unsettled. Every question was forever closed when He exclaimed, "It is finished." (John 19:30) On the ground of this gloriously finished work, divine love meets the chief of sinners, (1 Timothy 1:15) in all the riches of the grace of God.
And so great is this love towards the sinner, who pleads, before God, the name of Jesus, and trusts only to His precious blood, that not only are his sins and iniquities all forgiven, but they are said to be forgotten. "Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 10:17) "For by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified." (Hebrews 10:14)
Such is the power, the potency of love, over all our sins, that they are gone from the recollection of Him Who loves, and can never come into judgment.
Song of Solomon - Andrew Miller
N.J. Hiebert - 10076
The sins and iniquities of the Christian can never be brought into judgment. Christ has already borne their judgment on the cross, and put them all away forever by the sacrifice of Himself. There will be no second judgment of the believer's sins. A full end has been made of all sins, confessed by us, and borne by Jesus.
"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (1 Peter 2:24)
So complete--so perfect, was the work of Christ on the cross, as the substitute of His people, that not the least question as to sin was left unsettled. Every question was forever closed when He exclaimed, "It is finished." (John 19:30) On the ground of this gloriously finished work, divine love meets the chief of sinners, (1 Timothy 1:15) in all the riches of the grace of God.
And so great is this love towards the sinner, who pleads, before God, the name of Jesus, and trusts only to His precious blood, that not only are his sins and iniquities all forgiven, but they are said to be forgotten. "Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 10:17) "For by one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified." (Hebrews 10:14)
Such is the power, the potency of love, over all our sins, that they are gone from the recollection of Him Who loves, and can never come into judgment.
Song of Solomon - Andrew Miller
N.J. Hiebert - 10076
September 25
Wherefore look ye so sadly today. Genesis 40:7
If we are spending our sympathy upon ourselves, we have none to spare for others. Joseph had good reason to pity himself, to sympathize with himself, and to ask others to be sorry for him and sympathize with him. But we find nothing of that here.
I ask Thee for a thoughtful love through constant watchings wise...
And a heart at leisure from itself to soothe and sympathize.
The life of Joseph from this time on is that prayer turned into deeds.
There are two verses in the Old Testament which come to me when I think of this: "The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him...and shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord". (Isaiah 11:2-3) "The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: He wakeneth morning by morning...mine ear to hear as the learned." (Isaiah 50:4).
Joseph did not speak smooth, false words. The ear that is wakened to hear, hears truth. The tongue can only speak what the ear heard. But it was the word of truest love, for if the baker heard it aright, it prepared him to meet God. Joseph could tell him how to do that. Perhaps we shall see that baker with Joseph one day.
But the chief thought with me is this: Joseph in prison had "a heart at leisure from itself." He could listen to the voice of God morning by morning, and, I am sure, often through the day; he could hear, and be quick of understanding in the fear of the Lord, quick to notice another's needs, strong to sustain with words, and loving enough to succour. So may it be with us. So shall we be able to lead others out of the wastelands of dullness and heaviness, and perhaps bitterness, into "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6) Amy Carmichael
N.J. Hiebert - 10077
If we are spending our sympathy upon ourselves, we have none to spare for others. Joseph had good reason to pity himself, to sympathize with himself, and to ask others to be sorry for him and sympathize with him. But we find nothing of that here.
I ask Thee for a thoughtful love through constant watchings wise...
And a heart at leisure from itself to soothe and sympathize.
The life of Joseph from this time on is that prayer turned into deeds.
There are two verses in the Old Testament which come to me when I think of this: "The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him...and shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord". (Isaiah 11:2-3) "The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: He wakeneth morning by morning...mine ear to hear as the learned." (Isaiah 50:4).
Joseph did not speak smooth, false words. The ear that is wakened to hear, hears truth. The tongue can only speak what the ear heard. But it was the word of truest love, for if the baker heard it aright, it prepared him to meet God. Joseph could tell him how to do that. Perhaps we shall see that baker with Joseph one day.
But the chief thought with me is this: Joseph in prison had "a heart at leisure from itself." He could listen to the voice of God morning by morning, and, I am sure, often through the day; he could hear, and be quick of understanding in the fear of the Lord, quick to notice another's needs, strong to sustain with words, and loving enough to succour. So may it be with us. So shall we be able to lead others out of the wastelands of dullness and heaviness, and perhaps bitterness, into "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6) Amy Carmichael
N.J. Hiebert - 10077
September 26
He restoreth my soul. Psalm 23:3
There are three impressive things we can learn about God's grace from these few words:
1. Obtaining Salvation - At the time we were saved, we were "restored" to full favour with God and His Son. It was sin, whether many or few, that distanced us from God. But He, in His Word, has clearly offered a way back, through our trust in the complete work of Jesus Christ on the cross. For that to happen we needed to give up on the idea of earning our way back to God, which is impossible. 1 Timothy 2:3-6 "God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all."
2. Living Salvation - Once we are saved, we can all agree that the sinning doesn't completely stop. And that brings in the continuing pattern of "restoration". We learn that every one of our sins whether past, present or future, was fully paid for at the cross. That secures our position as redeemed in the eyes of God. But now we need to follow the instruction in 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This restores peaceful communion, over and over again, with our Father and His Son.
3. Sharing Salvation - Each of us can now reach out to any fellow believers who are burdened, depressed or troubled in their souls because of what they have done to re-open a gulf between them and the full enjoyment of the position and blessings we possess in Christ. Galatians 6:1 "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." "Restoration" is the Lord's work. We are encouraged to play a small part in it. Lorne Perry
N.J. Hiebert - 10078
There are three impressive things we can learn about God's grace from these few words:
1. Obtaining Salvation - At the time we were saved, we were "restored" to full favour with God and His Son. It was sin, whether many or few, that distanced us from God. But He, in His Word, has clearly offered a way back, through our trust in the complete work of Jesus Christ on the cross. For that to happen we needed to give up on the idea of earning our way back to God, which is impossible. 1 Timothy 2:3-6 "God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all."
2. Living Salvation - Once we are saved, we can all agree that the sinning doesn't completely stop. And that brings in the continuing pattern of "restoration". We learn that every one of our sins whether past, present or future, was fully paid for at the cross. That secures our position as redeemed in the eyes of God. But now we need to follow the instruction in 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This restores peaceful communion, over and over again, with our Father and His Son.
3. Sharing Salvation - Each of us can now reach out to any fellow believers who are burdened, depressed or troubled in their souls because of what they have done to re-open a gulf between them and the full enjoyment of the position and blessings we possess in Christ. Galatians 6:1 "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." "Restoration" is the Lord's work. We are encouraged to play a small part in it. Lorne Perry
N.J. Hiebert - 10078
September 27
NO CONVENIENT SEASON
Son, go work today in my vineyard. Matthew 21:28
The Lord's work is always pressing, and may never be put off. Much of it has to do with souls which may be in eternity tomorrow; and with opportunities which are gone forever if not used then and there.
There is no convenient season for it but today. Often it is not really done at all, because it is not done in the spirit of holy haste. We meet an unconverted friend again and again, and beat about the bush, and think to gain quiet influence and make way gradually, and call it judicious not to be in a hurry. The real reason is that we are wanting in holy eagerness and courage to do the Lord's true business with that soul. (1 Samuel 21:8)
In nine such cases out of ten nothing ever comes out of it; but, "As thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone."(1 Kings 20:40) Have we not found it so? Delay in the Lord's errands is next to disobedience, and generally springs out of it or issues in it. "God commanded me to make haste." (2 Chronicles 35:21) Let us see to it that we can say, "I made haste, and delayed not to keep Thy commandments." (Psalm 119:60)
Have you not a word for Jesus? Some, perchance, while you are dumb,
Wait and weary for your message, hoping you will bid them come;
Never telling hidden sorrows, lingering just outside the door,
Longing for your hand to lead them into rest for evermore.
Opened Treasures - Frances Ridley Havergal
N.J. Hiebert - 10079
Son, go work today in my vineyard. Matthew 21:28
The Lord's work is always pressing, and may never be put off. Much of it has to do with souls which may be in eternity tomorrow; and with opportunities which are gone forever if not used then and there.
There is no convenient season for it but today. Often it is not really done at all, because it is not done in the spirit of holy haste. We meet an unconverted friend again and again, and beat about the bush, and think to gain quiet influence and make way gradually, and call it judicious not to be in a hurry. The real reason is that we are wanting in holy eagerness and courage to do the Lord's true business with that soul. (1 Samuel 21:8)
In nine such cases out of ten nothing ever comes out of it; but, "As thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone."(1 Kings 20:40) Have we not found it so? Delay in the Lord's errands is next to disobedience, and generally springs out of it or issues in it. "God commanded me to make haste." (2 Chronicles 35:21) Let us see to it that we can say, "I made haste, and delayed not to keep Thy commandments." (Psalm 119:60)
Have you not a word for Jesus? Some, perchance, while you are dumb,
Wait and weary for your message, hoping you will bid them come;
Never telling hidden sorrows, lingering just outside the door,
Longing for your hand to lead them into rest for evermore.
Opened Treasures - Frances Ridley Havergal
N.J. Hiebert - 10079
September 28
Thou God seest me. Genesis 16:13
The biography of Sir Isaac Watts, the writer of many loved hymns, tells when he was still a child he was one day in the house of a very old woman who asked him to read a motto she had upon the wall. It contained the words of Hagar: "Thou God seest me."
She said to him, "when you are older, people will tell you that God is always watching to see you when you do wrong, in order to punish you. I do not want you to think of it in that way. I want you to remember all your life that God loves you so much that He cannot take His eyes off of you!" These words became for Watts the incentive for a lovely useful spiritual life.
The knowledge that God is watching us should also preserve us from unhallowed thoughts, selfish motives, and insincerity in word and action. Despondency and loneliness fade into oblivion in the light of this truth. It is "The joy of the LORD is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). That is, His joy in us, His redeemed children! What wonderful motive for living to please Him!
Another dear Christian related the following incident from his own childhood: "As a little boy I had been invited to a vey important birthday party of a wealthy school chum. However a heavy blizzard had made our little village streets virtually impassable and I was forbidden to leave the house.
I remember angrily replying to my parents; "Other parents love their children enough to allow them to go!" There must have been some effect, for after a few moments of silence my dear father quietly said, "alright you may go."
Amazed, but overjoyed, I donned my heaviest winter coat and plunged out into the raging storm. The snow made vision virtually impossible and the snow drifts almost covered me. The high winds knocked me down repeatedly, and it seemed only by a sheer miracle I arrived at the birthday house just a couple of blocks away. As I rang the bell, I turned to look out into the storm and saw the shadow of a retreating figure. It was my father! He had followed my every step in the storm. It was then that I realized how very, very much Dad loved me!"
"Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come . . . and ye shall leave Me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me." John 16:32
The Christian Shepherd - January 2013
N.J. Hiebert - 10080
The biography of Sir Isaac Watts, the writer of many loved hymns, tells when he was still a child he was one day in the house of a very old woman who asked him to read a motto she had upon the wall. It contained the words of Hagar: "Thou God seest me."
She said to him, "when you are older, people will tell you that God is always watching to see you when you do wrong, in order to punish you. I do not want you to think of it in that way. I want you to remember all your life that God loves you so much that He cannot take His eyes off of you!" These words became for Watts the incentive for a lovely useful spiritual life.
The knowledge that God is watching us should also preserve us from unhallowed thoughts, selfish motives, and insincerity in word and action. Despondency and loneliness fade into oblivion in the light of this truth. It is "The joy of the LORD is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). That is, His joy in us, His redeemed children! What wonderful motive for living to please Him!
Another dear Christian related the following incident from his own childhood: "As a little boy I had been invited to a vey important birthday party of a wealthy school chum. However a heavy blizzard had made our little village streets virtually impassable and I was forbidden to leave the house.
I remember angrily replying to my parents; "Other parents love their children enough to allow them to go!" There must have been some effect, for after a few moments of silence my dear father quietly said, "alright you may go."
Amazed, but overjoyed, I donned my heaviest winter coat and plunged out into the raging storm. The snow made vision virtually impossible and the snow drifts almost covered me. The high winds knocked me down repeatedly, and it seemed only by a sheer miracle I arrived at the birthday house just a couple of blocks away. As I rang the bell, I turned to look out into the storm and saw the shadow of a retreating figure. It was my father! He had followed my every step in the storm. It was then that I realized how very, very much Dad loved me!"
"Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come . . . and ye shall leave Me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me." John 16:32
The Christian Shepherd - January 2013
N.J. Hiebert - 10080
September 29
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. John 1:17
Charles Finney, the famous American evangelist of the 19th century, was born and raised in a family which never attended church, never talked about God, and never prayed. It was not until the age of 28, during his legal studies, that he was led to purchase a Bible and begin studying it. He did this because the many references in his law books to the Mosaic law and Mosaic code aroused his curiosity to see just what was the source of this law that he was preparing to administer.
His exposure to the Bible heightened his natural inquisitiveness to understand its basic message, and this led him to join one of the major denominational churches of his community. However, the longer he continued there, the more he realized that what was being preached fell short of the truth he was discovering in God's Word.
On October 10, 1821, on his way to the law office, the Lord revealed to him that salvation was by grace alone and not by keeping the law. He then realized that the central message of the Bible was that salvation was only through the shed blood of Christ--the only acceptable payment for sins. As he sat in his office pondering the impact of the gospel in his life, a client arrived for an appointment.
He was startled when Finney told him, "Mr. Barney, I have a retainer from the Lord to plead His cause and I cannot plead yours." Thus began the Spirit-led career of one of America's greatest gospel preachers. At a time when the gospel was largely preached in a stiff, formal manner, his informal persuasive style reached thousands for Christ. Charles Finney, a lawyer trained to interpret the law, was now freed from it to preach the grace and truth of Christ to all who would listen.
L.J. Ondrejack
N.J. Hiebert - 10081
Charles Finney, the famous American evangelist of the 19th century, was born and raised in a family which never attended church, never talked about God, and never prayed. It was not until the age of 28, during his legal studies, that he was led to purchase a Bible and begin studying it. He did this because the many references in his law books to the Mosaic law and Mosaic code aroused his curiosity to see just what was the source of this law that he was preparing to administer.
His exposure to the Bible heightened his natural inquisitiveness to understand its basic message, and this led him to join one of the major denominational churches of his community. However, the longer he continued there, the more he realized that what was being preached fell short of the truth he was discovering in God's Word.
On October 10, 1821, on his way to the law office, the Lord revealed to him that salvation was by grace alone and not by keeping the law. He then realized that the central message of the Bible was that salvation was only through the shed blood of Christ--the only acceptable payment for sins. As he sat in his office pondering the impact of the gospel in his life, a client arrived for an appointment.
He was startled when Finney told him, "Mr. Barney, I have a retainer from the Lord to plead His cause and I cannot plead yours." Thus began the Spirit-led career of one of America's greatest gospel preachers. At a time when the gospel was largely preached in a stiff, formal manner, his informal persuasive style reached thousands for Christ. Charles Finney, a lawyer trained to interpret the law, was now freed from it to preach the grace and truth of Christ to all who would listen.
L.J. Ondrejack
N.J. Hiebert - 10081
September 30
But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
What a comfort and encouragement this verse has been to God's people through the years. And while most people think of it in connection with material things (and Paul was thinking of such in the context), the verse applies to "all your need" of every kind. We may need material supply, and "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1)
We may need comfort or encouragement, and we find Him to be "the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort." (2 Corinthians 1:3). We may need help to endure continuing trial or weakness, and we learn that "He giveth more grace," (James 4:6) and that "God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8) We may need guidance, and His promise is that "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye." (Psalm 32:8)
There are times when we need chastening, "for whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth." (Hebrews 12:6) Whatever the need in our lives, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches by glory in Christ Jesus," and "They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing." (Psalm 34:10) The Lord is Near
Be not dismayed whate'er betide, God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.
Through 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. C. D. Martin
N.J. Hiebert - 10082
What a comfort and encouragement this verse has been to God's people through the years. And while most people think of it in connection with material things (and Paul was thinking of such in the context), the verse applies to "all your need" of every kind. We may need material supply, and "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1)
We may need comfort or encouragement, and we find Him to be "the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort." (2 Corinthians 1:3). We may need help to endure continuing trial or weakness, and we learn that "He giveth more grace," (James 4:6) and that "God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8) We may need guidance, and His promise is that "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye." (Psalm 32:8)
There are times when we need chastening, "for whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth." (Hebrews 12:6) Whatever the need in our lives, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches by glory in Christ Jesus," and "They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing." (Psalm 34:10) The Lord is Near
Be not dismayed whate'er betide, God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.
Through 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. C. D. Martin
N.J. Hiebert - 10082
October 1
The coming of the Lord draweth nigh. James 5:8
It is a good thing to understand prophecy; it is better to have the intended purpose for which it was given. Today more Christians have some idea of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ than two centuries ago. But that does not mean that the hearts of Christians long for Him more than they did then.
Whenever the coming and the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ are mentioned, there is a practical importance attached to it. In John 14 it is so that the disciples' hearts may not be troubled in view of his imminent departure. In Romans 13:12 so that we may cast away the works of darkness and walk becomingly. In 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, so that we may be firm, immovable, and abounding always in the work of the Lord. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Corinthians 5:8 so as to know that the death of the believer is to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. and thus we may not sorrow as others who have no hope. In 2 Timothy 4:6-9, so that we may fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith. In Titus 2:12, so that we may live soberly, justly, and piously. In 1 John 3:2-3 we have this most precious promise that We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is!--a statement that should never cease to fill our hearts with joy and lead us always to worship Him. And, He adds, every one that has this hope in Him purifies himself, even as He is pure.
Finally, Revelation 22:20, we are told this so that our hearts may respond to His saying, Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus. A. M. Behnam
We go to meet the Saviour, His glorious face to see;
What manner of behaviour doth with this hope agree?
May God's illumination guide heart and walk aright,
That so our preparation be pleasing in His sight.
P. Gerhardt
N.J. Hiebert - 10083
It is a good thing to understand prophecy; it is better to have the intended purpose for which it was given. Today more Christians have some idea of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ than two centuries ago. But that does not mean that the hearts of Christians long for Him more than they did then.
Whenever the coming and the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ are mentioned, there is a practical importance attached to it. In John 14 it is so that the disciples' hearts may not be troubled in view of his imminent departure. In Romans 13:12 so that we may cast away the works of darkness and walk becomingly. In 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, so that we may be firm, immovable, and abounding always in the work of the Lord. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Corinthians 5:8 so as to know that the death of the believer is to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. and thus we may not sorrow as others who have no hope. In 2 Timothy 4:6-9, so that we may fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith. In Titus 2:12, so that we may live soberly, justly, and piously. In 1 John 3:2-3 we have this most precious promise that We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is!--a statement that should never cease to fill our hearts with joy and lead us always to worship Him. And, He adds, every one that has this hope in Him purifies himself, even as He is pure.
Finally, Revelation 22:20, we are told this so that our hearts may respond to His saying, Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus. A. M. Behnam
We go to meet the Saviour, His glorious face to see;
What manner of behaviour doth with this hope agree?
May God's illumination guide heart and walk aright,
That so our preparation be pleasing in His sight.
P. Gerhardt
N.J. Hiebert - 10083
October 2
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