Gems from April 1- 7, 2026

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.  Psalm 37:5

Faith is a condition of salvation and being a condition it must be our act. Saving faith is a choice and we are responsible for our actual choices.  Many people pray for faith and quote  Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace are ye saved through faith;  and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: and conclude that faith is the gift of God." Instead of asking God for faith, it is their duty to believe.

When people say they cannot believe they utter a libel against God.  A man in an enquiry room said to D. L. Moody, "I have no faith, I can't believe."  Mr Moody said to him, "Who can't you believe?  The man replied several times that he couldn't believe, Mr. Moody each time, asking, "Who?"  Finally the man replied, "I can't believe myself."  "Well," said Mr. Moody, "I don't want you to.  Make yourself out a liar, but make God true."

Believe then for all God has promised.  We cannot well go outside the promises of God.  Prayer is pleading the promises.  Faith is claiming them.  There must be a "Thus saith the Lord," either expressed or implied for all we ask, and everything that God has promised is His will for us. 

When your retire at night, you do not worry all night lest the bed break down.  Neither do you hold on to something for fear of falling.  Very little rest would you find in that way.  No! you simply trust yourself to the bed and just rest. 

Thus we should trust ourselves wholly to Jesus, and "Ceased from our own works." (Hebrews 4:10)  We that believe do enter into rest.  Why?  Because someone else is going to do for us.  God requires us to yield and trust in Him and His word.  Trust for all you need.  Trust with all your heart.  Trust all the time.  Streams in the Desert
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N. J. Hiebert - 20265

April 1

"Jesus saith unto him (John) . . . Follow thou me." John 21:22 

Friends, He is a wonderful Lord you and I are called to follow.  The Lord give you grace to follow Him.  Who will start?  But to find Him is one thing; to follow Him is another.  You learn what it is to become "a living stone" (1 Peter 2:5) as you come in contact with Christ, and learn to follow Him when He eclipses everything else in your soul's vision. Possibly you say, If I were in different circumstances I would follow Christ. No, you would not. Your circumstances are the best if only you knew it. 

You know what reins are for; you know what they are to the horse.  They keep the creature in order, and so do your circumstances. They keep you in order. If the banks are broken down, out comes the river, and spoils everything.  If the reins break, what happens?  There is generally a smash.  Do you see?

Do not you be troubled about your circumstances. You will find that the Lord will sustain you in any circumstances, and even make them the channels of His grace.  Cleave to the Lord, and be devoted to the Lord.  Give Him the right place in your heart here, and He will sustain you.  "FOLLOW THOU ME" (John 21:22) would seem to be His last word to Peter. Has it no voice for you and me?  Seekers for Light  - Dr. W. T. P. Wolston, MD        

I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back. 
Though none go with me, by grace I'll follow, no turning back, no turning  back. 
The world behind me, and Christ before me, no turning back, No turning back.
O take this old world but give me Jesus, I'll not go back, I'll not go back. 
Sadhu Sundar Singh

N.J. Hiebert - 20266

April 2

HE  GOES  BEFORE  YOU

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.   John 10:27

He goes before you, O my heart!  Fear not to follow where He leads;
He knows the strength each task demands, He knows the grace each trial needs.
He's just a little farther on along the dark and lonely way,
His bleeding footprints you may trace, He goes before you all the day.

He goes before you, O my heart!  through deepest depth, o'er highest height;
He knows where lurks the ambushed foe and what the battles you must fight;
He sees the pitfalls you will meet, the place where you may faint or fall;
The weariness, the pain, the tears, He goes before, He knows it all.

He goes before you, O my heart!   He does not ask that you shall bear
A single pang He has not borne, a single grief He does not share;
He beckons on through toil and woe, through storm or calm or tempest blast.
And you shall see Him as He said, for He shall lead you home at last.

He goes before you, O my heart!  still follow on through gain or loss,
And for the joy that's set before, despised the shame, endured the cross.
The path your faltering steps must take is one His nail-pierced feet have trod;
Through Garden, Mount and riven Tomb He went before you He is God. 
Flint's Best-Loved Poems  

N.J. Hiebert - 20267

April 3

If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength but wisdom is profitable to direct.   Ecclesiastes 10:10 

Years ago in the Pacific Northwestern US, when logging was a very physically demanding job, a logging company advertised for strong, hard working men.  An eager, muscular young man who was searching for work saw the ad.  He immediately traveled to the location where the logging crew was felling trees. Arriving there and finding the foreman of the logging crew, he introduced himself  and requested that he would be hired for the work.  The foreman silently and carefully looked over the young man.  After a few moments he said; "well son, hiring you depends on how you demonstrate your hard work". 

Handing him an axe the foreman pointed to a large tree and  continued; "Let me see you fell that tree".  The young man eagerly stepped forward, took the axe, and over a remarkably short period of time, quite skillfully felled the great tree.  Very impressed, the foreman said; "You can start working with us on Monday!"  The happy young man showed up early the next Monday morning and eagerly began to work with the crew, felling trees. He did the same on Tuesday, on Wednesday, and on Thursday.  When quitting time rolled around that Thursday the foreman stopped the young logger before he left work, saying; "You can pick up your pay cheque on the way out today." 

The young man was surprised.  He stammered; "But,--but, I thought we got paid on Fridays."  "Yes we do," replied the foreman, "But I'm sorry, I have to let you go today.  Our daily tree felling charts show that you've dropped from first place on Monday to last place today."  "But" objected the young man, "I've arrived here first every day, I leave last, and I've even worked through our rest breaks!"  The foreman, who liked the young man and felt sorry for him, thought for a moment.  Then he asked, "Have you been sharpening your axe?"  After a long pause came the crestfallen answer, "I've been working so hard, I haven't taken the time".  Smiling, the foreman told him, "then that will be the first thing you do tomorrow morning". 
Doug Nicolet - T.C.S. - October 2015.

N.J. Hiebert - 20268

April 4

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  Galatians 6:9 

It is so easy to lose heart in doing good.  That poor soul you helped out the other day, later proved to be a crook, and not in need at all, and you vowed you will not be taken in as easily again.  No, no; let us not be discouraged; let us not give in to evil.  Next time you may turn away somebody really in need: and "whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard." (Proverbs 21:13)

Or that Sunday School class that is so noisy  and unruly!  It seems to be useless to try and go on with them.  You are desperate.   It's not worth trying any longer.

I once did that.  I once had a desperately bad Sunday School, and at the advice of an older brother, I gave it up.  About three weeks later I met one of the children on the street, and she said "Oh, why did you give up the Sunday School?  I wanted so much to know I was saved.  I think I would have found the Lord the very next Sunday: but I had to go somewhere else, and there I found the Lord." 

Another time an old brother urged that I should give up some children's work that the Lord had opened up.  I was much perplexed, and went for advice to another old brother: and to my amazement he said: "Take on more work of that kind; but never give up!  All giving up is of the devil." That was more than fifty years ago, but how often have I thanked God for those words.

Dear Mr. Herbert Taylor, Mr. Hudson Taylor's eldest son, once told me that he was at one time so discouraged that he said to his father, "I'm going to give up."  His father replied, "All discouragement is of the devil!"  God is "the God of all comfort (encouragement)." (2 Corinthians 1:3).  No, beloved,   God's Word is clear.  "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not."   Hid Treasures - G.C. Willis 

N.J. Hiebert - 20269

April 5

Them that honour Me I will honour, and they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed."  1 Samuel 2:30 

Learn from Daniel's experience never to be flattered by the selection processes of this world.  They may carry unacceptable spiritual penalties with them, and one must carefully guard one's availability for God and His service above any other demands that the world might place upon us.  God has already selected us for His service and His glory, and there could be no higher ambition than this. 

Daniel and his companions were chosen for special pampering under the master of eunuchs.  They were allocated a daily allowance of food and wine from the  King's table.  This food and wine had been first offered to the gods of Babylon before reaching the King's table, and furthermore it did not conform to the special prohibitions and preparations of the Levitical law. 

Daniel and his companions were put on the spot at the very start of their new life in the palace.  They were being asked to compromise their faithfulness to their God and to His law.  Wisely, and courageously, Daniel and his companions refused the king's meat, and chose a vegetarian diet instead, distressing their handler.

The time to take a stand for God in any situation is right at the start.  If this isn't done, it is unlikely that we will ever be able to resist the world's pressures, but will find ourselves succumbing to them.  So it was with Daniel and his friends.  They could do nothing about their selection, or the change of their names.  All of that was outside their control, but they could resist when it came to their diet. 

I can imagine some saying, "Daniel don't be a fool.  Who cares about the Law now, and for that matter, who cares about God?  After all, hasn't your God let you down by allowing you to be transported to Babylon?  Isn't it a fact that the temple and the priesthood have gone?  Why are you being so stubborn about things?  When in Babylon do as the Babylonians do, and you'll find acceptance, and have a rosy future."   Daniel - William Burnett

N.J. Hiebert - 20270

April 6

Remember the battle, do no more.  Job 41:8

Some battles are more memorable than others whether won or lost.  When fighting has been fierce and costly, the battle is vividly remembered by both winners and losers.

The greatest and most significant battle ever waged was at Calvary where the Lord Jesus Christ, though sore wounded and trodden underfoot, was victorious over sin and death and hell.  This was the battle of all battles and now that it is over there is nothing more to do than to remember it.

The victory was final and once for all. While there is nothing to add to the work of the cross we do remember the battle, its participants and our ensuing blessings. 
Choice Gleanings  - Roy Hill     

On Calvary's brow my Saviour died, 'twas there my Lord was crucified:
T'was on the cross He bled for me, and purchased there my pardon free.

'Mid rending rocks and darkening skies, My Saviour bows His head and dies;
The opened vail reveals the way to heaven's joy and endless day.

O Jesus, Lord, how can it be, that Thou should give Thy life for me,
To bear the cross and agony, in that dread hour on Calvary? 

REFRAIN:   O Calvary! dark Calvary!  Where Jesus shed His blood for me;
O Calvary! blest Calvary! 'Twas there my Saviour died for me.  W. M. K.  Darwood

N.J. Hiebert - 20271

April 7

But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the Lord: and thou shalt not be given into the hand of men of whom thou art afraid.  Jeremiah 39:17 

He has for thee:
- A light for every shadow,
- A plan for each tomorrow,
- A key for every problem,
- A balm for every sorrow. 

God never leaves us with only one line of comfort, there are many always at hand.  There is one that I have not often heard mentioned, and yet there is help to be found in it.  "Thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid."  What is the thing that you most fear and most earnestly pray about, the thing of all other things that you dread?

If you love your Lord, and yet know your own weakness, is it not that something may happen to sweep you off your feet, or that your strength may be drained and you may yield and fall, and fail Him at the end?  I have known many whose lives were shadowed by this fear.

Oh take comfort.  The God who knew the heart of His servant Ebed-melech knows our hearts, too.  He knows who the men are (what the forces of trial are) of whom we are afraid; and He assures us and reassures us, "Thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid."

There are times when in the multitude of our thoughts within us ("anxious thoughts," JND translation), nothing in all the world can do anything for us but the consolations of our God.  These times can come even in the happy days of preparation for service, and in the service too.  But the comforts of God come close to us.  They love us, and loving us they soothe, gladden, delight, refresh.  Amy Carmichael - Thou Givest...They Gather."   

N.J. Hiebert - 20272

April 8

I  LOOK  NOT  BACK

Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which  are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:13,14.
Looking unto Jesus.  Hebrews 12:2

I look not back; God knows the fruitless efforts,
The wasted hours, the sinning, the regrets.
I leave them all with Him who blots the record,
And graciously forgives, and then forgets. 

I look not forward; God sees all the future,
The road that, short or long, will lead me home,
And He will face with me its every trial,
And bear for me the burdens that may come.

I look not round me; then would fears assail me,
So wild the tumult of earth's restless seas,
So dark the world, so filled with woe and evil,
So vain the hope of comfort and of ease.

I look not inward; that would make me wretched;
For I have naught on which to stay my trust.
Nothing I see save failures and shortcomings,
And weak endeavours, crumbling into dust. 

But I look up--into the face of Jesus,
For there my heart can rest, my fears are stilled;
And there is joy, and love, and light for darkness,
 And perfect peace, and every hope fulfilled.
Annie Johnson Flint 

N.J. Hiebert - 20273

April 9

Value of the Bible

The Bible reveals the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true and its decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here Paradise is gained, Heaven opened, and hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand object, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It shall fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.

It is given you in life, will be opened in the judgment and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, promises the highest reward for labor, and condemns all who trifle with its sacred contents.

"If we take Scripture, we find there the attributes of God - the one true and only God - shine out, and in every page, with unclouded lustre. He is one, supreme, the Creator of heaven and earth, of all things; knows all things. If we go to heaven, He is there; to hell, He is there (Jer. 23:24); can do all things. His eye and presence are everywhere; He is the eternal God; He is righteous and holy ; His goodness is over all His works." -John Nelson Darby

Gems from March 21- 30, 2026

Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.  1 Corinthians 3:13 

The sins and iniquity of the Christian can never be brought into judgment. (Hebrews 10:17) 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.  

But this trial of the quality of our works should not be thought of with fear and dread, but as one of our greatest privileges; because then shall be fulfilled that precious word. "But then shall I know even as also I am known."

God is light and God is love.  He is all love--all light for His children.  But His love will have them in the light as He is Himself.  This will be perfect blessedness; because we shall then be in the perfect light as well as the perfect love of God.  "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all." (1 John 1:5)  Our new, our divine nature loves the light--delights in it.  The least darkness would be an insupportable burden. 

To be in the light, is to be manifested, for light makes manifest.  Nothing can be concealed there.  And we would not, blessed be His name, have one moment of our history with His tender, gracious dealings towards us, left in the dark.  The heart shrinks from the very thought, notwithstanding all our weakness. 

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in His body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10)  When the whole course of my life is manifested in the perfect light of God--of God in Christ. "Then shall I know even as also I am known." (1 Corinthians 13:12)  My judgment of all that was good and bad in that life, will be according to the perfect judgment of God.   Andrew Miller

N.J. Hiebert - 20254

March 21

"Why standest Thou afar off, O Lord?"  (Psalm 10:1)

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." 

(Psalm 46:1) 

But He permits trouble to pursue us, as though He were indifferent to its overwhelming pressure, that we may be brought to the end of ourselves, and led to discover the treasure of darkness, (Isaiah 45:3) the unmeasurable gains of tribulation (Romans 5:3-5). 

We may be sure that He who permits the suffering is with us in it.  It may be that we shall see Him only when the trial is passing; but we must dare to believe that He never leaves the crucible. 

Our eyes are holden; and we cannot behold Him whom our soul loveth.  It is dark--the bandages blind us so that we cannot see the form of our High Priest; but He is there, deeply touched.  Let us not rely on feeling, but on faith in His unswerving fidelity; and though we see Him not, let us talk to Him. 

Directly we begin to speak to Jesus, as being literally present, though His presence is veiled, there comes an answering voice which shows that He is in the shadow, keeping watch upon His own. 

Your Father is as near when you journey through the dark tunnel (Psalm 23:4) as when under the open heaven!  Selected

"What though the path be all unknown?
What though the way be drear?
Its shades I traverse not alone
When steps of Thine are near." 

N.J. Hiebert - 20255

March 22

But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him....And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf." (Genesis 8:9-11)

God knows just when to withhold from us any visible sign of encouragement, and when to grant us such a sign.  How good it is that we may trust Him anyway!  When all visible evidences that He is remembering us are are withheld, that is best; He wants us to realize that His Word, His promise of remembrance, is more substantial  and dependable than any evidence of our senses. 

When He sends the visible evidence, that is well also; we appreciate it all the more after we have trusted Him without it.  Those who are readiest to trust God without other evidence than His Word always receive the greatest number of visible evidences of love.  C. G. Trumbull

Believing Him; if storm-clouds gather darkly 'round,
And even if the heaven seem brass, without a sound? 
He hears each prayer and even notes the sparrow's fall. 
    And praising Him; when sorrow, grief, and pain are near,
    And even when we lose the thing that seems most dear?
   Our loss is gain.  Praise Him;  in Him we have our ALL. 
Our hand in His; e'en though the path seems long and drear
We scarcely see a step ahead, and almost fear?
He guides aright.  He has it thus to keep us near. 
    And satisfied; when every path is blocked and bare,
    And worldly things are gone and dead which were so fair?
    Believe and rest and trust in Him, He comes to stay.

Delays are not refusals; many a prayer is registered, and underneath it the words: "My time is not yet come."  God has a set time as well as a set purpose, and He who orders the bounds of our habitation orders also the time of our deliverance.  Selected  

N.J. Hiebert - 20256

March 23

Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen; He is not here.  Mark 16:6
 
The resurrection of our Lord is the fundamental fact of our faith.  If it is not true, Christianity is a stream without a source, an effect without a cause.  While no one saw the Saviour rise, no event of history is better attested.  Among the familiar proofs are the empty tomb, and the appearance of Jesus to His followers.  

Of the circumstances attending this supreme event, different ones are related  by each gospel writer, and with a variety of detail.  Mark gives a vivid picture of the women who visit the place of burial and find that the body of Jesus is gone.  Their errand is one of love but also of unbelief;  the Master promised to rise on the third day; but now, early on that Sunday morning, they are approaching the tomb, expecting to anoint His dead body.  They are anxious as well as sorrowful, wondering how the stone may be removed to give them access to the sepulchre. 

As is often the experience in life, they find that the dreaded difficulty disappears before it is encountered; "they saw that the stone was rolled away. (v.4)  As they enter, they find that the sepulchre is empty; yet not empty, for an angel is present to give the astonishing explanation: Be not amazed "He is risen; "He is not here." (v.6)  There is no other explanation of that empty tomb.  The supposition that the body has been stolen, or that Jesus never really had died, or that the disciples imagined he had risen, or that they invented the falsehood of a resurrection--no one of these can be accepted except by prejudiced skepticism or childish credulity. 

Knowledge, however, involves responsibility.  Those who know of a risen Christ must be His witnesses.  "But go your way, tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him, as He said unto you." (v.7).  
Gospel of Mark - Charles R. Erdman
"Christ died for our sins...He was buried...He rose again the third day...He was seen by Cephas, then of the twelve...was seen of above five hundred at once." 

(1 Corinthians 15:3-6)   

N.J. Hiebert - 20257

March 24

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.  2 Corinthians 7:1. 

I have been sent some beautiful Caladium flowers.  When this flower first opens it is hot inside  (its temperature has been taken, - 104 F), but as it grows to perfection this excitement of heat passes.  The perfect flower is normal.

In the spiritual world, too, there can be heat and excitement. The ferment of an old truth newly apprehended  (for there is no such thing as a new truth) may very easily cause it.  The devil delights to have it so, and it is easy to see why.  If we become interested in ourselves and occupied in taking our own temperatures, so to speak, then that truth which should bring blessing will either slip out of sight or be put out of focus.

Our Lord said (Luke 12:27), "Consider the (Caladiums) how they grow: they toil not, they spin not."  God lays His cool hand upon them and perfects them.  Think of that word in 2 Corinthians 7:1: perfecting holiness.  There is a crisis of new birth, then -- if the Lord has His way unhindered -- a quiet growth and perfecting, which may take the form of a series of crises.  But always it is an inwardly quiet thing.  

Just before Paul wrote about perfecting holiness he wrote about common life  (2 Corinthians 6:3-10).   Isn't this a wonderful word for us?  "Giving no offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed: but in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience. . . . "

I am glad patience comes first.  But read it all. 
Whispers of His Power - Amy Carmichael. 

N.J. Hiebert - 20258

March 25

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.   Philippians 3:12

When an ardent hiker heads for the high country, he keeps his eyes fastened on the far ridges and shining summit.  He stimulates himself  and steels his resolve to reach the top by focusing his attention on the ultimate goal. 

If he has a travelling companion, a hiking partner, he will also give him much of his thought, time, and interest.  By doing this, the obstacles and hardships and strain of the climb are scarcely noticed.  The tough, rough spots are taken in stride without undue stress or strain.  His eyes and interest are not centered on the immediate problems along the path, but on reaching the mountaintop.       

It is precisely the same in our walk with God.  Where is your focal point of interest?  Are you completely preoccupied with the petty pressures and problems of the immediate moment?  Are you so taken up with self-interest that you can't see the shining heights of God's purposes and plan for the world?  Is your gaze only on the ground of your grinding, grumbling grievances, or does God Himself fill your view?

Learn to refocus your attention on Christ.  Make Him your confidante.  Keep Him always in view.  Set your will deliberately to see Him; then press on toward the destination of the high country and lofty life to which He has called you.  Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller 

N.J. Hiebert - 20259

March 26

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."  Isaiah 55:9

Consider the boyhood of James A. Garfield, 20th President of the USA (Born November 19,1831, Assassinated, September 19, 1881).

His widowed mother, with a splendid independence of spirit, would not go to live with her kin after her husband's death.  Although she had a little brood of children to care for and to bring up, and her ideals for their education were high, she stayed on the little farm, and those youngsters did a man's part for the family. 

James had always wanted to go to sea, and the nearest thing he could do in that line was to get a job as driver on a canal boat.  One cold night he was suddenly thrown into the canal by accident.  He  could not swim.  It was midnight.  Nobody heard his cries for help.  He managed to get  his hands on a rope which was attached to the boat but as he pulled on it to draw himself aboard, the rope kept coming toward him in his hands, and it appeared as if he would not be able to save himself. 

At the very desperate peak of his need the rope tightened and held.  It had kinked and caught in a crevice, and he drew himself aboard.  There he sat in the midnight alone in his wet clothes doing some serious thinking, and the net result of that thinking was that he felt in his heart that he had been saved, as he believed, by God for the sake of his mother and for something better than "canalling" as he put it.  So he went home, and as he looked in the window he saw his mother praying. 

She was praying for him!  That was the beginning of his pursuit of a higher education.  When he entered school he had six cents in his pocket, and at the first church service he attended after he entered school he placed the six cents in the collection box and made up his mind he would see what he could do absolutely on his own.

He obtained board and lodging with mending for $1.061/4 cents per week.  Notice the quarter of a cent.  There is a world of meaning in that fraction.  Those were simple days.   Motives were simple, purposes were simple, principles were simple, and goals were clear.      

If the Weaver of our life's pattern chooses another plan than the one we thought to use, is He not wiser than we?  Mountain Trailways for Youth

N.J. Hiebert - 20260

March 27

He is despised and rejected of men; a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief . . ." Isiah 53:3 

Our Lord is the leader of this company.  He was a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief.  He was tempted  in all points as we are.  Nobody ever walked through so dark a Valley and He walked it by Himself.  We can never suffer as He suffered, die as He died.  He has been through the Valley and we need fear no evil for He walks it with us. 

So cheer up, my fellow traveler, wending your way through dangers, toils, and snares you will meet a host of kindred souls.  You have joined the bereaved at the price of heartache and tears.   

But, best of all, as with the Hebrew children in the fiery furnace, there is Someone else in the fire; you are in the company of the supreme Sufferer who drank the bitter cup to the dregs.  Your grief is but a passing twinge compared to the agony of His soul. 

When I preach about these things, I can see some faces light up among the congregation.  The Spirit blows on the coals and they glow.  Others merely look on uncomprehending. They do not know and there is no way to share with them.  They have not been through the Valley. 

The Valley is not endless, it will not stretch on forever. Ira D. Sankey, the great gospel singer, went blind in his later years.  When a friend visited Him, Sankey sat down at his organ and sang with that voice that had blessed so many: 
There'll be no dark valley when Jesus comes
To gather His love ones home. 
Vance Havner

He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.  Hebrews 10:37
Even so, Lord Jesus.  Revelation 22:20

N.J. Hiebert - 20261

March 28

He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.  Proverbs 21:21 

To steadily pursue righteousness and loving kindness, exemplifying both in the walk and ways, this is the sure road to what all men desire--life and honour.  They are linked together by uprightness.  The empty glory of this world, the applause of the carnally-minded, are worth little after all. 

But to be honoured by God, and by those who love Him,--this abides forever.  He delights to bestow His blessing upon those who esteem His Word and yield obedience to His truth.  For the truth was not given to be a source of intellectual enjoyment alone, though it is that; but that it might be manifested in the life, as it was to the full in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Coupled with moral integrity He would have that gentle loving- kindness which commends the truth to those who might, by severity on the part of its adherents, be driven therefrom.  When grace and truth thus together control the being, life, righteousness, and honour must be the happy result. 
Notes on Proverbs - H.A. Ironside 

Love divine, all praise excelling, joy of heaven to earth come down!
Bless us with Thy rich indwelling, all Thy faithful mercies crown!
Saviour, Thee we'd still be blessing, serve Thee here, as soon above.
Praise Thee, Saviour, without ceasing, glory in Thy dying love.

First-fruits of Thy new creation, faithful, holy, may we be,
Joyful in Thy full salvation, more and more conformed to Thee! 
Changed from glory into glory,  till in heaven we take our place,
Then to worship and adore Thee, lost in wonder, love, and praise!
Charles Wesley        

N.J. Hiebert - 20262

March 29

The lips of the wise disperse knowledge.  Proverbs 15:7 

How well I recollect this disappointment to myself, again and again, when a mere child!  In those early seeking days I never could understand why, sometimes, a good man whom I heard preach or speak as if he loved Christ very much, talked about all sorts of other things when we came back from church or missionary meeting.

I did so wish he would have talked about the Saviour, whom I wanted, but had not found.  It would have been so much more interesting even to the apparently thoughtless and merry little girl.

How could he help it, I wondered, if he cared for me, a "Pearl of Great Price" (Matthew 13:46),  as I was sure I should care for it if I only could find it!  And, oh, why didn't they ever talk to me about it, instead of about my lessons or their little girls at home?

They did not know how their conversation was observed and compared with their sermon or speech,  and how a hungry little soul went empty away from the supper-table.   Kept for the Master's Use - Frances Ridley Havergal 

Tell it again! tell it again!
Salvation's story repeat o'er and o'er
Till none can say of the children of men,
"Nobody ever has told me before".
Mrs. M. B. C. Slade

N.J. Hiebert - 20263

March 30

He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.  Ephesians 4:10 

No fact of Scripture is more wonderful that this--there is a risen Man in the glory of God.  It is the appropriate sequel to the wonder of God having been manifested in flesh. (1 Timothy 3:16)

We are also well within the mark when we say that no fact of Scripture is verified with such abundant care as this.  In 1 Corinthians 15:3,4 the apostle Paul rehearses the gospel which he preached. The death of Christ for our sins and His burial are simply stated, for there was no need to verify these facts since they were beyond dispute and acknowledged by all. 

He passes to the third fact of the gospel, "That He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures" and in support of this he adduces a host of witnesses.  The resurrection of Christ had not the same publicity and was not carried out with spectacular effect as was His death.  Nevertheless, it is the very keystone of the whole arch of divine truth, as 1 Corinthians 15:13-19 shows.  How necessary then for the apostle to start by showing that the resurrection of Christ is a fact beyond dispute. 

And that risen Man is in glory!--a truly astounding fact!  The Old Testament view of things is stated concisely in "The heaven, even the heavens are the Lord's: but the earth hath He given to the children of men." (Psalm 115:16) The earth was emphatically man's sphere as he was originally created, and there was the place of his dominion. 

The New Testament view, consequent upon the exaltation of Christ, is very different and vastly enlarged.  The Lord Jesus is today a Man in glory.  God has "set Him down at His right hand in the heavenlies...and has put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things..." (Ephesians 1:20-23), a portion in contrast to our verse in the psalm above.  F. B. Hole 

N.J. Hiebert - 20264

March 31

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.  Psalm 37:5

Faith is a condition of salvation and being a condition it must be our act. Saving faith is a choice and we are responsible for our actual choices.  Many people pray for faith and quote  Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace are ye saved through faith;  and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: and conclude that faith is the gift of God." Instead of asking God for faith, it is their duty to believe.

When people say they cannot believe they utter a libel against God.  A man in an enquiry room said to D. L. Moody, "I have no faith, I can't believe."  Mr Moody said to him, "Who can't you believe?  The man replied several times that he couldn't believe, Mr. Moody each time, asking, "Who?"  Finally the man replied, "I can't believe myself."  "Well," said Mr. Moody, "I don't want you to.  Make yourself out a liar, but make God true."

Believe then for all God has promised.  We cannot well go outside the promises of God.  Prayer is pleading the promises.  Faith is claiming them.  There must be a "Thus saith the Lord," either expressed or implied for all we ask, and everything that God has promised is His will for us. 

When your retire at night, you do not worry all night lest the bed break down.  Neither do you hold on to something for fear of falling.  Very little rest would you find in that way.  No! you simply trust yourself to the bed and just rest. 

Thus we should trust ourselves wholly to Jesus, and "Ceased from our own works." (Hebrews 4:10)  We that believe do enter into rest.  Why?  Because someone else is going to do for us.  God requires us to yield and trust in Him and His word.  Trust for all you need.  Trust with all your heart.  Trust all the time.  Streams in the Desert
`
N. J. Hiebert - 20265

April 1

"Jesus saith unto him (John) . . . Follow thou me." John 21:22 

Friends, He is a wonderful Lord you and I are called to follow.  The Lord give you grace to follow Him.  Who will start?  But to find Him is one thing; to follow Him is another.  You learn what it is to become "a living stone" (1 Peter 2:5) as you come in contact with Christ, and learn to follow Him when He eclipses everything else in your soul's vision. Possibly you say, If I were in different circumstances I would follow Christ. No, you would not. Your circumstances are the best if only you knew it. 

You know what reins are for; you know what they are to the horse.  They keep the creature in order, and so do your circumstances. They keep you in order. If the banks are broken down, out comes the river, and spoils everything.  If the reins break, what happens?  There is generally a smash.  Do you see?

Do not you be troubled about your circumstances. You will find that the Lord will sustain you in any circumstances, and even make them the channels of His grace.  Cleave to the Lord, and be devoted to the Lord.  Give Him the right place in your heart here, and He will sustain you.  "FOLLOW THOU ME" (John 21:22) would seem to be His last word to Peter. Has it no voice for you and me?  Seekers for Light  - Dr. W. T. P. Wolston, MD        

I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back. 
Though none go with me, by grace I'll follow, no turning back, no turning  back. 
The world behind me, and Christ before me, no turning back, No turning back.
O take this old world but give me Jesus, I'll not go back, I'll not go back. 
Sadhu Sundar Singh

N.J. Hiebert - 20266

April 2

HE  GOES  BEFORE  YOU

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.   John 10:27

He goes before you, O my heart!  Fear not to follow where He leads;
He knows the strength each task demands, He knows the grace each trial needs.
He's just a little farther on along the dark and lonely way,
His bleeding footprints you may trace, He goes before you all the day.

He goes before you, O my heart!  through deepest depth, o'er highest height;
He knows where lurks the ambushed foe and what the battles you must fight;
He sees the pitfalls you will meet, the place where you may faint or fall;
The weariness, the pain, the tears, He goes before, He knows it all.

He goes before you, O my heart!   He does not ask that you shall bear
A single pang He has not borne, a single grief He does not share;
He beckons on through toil and woe, through storm or calm or tempest blast.
And you shall see Him as He said, for He shall lead you home at last.

He goes before you, O my heart!  still follow on through gain or loss,
And for the joy that's set before, despised the shame, endured the cross.
The path your faltering steps must take is one His nail-pierced feet have trod;
Through Garden, Mount and riven Tomb He went before you He is God. 
Flint's Best-Loved Poems  

N.J. Hiebert - 20267

April 3

If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength but wisdom is profitable to direct.   Ecclesiastes10:10 

Years ago in the Pacific Northwestern US, when logging was a very physically demanding job, a logging company advertised for strong, hard working men.  An eager, muscular young man who was searching for work saw the ad.  He immediately traveled to the location where the logging crew was felling trees. Arriving there and finding the foreman of the logging crew, he introduced himself  and requested that he would be hired for the work.  The foreman silently and carefully looked over the young man.  After a few moments he said; "well son, hiring you depends on how you demonstrate your hard work". 

Handing him an axe the foreman pointed to a large tree and  continued; "Let me see you fell that tree".  The young man eagerly stepped forward, took the axe, and over a remarkably short period of time, quite skillfully felled the great tree.  Very impressed, the foreman said; "You can start working with us on Monday!"  The happy young man showed up early the next Monday morning and eagerly began to work with the crew, felling trees. He did the same on Tuesday, on Wednesday, and on Thursday.  When quitting time rolled around that Thursday the foreman stopped the young logger before he left work, saying; "You can pick up your pay cheque on the way out today." 

The young man was surprised.  He stammered; "But,--but, I thought we got paid on Fridays."  "Yes we do," replied the foreman, "But I'm sorry, I have to let you go today.  Our daily tree felling charts show that you've dropped from first place on Monday to last place today."  "But" objected the young man, "I've arrived here first every day, I leave last, and I've even worked through our rest breaks!"  The foreman, who liked the young man and felt sorry for him, thought for a moment.  Then he asked, "Have you been sharpening your axe?"  After a long pause came the crestfallen answer, "I've been working so hard, I haven't taken the time".  Smiling, the foreman told him, "then that will be the first thing you do tomorrow morning". 
Doug Nicolet - T.C.S. - October 2015.

N.J. Hiebert - 20268

April 4

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  Galatians 6:9 

It is so easy to lose heart in doing good.  That poor soul you helped out the other day, later proved to be a crook, and not in need at all, and you vowed you will not be taken in as easily again.  No, no; let us not be discouraged; let us not give in to evil.  Next time you may turn away somebody really in need: and "whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard." (Proverbs 21:13)

Or that Sunday School class that is so noisy  and unruly!  It seems to be useless to try and go on with them.  You are desperate.   It's not worth trying any longer.

I once did that.  I once had a desperately bad Sunday School, and at the advice of an older brother, I gave it up.  About three weeks later I met one of the children on the street, and she said "Oh, why did you give up the Sunday School?  I wanted so much to know I was saved.  I think I would have found the Lord the very next Sunday: but I had to go somewhere else, and there I found the Lord." 

Another time an old brother urged that I should give up some children's work that the Lord had opened up.  I was much perplexed, and went for advice to another old brother: and to my amazement he said: "Take on more work of that kind; but never give up!  All giving up is of the devil." That was more than fifty years ago, but how often have I thanked God for those words.

Dear Mr. Herbert Taylor, Mr. Hudson Taylor's eldest son, once told me that he was at one time so discouraged that he said to his father, "I'm going to give up."  His father replied, "All discouragement is of the devil!"  God is "the God of all comfort (encouragement)." (2 Corinthians 1:3).  No, beloved,   God's Word is clear.  "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not."   Hid Treasures - G.C. Willis 

N.J. Hiebert - 20269

Them that honour Me I will honour, and they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed."  1 Samuel 2:30 

Learn from Daniel's experience never to be flattered by the selection processes of this world.  They may carry unacceptable spiritual penalties with them, and one must carefully guard one's availability for God and His service above any other demands that the world might place upon us.  God has already selected us for His service and His glory, and there could be no higher ambition than this. 

Daniel and his companions were chosen for special pampering under the master of eunuchs.  They were allocated a daily allowance of food and wine from the  King's table.  This food and wine had been first offered to the gods of Babylon before reaching the King's table, and furthermore it did not conform to the special prohibitions and preparations of the Levitical law. 

Daniel and his companions were put on the spot at the very start of their new life in the palace.  They were being asked to compromise their faithfulness to their God and to His law.  Wisely, and courageously, Daniel and his companions refused the king's meat, and chose a vegetarian diet instead, distressing their handler.

The time to take a stand for God in any situation is right at the start.  If this isn't done, it is unlikely that we will ever be able to resist the world's pressures, but will find ourselves succumbing to them.  So it was with Daniel and his friends.  They could do nothing about their selection, or the change of their names.  All of that was outside their control, but they could resist when it came to their diet. 

I can imagine some saying, "Daniel don't be a fool.  Who cares about the Law now, and for that matter, who cares about God?  After all, hasn't your God let you down by allowing you to be transported to Babylon?  Isn't it a fact that the temple and the priesthood have gone?  Why are you being so stubborn about things?  When in Babylon do as the Babylonians do, and you'll find acceptance, and have a rosy future."   Daniel - William Burnett

N.J. Hiebert - 20270