My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defence; I shall not be moved.
Psalm 62:5-6.
In considering the power and majesty of God we are made to realize that whatever His purpose is, He is able to carry it through, and there is no creature power that can prevent His doing so. It is sheer folly to think one can go against His purpose with any success.
So the realization in our souls of God's invincible power should have a wholesome effect upon us to restrain us from any course of self-will. Whenever a child of God sets aside God's will to pursue a course of his own, he does so to his own hurt; for he has, in fact, plunged into a battle against Omnipotence with nothing on his side but creature strength, and he is certain to lose in the end.
But on the other hand, what a source of peace and comfort for the believer who has surrendered his will to God! He knows he is a child of God. God who is over all, blessed forever, is his Father, and he an object of His special love and care. God's thoughts are always thoughts of peace towards His children. What a solid rock for His children to rest upon in all the circumstances of life, however monotonous or changing they may otherwise be.
Ever remind yourself then of this great fact. Your Father's hand, guided by His thoughts of peace, is acting for you in every circumstance as the moving power behind the scene, working all things together for your good. You can't remind yourself too often of this blessed peace-giving, soul-steadying fact; for it is as a bright rainbow in the clouds and an anchor that holds you fast and keeps you from being driven by the storm. E. C. Hadley
N.J. Hiebert - 9808
So the realization in our souls of God's invincible power should have a wholesome effect upon us to restrain us from any course of self-will. Whenever a child of God sets aside God's will to pursue a course of his own, he does so to his own hurt; for he has, in fact, plunged into a battle against Omnipotence with nothing on his side but creature strength, and he is certain to lose in the end.
But on the other hand, what a source of peace and comfort for the believer who has surrendered his will to God! He knows he is a child of God. God who is over all, blessed forever, is his Father, and he an object of His special love and care. God's thoughts are always thoughts of peace towards His children. What a solid rock for His children to rest upon in all the circumstances of life, however monotonous or changing they may otherwise be.
Ever remind yourself then of this great fact. Your Father's hand, guided by His thoughts of peace, is acting for you in every circumstance as the moving power behind the scene, working all things together for your good. You can't remind yourself too often of this blessed peace-giving, soul-steadying fact; for it is as a bright rainbow in the clouds and an anchor that holds you fast and keeps you from being driven by the storm. E. C. Hadley
N.J. Hiebert - 9808
December 31
LIGHT SHINES THROUGH JOB'S DARKNESS
"For I know that my Redeemer liveth," Job 19:25
This may be the earliest reference to God as Redeemer. Job lived thousands of years before Christ, so how did he come to know it? Only by revelation from God. In spite of the misery Job was put through, God saw him as a righteous man and gave him wonderful insights. The apostle Peter confirms the thought, and relates it to what Job was experiencing: "The trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold which perisheth, though it be tried with fire. . . . Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold . . . but with the precious blood of Christ". 1 Peter 1:7.18,19.
"And that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth" Job 19:25.
Another great truth foretold! Jesus will come back and reign over the earth, and we will be with Him. "Behold, He cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see Him". Revelation 1:7
"And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God." Job 19;26.
There was hope for Job, and so there is for all who now trust in Jesus. Job was given a view ahead, that could only come true after the Lord died at Calvary. We will see Jesus, the Son of God. "Now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2
Whatever misery, trial or persecution we are called upon to endure, we, like poor Job, can rest securely upon what God has revealed to us. "Thy Word is Truth " John 17:17 Lorne Perry
Redeemed - how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy, His child, and forever, I am. W. J. Kirkpatrick
N.J. Hiebert - 9809
"For I know that my Redeemer liveth," Job 19:25
This may be the earliest reference to God as Redeemer. Job lived thousands of years before Christ, so how did he come to know it? Only by revelation from God. In spite of the misery Job was put through, God saw him as a righteous man and gave him wonderful insights. The apostle Peter confirms the thought, and relates it to what Job was experiencing: "The trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold which perisheth, though it be tried with fire. . . . Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold . . . but with the precious blood of Christ". 1 Peter 1:7.18,19.
"And that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth" Job 19:25.
Another great truth foretold! Jesus will come back and reign over the earth, and we will be with Him. "Behold, He cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see Him". Revelation 1:7
"And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God." Job 19;26.
There was hope for Job, and so there is for all who now trust in Jesus. Job was given a view ahead, that could only come true after the Lord died at Calvary. We will see Jesus, the Son of God. "Now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2
Whatever misery, trial or persecution we are called upon to endure, we, like poor Job, can rest securely upon what God has revealed to us. "Thy Word is Truth " John 17:17 Lorne Perry
Redeemed - how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy, His child, and forever, I am. W. J. Kirkpatrick
N.J. Hiebert - 9809
January 1
WONDERFUL COUNSELLOR
Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Psalm 73:24
One of the offices which our Lord Jesus sustains is "Counsellor" (Isaiah 9:6).
Now there are numberless things before us continually in our earthly pilgrimage regarding which we need counsel, we need advice; and then under these circumstances we should go to our Lord Jesus Christ and say to Him: "My Lord, I am ignorant; now what am I to do? Thou art my Counsellor, now show me clearly and distinctly how to act under these circumstances." And what will be the result? We shall be taught!
You never need take a step in the dark. If you do, you are sure to make a mistake. Wait! Wait till you have light. Remind yourself, that the Lord Jesus is Counsellor to the Church of God. So He will be, in your particular case, Counsellor and Guide. He will direct you, and if you patiently wait, believingly, expectantly, you will find that the waiting is not in vain. The Lord will prove Himself a Counsellor both wise and good.
George Mueller, of Bristol.
Thou art our Counsellor, our Pattern, and our Guide,
And Thou our Shepherd art; Oh! keep us near Thy side;
Nor let our feet e'er turn aside, to wander in the crocked way.
We love the Shepherd's voice; His watchful eyes shall keep
Our pilgrim souls among the thousands of God's sheep;
He feeds His flock, He calls their names, and gently leads the tender lambs.
R. Chapman
N.J. Hiebert - 9810
Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Psalm 73:24
One of the offices which our Lord Jesus sustains is "Counsellor" (Isaiah 9:6).
Now there are numberless things before us continually in our earthly pilgrimage regarding which we need counsel, we need advice; and then under these circumstances we should go to our Lord Jesus Christ and say to Him: "My Lord, I am ignorant; now what am I to do? Thou art my Counsellor, now show me clearly and distinctly how to act under these circumstances." And what will be the result? We shall be taught!
You never need take a step in the dark. If you do, you are sure to make a mistake. Wait! Wait till you have light. Remind yourself, that the Lord Jesus is Counsellor to the Church of God. So He will be, in your particular case, Counsellor and Guide. He will direct you, and if you patiently wait, believingly, expectantly, you will find that the waiting is not in vain. The Lord will prove Himself a Counsellor both wise and good.
George Mueller, of Bristol.
Thou art our Counsellor, our Pattern, and our Guide,
And Thou our Shepherd art; Oh! keep us near Thy side;
Nor let our feet e'er turn aside, to wander in the crocked way.
We love the Shepherd's voice; His watchful eyes shall keep
Our pilgrim souls among the thousands of God's sheep;
He feeds His flock, He calls their names, and gently leads the tender lambs.
R. Chapman
N.J. Hiebert - 9810
January 2
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Joseph's brethren have condemned themselves out of their own lips. They have protested that they are true men, (Genesis 42:11) and in the same breath they say, "one is not," (Genesis 42:13), knowing full well that if Joseph has passed out of their existence it is entirely owing to their own wickedness. They stand in the presence of the one that they had rejected with unrepentant hearts, and yet protest they are honest men.
Joseph now takes the first step to convict them of their sin, by putting them into prison. The fear of losing their lives had brought them into Egypt, with the result that they lose their liberty. For three days they are left in prison that they may learn in some measure what their sins merit. (v.17).
Joseph had been thrown into prison unjustly, but they are justly brought into the same condemnation. The result is conscience begins to work. Conscience connects their present trouble with their past sin. The prison has so far done its work. They not only say, "we are verily guilty," but "we are verily guilty concerning our brother." We saw the anguish of his soul, but we hardened our hearts. He besought us but we stopped our ears to all his entreaties, "Therefore is this distress come upon us." They rightly connect their present distress with the past sin of twenty years ago. Hamilton Smith
Listen, oh, listen, my Father, all holy - humble and sorrowful, owning my sin,
Hear me confess in my penitence lowly - how in my weakness temptation came in.
Pity me now, for, my Father, no sorrow - weighs on my soul like the pain that I know,
Trembling and fearing that all thro' the morrow - missing the light of Thy love I may go.
Father, I know for the grace I am seeking - nothing of mine can I offer to Thee;
Thou to my sinful and sad spirit speaking - giving forgiveness--gives all things to me. Anon
N.J. Hiebert - 9811
Joseph's brethren have condemned themselves out of their own lips. They have protested that they are true men, (Genesis 42:11) and in the same breath they say, "one is not," (Genesis 42:13), knowing full well that if Joseph has passed out of their existence it is entirely owing to their own wickedness. They stand in the presence of the one that they had rejected with unrepentant hearts, and yet protest they are honest men.
Joseph now takes the first step to convict them of their sin, by putting them into prison. The fear of losing their lives had brought them into Egypt, with the result that they lose their liberty. For three days they are left in prison that they may learn in some measure what their sins merit. (v.17).
Joseph had been thrown into prison unjustly, but they are justly brought into the same condemnation. The result is conscience begins to work. Conscience connects their present trouble with their past sin. The prison has so far done its work. They not only say, "we are verily guilty," but "we are verily guilty concerning our brother." We saw the anguish of his soul, but we hardened our hearts. He besought us but we stopped our ears to all his entreaties, "Therefore is this distress come upon us." They rightly connect their present distress with the past sin of twenty years ago. Hamilton Smith
Listen, oh, listen, my Father, all holy - humble and sorrowful, owning my sin,
Hear me confess in my penitence lowly - how in my weakness temptation came in.
Pity me now, for, my Father, no sorrow - weighs on my soul like the pain that I know,
Trembling and fearing that all thro' the morrow - missing the light of Thy love I may go.
Father, I know for the grace I am seeking - nothing of mine can I offer to Thee;
Thou to my sinful and sad spirit speaking - giving forgiveness--gives all things to me. Anon
N.J. Hiebert - 9811
January 3
Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. Titus 2:10
I was recently asked to give a short gospel message to a large company of men who had gathered at the graveside of their foreman. For some years I had known the one who had answered his home-call as a happy consistent Christian. I had visited him a few days before his death, and though he was suffering much, no murmurs escaped his lips. Instead he was full of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord, and insisted on singing a verse of a hymn that had been running through his mind. It was:
Thy death has brought to light the Father's heart, and mine has won;
And now I contemplate Thee as Thou art, God's glorious Son!
And know that I am loved with that great love,
That rests on Thee in those bright courts above.
I had confidence in speaking of the power of the Lord Jesus to save and sustain because I could cite my friend as one who in the very presence of death had proved that power.
But I had another ground of confidence also. Sitting by my side on our way to the cemetery was my friend's employer. He said to me: "We never had a more faithful employee. He was most conscientious and honest. All the men who attend his funeral today will be there out of regard for him." And he gave me instances of his thoughtfulness and kindness to others which made me feel that in preaching the gospel to his fellow-workmen I should have their attentive interest because they had seen the effect of the gospel in his life. Not only on a bed of sickness and suffering, but in the humdrum duties of his daily toil he had adorned the doctrine of God our Saviour. Lives such as his often make men ready to listen to the gospel because with their own eyes they have seen it reduced to practice. The Lord is Near
N.J. Hiebert - 9812
I was recently asked to give a short gospel message to a large company of men who had gathered at the graveside of their foreman. For some years I had known the one who had answered his home-call as a happy consistent Christian. I had visited him a few days before his death, and though he was suffering much, no murmurs escaped his lips. Instead he was full of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord, and insisted on singing a verse of a hymn that had been running through his mind. It was:
Thy death has brought to light the Father's heart, and mine has won;
And now I contemplate Thee as Thou art, God's glorious Son!
And know that I am loved with that great love,
That rests on Thee in those bright courts above.
I had confidence in speaking of the power of the Lord Jesus to save and sustain because I could cite my friend as one who in the very presence of death had proved that power.
But I had another ground of confidence also. Sitting by my side on our way to the cemetery was my friend's employer. He said to me: "We never had a more faithful employee. He was most conscientious and honest. All the men who attend his funeral today will be there out of regard for him." And he gave me instances of his thoughtfulness and kindness to others which made me feel that in preaching the gospel to his fellow-workmen I should have their attentive interest because they had seen the effect of the gospel in his life. Not only on a bed of sickness and suffering, but in the humdrum duties of his daily toil he had adorned the doctrine of God our Saviour. Lives such as his often make men ready to listen to the gospel because with their own eyes they have seen it reduced to practice. The Lord is Near
N.J. Hiebert - 9812
January 4
THE CROWNING DAY
The four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sat on the throne, and worship Him that liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy. Revelation 4:10-11
One year at a Bible school graduation, they sang the hymn "Is it the Crowning Day?" Unfortunately, a typing error was made in preparing the program and the hymn appeared as "Is it the CROWING DAY?"
Isn't it great to know that when we adoringly bow before the Lord in that day of glory there will be no crowing (boasting)? Christ will fill our gaze; His praises will fill our lips; His worthiness shall fill our hearts. We will cast our crowns before Him, realizing that whatever service was done for Him upon earth was done through His grace and strength alone. And yet the Word of God does set before us various crowns to be given to the saints:
The incorruptible crown -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
The crown of joy - 1 Thessalonians 2:19
The crown righteousness - 2 Timothy 4:8
The crown of life - James 1:12
The crown of glory - 1 Peter 5:4
Let's set our hearts upon gaining these crowns that we may cast them at His blessed feet. And let's forget about doing any crowing now. We certainly won't do any crowing then! Grant W. Steidl
This song be ours, and this alone,
To celebrate the name of Him that sits upon the throne,
And to exalt the Lamb.
To Him whom men despise and slight to Him be glory given;
The crown is His, and His by right
The highest place in heaven. T. Kelly
N.J. Hiebert - 9813
The four and twenty elders fall down before Him that sat on the throne, and worship Him that liveth forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy. Revelation 4:10-11
One year at a Bible school graduation, they sang the hymn "Is it the Crowning Day?" Unfortunately, a typing error was made in preparing the program and the hymn appeared as "Is it the CROWING DAY?"
Isn't it great to know that when we adoringly bow before the Lord in that day of glory there will be no crowing (boasting)? Christ will fill our gaze; His praises will fill our lips; His worthiness shall fill our hearts. We will cast our crowns before Him, realizing that whatever service was done for Him upon earth was done through His grace and strength alone. And yet the Word of God does set before us various crowns to be given to the saints:
The incorruptible crown -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
The crown of joy - 1 Thessalonians 2:19
The crown righteousness - 2 Timothy 4:8
The crown of life - James 1:12
The crown of glory - 1 Peter 5:4
Let's set our hearts upon gaining these crowns that we may cast them at His blessed feet. And let's forget about doing any crowing now. We certainly won't do any crowing then! Grant W. Steidl
This song be ours, and this alone,
To celebrate the name of Him that sits upon the throne,
And to exalt the Lamb.
To Him whom men despise and slight to Him be glory given;
The crown is His, and His by right
The highest place in heaven. T. Kelly
N.J. Hiebert - 9813
January 5
Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them. Luke 24:15
The New Year is not present with us. Only a new day! So it will be continually. We shall see but one day at a time. Each day is a white page to be written.
Lord, Thou hast given me a clean, new year.
Help me to keep its pages pure, unspoiled;
To write upon its scroll but kindly thoughts,
With no unsightly blots to have it soiled.
Let me not mar, in thought or word or deed,
This page, so white, so pure, unsullied, fair.
Help me to know that when I stand in need
Of help from Thee, thou'rt always standing there.
When duty calls me, Lord, let pleasure wait.
Let me fulfill my calling. Let Thy will,
Not mine, be done. Oh, let me ever hear
Thy calm, approving voice, Thy guidance still.
Lead me, O Lord, in paths of peacefulness.
But if, perchance, Thy paths should ever lie
O'er mountain trails, though they be rough and bleak,
Then may I answer, "Master, here am I."
I. S. Ellis
An artist who was asked, "What is your best picture?" answered, "My next." Make tomorrow your best day!
"Yesterday ended last night."
Mountain Trailways
N.J. Hiebert - 9814
The New Year is not present with us. Only a new day! So it will be continually. We shall see but one day at a time. Each day is a white page to be written.
Lord, Thou hast given me a clean, new year.
Help me to keep its pages pure, unspoiled;
To write upon its scroll but kindly thoughts,
With no unsightly blots to have it soiled.
Let me not mar, in thought or word or deed,
This page, so white, so pure, unsullied, fair.
Help me to know that when I stand in need
Of help from Thee, thou'rt always standing there.
When duty calls me, Lord, let pleasure wait.
Let me fulfill my calling. Let Thy will,
Not mine, be done. Oh, let me ever hear
Thy calm, approving voice, Thy guidance still.
Lead me, O Lord, in paths of peacefulness.
But if, perchance, Thy paths should ever lie
O'er mountain trails, though they be rough and bleak,
Then may I answer, "Master, here am I."
I. S. Ellis
An artist who was asked, "What is your best picture?" answered, "My next." Make tomorrow your best day!
"Yesterday ended last night."
Mountain Trailways
N.J. Hiebert - 9814
January 6
Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Proverbs 3:27
"Jeff, what have you done?" angrily demanded the six year old's mother as he sat down at the breakfast table, placing a branch full of beautiful pink flowers by his plate. They had been broken off his mom's favourite Azalea bush.Though harshly reprimanding his thoughtlessness, her angry words had little effect on him. There was no apology for ruining her favourite Azalea bush.
That afternoon, late picking Jeff up from school, she hurried to his classroom. The teacher, seeing her, motioned to her to stay in the hall. Jeff and two other students were sitting at their desks busily working with paper and crayons. His mom wondered what else Jeff had done. In the hall the teacher said, "I want to talk to you about Jeff". Fearing the worst his mom nodded her head.
Jeff's teacher asked, "Did you know Jeff brought flowers today? See that little girl sitting by Jeff? Yesterday Stacy was almost hysterical. Her mother and father are going through a nasty divorce and she told me she didn't want to live. She buried her face in her hands and said loud enough for the whole class to hear, 'Nobody loves me' ". The teacher continued, I did all I could to comfort her, but it only seemed to make matters worse. Today when your son came to school he walked straight over to that child, handed her those beautiful pink flowers and whispered, "I love you."
That evening when Jeff's dad pulled into the driveway, his wife met him with another branch of Azaleas. Handing them to him she said, "I love you".
- Love one another; as I have loved you. (John 13:34). - Charity...is kind...but the greatest of these is charity. (1 Corinthians 13:4,13). - I will very gladly spend and be spent for you. (2 Corinthians 12:15). - Walk in love. (Ephesians 5:2).- Charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8). TCS - Doug Nicolet
N.J. Hiebert - 9815
"Jeff, what have you done?" angrily demanded the six year old's mother as he sat down at the breakfast table, placing a branch full of beautiful pink flowers by his plate. They had been broken off his mom's favourite Azalea bush.Though harshly reprimanding his thoughtlessness, her angry words had little effect on him. There was no apology for ruining her favourite Azalea bush.
That afternoon, late picking Jeff up from school, she hurried to his classroom. The teacher, seeing her, motioned to her to stay in the hall. Jeff and two other students were sitting at their desks busily working with paper and crayons. His mom wondered what else Jeff had done. In the hall the teacher said, "I want to talk to you about Jeff". Fearing the worst his mom nodded her head.
Jeff's teacher asked, "Did you know Jeff brought flowers today? See that little girl sitting by Jeff? Yesterday Stacy was almost hysterical. Her mother and father are going through a nasty divorce and she told me she didn't want to live. She buried her face in her hands and said loud enough for the whole class to hear, 'Nobody loves me' ". The teacher continued, I did all I could to comfort her, but it only seemed to make matters worse. Today when your son came to school he walked straight over to that child, handed her those beautiful pink flowers and whispered, "I love you."
That evening when Jeff's dad pulled into the driveway, his wife met him with another branch of Azaleas. Handing them to him she said, "I love you".
- Love one another; as I have loved you. (John 13:34). - Charity...is kind...but the greatest of these is charity. (1 Corinthians 13:4,13). - I will very gladly spend and be spent for you. (2 Corinthians 12:15). - Walk in love. (Ephesians 5:2).- Charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8). TCS - Doug Nicolet
N.J. Hiebert - 9815
January 7
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word. Psalm 119:9
Mr. Harold St John, to a group of young people, uttered this solemn warning regarding their Bible study: remember, the Bible is never the end in itself. It is not the home of the heart, but it's the official highway that leads to it. It's the path by which you reach Christ, and it is that which tells you all you know of Him historically. But is that all you want? Will a historical Christ satisfy you? Do you want simply to know facts about Him, or to keep company with Christ, to have Him show things to your heart that are in the Bible, but which come fresh from Him to you?
I'm sure that even in the use of it there's a danger lest we should stop short of reaching the One to whom this Book bears witness. If your mind's been merely engaged with texts, or you've merely been considering passages out of the Bible, you've lacked something. You haven't gone all the way, for all the way is this: that the Lord Jesus Christ should present Himself to you as the only safe Guide on the dangerous road of life and the only way by which you can keep your pathway shining; that is, that the face of Christ should shine upon you, and you should behold as in a mirror the glory of the Lord. The Word, yes; but not the Word only, always the Word with the Spirit.
There are scholars who have devoted forty years to the most painstaking study of every preposition and word in the Old Testament, but some of them are still a million leagues away from Christ. How can youth keep its way shining through a dark world? How can you reach the goal--Christ? By taking heed thereto, by stepping carefully and guiding your life by what your soul is learning of God in the text of Holy Scripture, and by keeping company with Christ as your best Friend--never ceasing until you are on such terms with Him that you talk to Him more intimately than to wife or child, lover or friend, and He talks with you. That does not only mean you have a Bible in your pocket--thank God if you have--but it means that you have Christ in your heart. Harold St. John
N.J. Hiebert - 9816
Mr. Harold St John, to a group of young people, uttered this solemn warning regarding their Bible study: remember, the Bible is never the end in itself. It is not the home of the heart, but it's the official highway that leads to it. It's the path by which you reach Christ, and it is that which tells you all you know of Him historically. But is that all you want? Will a historical Christ satisfy you? Do you want simply to know facts about Him, or to keep company with Christ, to have Him show things to your heart that are in the Bible, but which come fresh from Him to you?
I'm sure that even in the use of it there's a danger lest we should stop short of reaching the One to whom this Book bears witness. If your mind's been merely engaged with texts, or you've merely been considering passages out of the Bible, you've lacked something. You haven't gone all the way, for all the way is this: that the Lord Jesus Christ should present Himself to you as the only safe Guide on the dangerous road of life and the only way by which you can keep your pathway shining; that is, that the face of Christ should shine upon you, and you should behold as in a mirror the glory of the Lord. The Word, yes; but not the Word only, always the Word with the Spirit.
There are scholars who have devoted forty years to the most painstaking study of every preposition and word in the Old Testament, but some of them are still a million leagues away from Christ. How can youth keep its way shining through a dark world? How can you reach the goal--Christ? By taking heed thereto, by stepping carefully and guiding your life by what your soul is learning of God in the text of Holy Scripture, and by keeping company with Christ as your best Friend--never ceasing until you are on such terms with Him that you talk to Him more intimately than to wife or child, lover or friend, and He talks with you. That does not only mean you have a Bible in your pocket--thank God if you have--but it means that you have Christ in your heart. Harold St. John
N.J. Hiebert - 9816
January 8
NEVERTHELESS
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure. 2 Timothy 2:19
You have only to check your Bible concordance to discover how often that word nevertheless shows up. Often against the dark background of conditions in this word, it turns the picture to say, "Notwithstanding, however, still, on the other hand, there is another side. . . ."
In our text, Paul is writing to Timothy about false teachers, and, against their errors, he says God's foundation stands sure. He makes two observations: God knows them that are His, but His children are not to settle in complacency because of that security but rather depart from iniquity. Our blessed assurance is no excuse for careless living.
THE "NEVERTHELESS" THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at Thy word I will let down the net. Luke 5:5.
After a night of failure came the turn when they passed from defeat to victory, and they did it when they crossed the bridge marked Nevertheless. "We have toiled," Peter said, but now "at Thy word, I will let down the net."
When we move from we to Thy, we have have crossed the bridge. After they caught a superabundance of fish, Jesus said, "Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men" (5:10). When we cross the bridge called Nevertheless, the next sign reads HENCEFORTH. This is success. Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 9817
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure. 2 Timothy 2:19
You have only to check your Bible concordance to discover how often that word nevertheless shows up. Often against the dark background of conditions in this word, it turns the picture to say, "Notwithstanding, however, still, on the other hand, there is another side. . . ."
In our text, Paul is writing to Timothy about false teachers, and, against their errors, he says God's foundation stands sure. He makes two observations: God knows them that are His, but His children are not to settle in complacency because of that security but rather depart from iniquity. Our blessed assurance is no excuse for careless living.
THE "NEVERTHELESS" THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at Thy word I will let down the net. Luke 5:5.
After a night of failure came the turn when they passed from defeat to victory, and they did it when they crossed the bridge marked Nevertheless. "We have toiled," Peter said, but now "at Thy word, I will let down the net."
When we move from we to Thy, we have have crossed the bridge. After they caught a superabundance of fish, Jesus said, "Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men" (5:10). When we cross the bridge called Nevertheless, the next sign reads HENCEFORTH. This is success. Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 9817
January 9
Lift up your heads, O ye gates . . . and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.
Psalm 24:9-10.
It is told of Mr. Hyde of India that one day he was traveling to a distant village with a beloved Pujabi evangelist and his two children. The men were speaking sadly about the village,--how long the Gospel had been preached there, and how little interest the people showed.
The children had no such sad thoughts: they were so happy that they sang, and went on singing Psalms and Hymns one after another, till the two men were constrained to join in. They were so carried away with the spirit of praise that they continued singing till they reached the village. Imagine their amazement when they found the people full of interest, and eager to confess Christ and follow Him. Over a dozen showed such a living faith, that they were baptized before they left. This was the first Gospel triumph in that village, heralded and brought about by the spirit of praise from the children.
In another village they were so discouraged, they decided to leave early next morning, but that night someone suggested that they should all go to the village and sing the Gospel in it. This they did, and sang on and on, till after midnight. Next morning they were preparing to leave, when a young man came running from the village, to beg them not to go, for not one, he told them, had gone to work that morning, but were even then considering if they should not at once decide for Christ.
They waited, and found some fifteen men, mostly heads of family, quite ready to be baptized. The young man who brought the message said to Mr. Hyde: This is the result of your singing last night. You sang--
"Lift up your heads, O ye gates,
And let the King of Glory enter in !"
Has He not entered in this morning? Philippians - G.Christopher Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 9818
It is told of Mr. Hyde of India that one day he was traveling to a distant village with a beloved Pujabi evangelist and his two children. The men were speaking sadly about the village,--how long the Gospel had been preached there, and how little interest the people showed.
The children had no such sad thoughts: they were so happy that they sang, and went on singing Psalms and Hymns one after another, till the two men were constrained to join in. They were so carried away with the spirit of praise that they continued singing till they reached the village. Imagine their amazement when they found the people full of interest, and eager to confess Christ and follow Him. Over a dozen showed such a living faith, that they were baptized before they left. This was the first Gospel triumph in that village, heralded and brought about by the spirit of praise from the children.
In another village they were so discouraged, they decided to leave early next morning, but that night someone suggested that they should all go to the village and sing the Gospel in it. This they did, and sang on and on, till after midnight. Next morning they were preparing to leave, when a young man came running from the village, to beg them not to go, for not one, he told them, had gone to work that morning, but were even then considering if they should not at once decide for Christ.
They waited, and found some fifteen men, mostly heads of family, quite ready to be baptized. The young man who brought the message said to Mr. Hyde: This is the result of your singing last night. You sang--
"Lift up your heads, O ye gates,
And let the King of Glory enter in !"
Has He not entered in this morning? Philippians - G.Christopher Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 9818
January 10
CAPTIVE THOUGHTS
Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5
Are there any tyrants more harassing than our own thoughts? Control of deeds and words seems a small thing in comparison; but have we not been apt to fancy that we really can't help our thoughts? Instead of our dominating them, they have dominated us; and we have not expected, or even thought it possible, to be set free from the manifold tyranny of vain thoughts, and still less of wandering thoughts. Yet, all the time, here has been God's word about this hopeless, helpless matter, only where has been our faith?
Must it not be glorious rest to have every thought of day and night brought into sweet, quiet, complete captivity to Jesus. We say, "of course, it stands to reason it could not be!" To reason perhaps, but not to faith; for words cannot be plainer than these in which Paul sets forth this marvellous privilege of all God's children, if they are only willing and simply believing in the matter. For while "the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus" is the measure of the fullness of His promises, "according to your faith" is the appointed measure of their reception and benefit by ourselves. "Lord, increase our faith." (Matthew 9:29)
But there is an order in their effectual working, and we must not begin at the wrong end. Before this triumph-leading of every thought can take place, there is the "casting down imaginations" (2 Corinthians 10:5), or, "reasonings". As long as we are reasoning about a promise, we never know its reality. It is not God's way. It is "the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. (Psalm 34:2) Has it not always been, that we had to lay down our arms and accept God's thought and God's way instead of our own ideas, and be willing that He should "speak the word only," and believe it as little children believe our promises? Then He will "keep (garrison) your hearts with the peace of God which passeth all understanding". Frances Ridley Havergal
N.J. Hiebert - 9819
Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5
Are there any tyrants more harassing than our own thoughts? Control of deeds and words seems a small thing in comparison; but have we not been apt to fancy that we really can't help our thoughts? Instead of our dominating them, they have dominated us; and we have not expected, or even thought it possible, to be set free from the manifold tyranny of vain thoughts, and still less of wandering thoughts. Yet, all the time, here has been God's word about this hopeless, helpless matter, only where has been our faith?
Must it not be glorious rest to have every thought of day and night brought into sweet, quiet, complete captivity to Jesus. We say, "of course, it stands to reason it could not be!" To reason perhaps, but not to faith; for words cannot be plainer than these in which Paul sets forth this marvellous privilege of all God's children, if they are only willing and simply believing in the matter. For while "the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus" is the measure of the fullness of His promises, "according to your faith" is the appointed measure of their reception and benefit by ourselves. "Lord, increase our faith." (Matthew 9:29)
But there is an order in their effectual working, and we must not begin at the wrong end. Before this triumph-leading of every thought can take place, there is the "casting down imaginations" (2 Corinthians 10:5), or, "reasonings". As long as we are reasoning about a promise, we never know its reality. It is not God's way. It is "the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. (Psalm 34:2) Has it not always been, that we had to lay down our arms and accept God's thought and God's way instead of our own ideas, and be willing that He should "speak the word only," and believe it as little children believe our promises? Then He will "keep (garrison) your hearts with the peace of God which passeth all understanding". Frances Ridley Havergal
N.J. Hiebert - 9819
January 11
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 15:13
For Thou art my hope, O Lord God: Thou art my trust from my youth.
Psalm 71:5
Hope is the handkerchief that God puts into His people's hands, to wipe the tears from their eyes, which their present troubles, and long stay of expected mercies, draw from them: "Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord . . . and there is hope in thine end." Jeremiah 31:16-17
"The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ" (2 Thessalonians 3:5). It is a way you will never find, a work you will never be able to do of yourselves thus to wait patiently till Christ come, "The Lord," therefore, "direct your hearts" into it. Love Him, and you will wait for Him. "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Jude 21
The Christian in Complete Armour - William Gurnall.
O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home!
O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come;
Be Thou our guide while troubles last, and our eternal home.
Isaac Watts
N.J. Hiebert - 9820
Romans 15:13
For Thou art my hope, O Lord God: Thou art my trust from my youth.
Psalm 71:5
Hope is the handkerchief that God puts into His people's hands, to wipe the tears from their eyes, which their present troubles, and long stay of expected mercies, draw from them: "Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord . . . and there is hope in thine end." Jeremiah 31:16-17
"The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ" (2 Thessalonians 3:5). It is a way you will never find, a work you will never be able to do of yourselves thus to wait patiently till Christ come, "The Lord," therefore, "direct your hearts" into it. Love Him, and you will wait for Him. "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Jude 21
The Christian in Complete Armour - William Gurnall.
O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home!
O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come;
Be Thou our guide while troubles last, and our eternal home.
Isaac Watts
N.J. Hiebert - 9820
January 12
January 13
