Gems from August 21- 25, 2026

Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.  Ecclesiastes 7:3 

Every person and every nation must take lessons in God's school of adversity.  We can say, "Blessed is night, for it reveals to us the stars."  In the same way we can say, "Blessed is sorrow, for it reveals God's comfort."  

The floods washed away home and mill, all the poor man had in the world.  But as he stood on the scene of his loss, after the water had subsided, broken-hearted and discouraged, he saw something shining in the bank which the waters had washed bare. 

"It looks like gold," he said.  It was gold.  The flood which had beggared him made him rich.  So it is ofttimes in life.  H. C. Trumbull

N.J. Hiebert - 20406

August 20

DELIVERANCE  FROM  WORRY

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6,7 

This should make an end of all worry and anxiety.  We may possess a divine carelessness.  Be careful for nothing.  Have no anxiety.  Why should we worry or be anxious?  Worry is the child of unbelief.

Anxiety can never stay if the eyes of the heart behold the Man in Glory and faith realizes that all is in the hands of One "who doeth all things well." (Matthew 7:37)  Worry and anxiety accuse Him. 

Martha did that when she was encumbered with much service and then said to Him, "Doest Thou not care?" (Luke 10:40).  Each time we give way to anxiety, we act as if He did not care.  But He does; and He would have us rest in faith and and commit all to Himself.  The Work of Christ - A. C. Gaebelein

Simply trusting every day, trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small, trusting Jesus, that is all.

Brightly doth His spirit shine into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall; trusting Jesus, that is all.

Singing if my way is clear; praying if the path be drear;
If in danger, for Him call; trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting Him while life shall last, trusting Him till earth be past; 
Till within the jasper wall: trusting Jesus that is all.  E. Page

N.J. Hiebert - 20407

August 21

In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? Psalm 11:1 

People who study and understand birds know they fly much higher when migrating than when in local flight.  They concluded that migrating birds take wing higher than the others for three reasons:

- They get a boundless view and more easily find their points of direction.
-They are out of the flight path of birds of prey and clear of obstacles.
-Their flight is accelerated due to the greater purification of the atmosphere.

The higher the child of God soars the more clearly discernible is God's flight plan.  The soul cannot find escape from the attacks of satanic forces, when doubting God's promises. Neither does it find refuge by prostrating itself face downward.  Depressing thoughts give no relief to the mind, nor does doubting God's love when the storm clouds envelope. 

It is true that one defeated, cast-down person can inoculate a whole group at work, at school, in the community, with the gloom of despair.  Attitudes are catching. 

The sweetest songs of David were born in the storms of his life.  The shepherd boy was called "the sweet psalmist of Israel" (2 Samuel 3:1).  Out from the fury of the storm rose loud notes of praise to his God on high.  The result is two beautiful and melodious Psalms - 23 and 91. These Psalms have comforted people of all generations. How much the world would have lost without those comforting words from the struggling heart of David.   Streams in the Desert

N.J. Hiebert - 20408

August 22

I sleep but my heart waketh.  Song of Solomon 5:2 

By far the greater proportion of Christians are more occupied with themselves,  and their changeable feelings, than with the word of God.

This is the fruitful source of endless troubles and perplexities of the soul.  How often it happens in the history of some Christians that when they experience a change of feeling in themselves, they hastily conclude that Christ Himself is not now what He once was to them.

They judge the Lord by their own feelings, in place of believing in Him according to His own word.  This is looking to self in place of Christ, and being governed by feelings in place of the unchangeable truth of God.     
Song of Solomon - Andrew Miller 

Have I an object, Lord, below which would divide my heart with Thee;
Which would divert its even flow in answer to Thy constancy? 
Oh teach me quickly to return, and cause my heart afresh to burn. 

Have I a hope, however dear, which would defer Thy coming, Lord!
Which would detain my spirit here (Where not can lasting joy afford)?
From It, my Saviour, set me free, to look, and long, and wait for Thee. 

Be Thou the object bright and fair to fill and satisfy the heart;
My hope to meet Thee in the air, and nevermore from Thee to part: 
That I may undistracted be to follow, serve, and wait for Thee.  G. W. Frazer   

N.J. Hiebert - 20409

August 23

SAVIOUR  OR  JUDGE?

If thou forebear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain . . . doth not He that pondereth the heart consider it? . . . and shall not He render to every man according to his works?  

Proverbs 24:11-12 

- When one has even a glimmer of the tremendous difference between having Christ  and being
- without Christ;
- when one gets but one shuddering glimpse of what eternity is,
- and what it must mean, as well as what it may mean, without Christ:
- when one gets but a flash of realization of the tremendous fact that all these neighbours of ours, rich and poor alike, will have to spend that eternity either with Him or without Him
- it is hard, very hard indeed to understand how a man or a woman can believe these things at all, and make no effort for anything beyond the temporal elevation of those around, sometimes not even beyond their amusements! 

"People must have entertainment," they urge.  I do not find that "must" in the Bible, but I do find, "We must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ." (Romans 14:10) and if you have any sort of belief in that, how can you care to use those lips of yours, which might be a fountain of life to the dying souls before you, merely to entertain them.  As you sow, so you reap.

Will you not sow that song? Will you not drop that word
Till the coldest heart be stirred from their slumber deep and long?
Then your harvest shall abound with rejoicing full and grand,
Where the heavenly summer-songs resound,
And the fruits of faithful work are found, in the glorious Holy Land. 
Opened Treasures - Frances R. Havergal 

N.J. Hiebert - 20410

August 24

Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?   John 18:11  

And He went a little further, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.   Matthew 26:39 

This cup was a symbol of the wrath of God.  Christ drank the undiluted wrath of a Holy God against sin, that we might drink the cup of remembrance of His death.   As we drink of it today, may our hearts be full of what He did to bring us into His presence.  Duncan Maxwell

O Christ, what burdens bowed Thy head! our load was laid on Thee;
Thou stoodest in the sinner's stead--to bear all ill for me.
A victim lead, Thy blood was shed; now there's no load for me.   

Death and the curse were in our cup--O Christ, 'twas full for Thee! 
But Thou has drained the last dark drop, 'tis empty now for me.
That bitter cup--love drank it up; left but the love for me. 

Jehovah lifted up His rod--O Christ, it fell on Thee!
Thou wast forsaken of Thy God; no distance now for me.
Thy blood beneath that rod has flowed: Thy bruising healeth me. 

The tempest's awful voice was heard. O Christ it broke on Thee;
Thy open bosom was my ward; it bore the storm for me.
Thy form was scarred, Thy visage marred; now cloudless peace for me. 

For me, Lord Jesus, Thou has died,  and I have died in Thee;
Thou'rt risen: my bands are all untied; and now Thou livest in Me. 
The Father's face of radiant grace shines now in light on me. Mrs. Cousins  

N.J. Hiebert - 20411

August 25

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.  Philippians 2:3-4 (not each having-the-eye-on the (interests) of themselves, but each on the (interests) of others also).   "But in lowly-mindedness esteeming one another more excellent than themselves."

The word "But" is a strong word, drawing our earnest attention to the very great contrast between lowly-mindedness and party-spirit or vain-glory. 

The words "one another" are really in the plural, but I do not know how this can be said in English, to make it clearer that it is.  We have already noticed how much we get about our mind, or minding; and in the word "Lowly-mindedness." we find this again.  In Ephesians 4:2 we find exactly the same word as one of the bonds which bind the saints together.  There it is inked with "meekness." 

Years ago I was walking with Mr. Willie Crossly, when suddenly he asked: "Christopher, What is the difference between lowliness (or, lowly-mindedness) and meekness?"  I had to reply, "I don't know, Mr. Crossly."  He said, I will tell you. Lowly-mindedness will never give offence.  Meekness will never take offence."  Oh, that we each had more of these two qualities!   How much strife and contention would be avoided!  Sacrifices of Joy - G. Christopher Willis

N.J. Hiebert - 20412

August 26

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by ay means hurt you.  Luke 10:19 

Sometimes we do not feel in the least like treading down scorpions and serpents and all the power of the enemy.  Perhaps we are allowed to feel our nothingness, so that we may in the depths of our heart understand those other words "Without Me ye can do nothing." (John 15:5) 

I think there was something of this in our Lord Jesus' mind, when He told the story of one who had nothing to set before his friend--not a crumb--and it was midnight.  When we do not feel victorious and have nothing to give to others, it is in truth "midnight" in our soul, "the dark night of the soul", old writers called it. 

But we have a God to Whom we can go at any minute, the weakest minute, the darkest minute, "at midnight".  "Be Thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: Thou hast given commandment to save me; for Thou art my Rock and my Fortress." (Psalm 71:3) 

And if it be victory over the power of the enemy in our own hearts that we need, He will give us not just crumbs, but loaves-- "He will rise and give him as many as he needeth." (Luke 11:5-8)   Edges of His Ways - Amy Carmichael

N.J. Hiebert - 20413

August 27

THE  CLEAR  EYE  OF  FAITH

And as He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.   Mark 10:46,47   

It is lovely to trace the faith displayed by Bartimaeus. The crowd dismissively informs the blind, destitute beggar that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.  To most, that is all Jesus ever was: a certain man from a geographic location at a specific point in time.  To Bartimaeus, those facts are useless.  A man from Nazareth, compassionate as he might ever be, could do nothing for him.  But Jesus the Son of David, the long-awaited Messiah, God's divine Servant--that is who blind Bartimaeus sees with the clear eye of faith. 

He is persistent despite the crowd's attempt to silence him. Society considers it perfectly acceptable to tag along behind Jesus, but the crowd is embarrassed when somebody desperately calls on Him as Saviour.  However, the call of faith pierces the noise and reaches the heart of the Lord.  He will never pass by anyone who is grasping towards Him (Acts 17:27). 

Many who hear the Lord's invitation try to maintain some symbol of dignity as they approach Him.  But all that Bartimaeus possessed was a beggar's cloak; and really, despite our self-importance, not one of us has anything more than that.  Yet Bartimaeus casts even that robe aside.  "Lord" he says, addressing the Lord both reverently and fervently, "I want to see." 

He might have asked for power or wealth, but what would those do for him?  He was not ashamed to acknowledge the true depth of his need.  The prayer of faith is met by the grace of the Lord Jesus, Who heals both physically and spiritually.  Thus transformed, Bartimaeus makes the Lord's pathway his own, and he follows Jesus on the road.  Stephen Campbell

N.J. Hiebert - 20414

August 28

Gems from August 11- 20, 2026

PROPHESIES  AND  THEIR  FULFILMENT

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Timothy 3:16,17

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved moved by the Holy Ghost.  2 Peter 1:21   

The great bulk of the prophecies of the Old Testament refer to the coming of the Son of God into this world as Man in order to be the Redeemer.  They refer to His Person as God and Man, the place and manner of His birth, the wonder of His life, and above all His death and its sacrificial meaning and His glorious resurrection. 

- He was born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2).  Fulfilment  Luke 2:4-6. 
- He was to be born of a virgin.  Isaiah 7:14  Fulfilment Matthew 1:125.  
- He was to be sold for thirty pieces of silver.  Zechariah 11:12
Fulfilment Matthew 26:14-15.
This money was to be cast to the potter.  It was to be silver and thirty pieces, and thrown down in the house of the Lord. Fulfilment  Matthew  27:3-10). 
-His hands and feet were to be pierced. Psalm 22:16 Fulfilment John 20:24-29. 
- His side was to be pierced.  Zechariah 12:10 Fulfilment  John 19:34-37.
- His garments were to be divided among the soldiers, who crucified Him, and for His vesture they were to cast lots. Psalm 22:18.  Fulfilment  John 19:23,24.
- They were to give Him gall and vinegar as He hung on the cross. Psalm 69:21. Fulfilment. Matthew 27:34. 
- He was to be buried in a rich man's tomb. Isaiah 53:9. Fulfilment Matthew 27:57.  
Why I Believe the Bible - A. J. Pollock

N.J. Hiebert - 20395

August 9

The Lord is far from the wicked: but He heareth the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29

The lawless have no title to expect anything from the Lord; He makes no pledge to heed their cry.  When the day of their distress comes they find none on whom to call.  Of old, when idolatrous Israel turned to Him in their troubles, He refused to be entreated of them and referred them to the gods they had served, in order that they might realize what it meat to have turned the back upon Him. 

But He has pledged Himself to hear the prayer of the righteous; and with Him to "hear" is to answer.  The man who delights himself in God when all is bright will find him a Friend nigh at hand when darkness enshrouds the soul. But let him not forget that it is written, "If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."  (John 15:7). 
H. A. Ironside - Notes on Proverbs

Abide with me: fast falls the even tide; the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide:
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me!

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away; 
Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou who changes not, abide with me!  

I need Thy presence every passing hour: What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'r? Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be? Thro'cloud and sunshine, O abide with me! 

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine thro' the gloom, and point me to the skies: Heav'n's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee--In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!    H. F. Lyte 

N.J. Hiebert - 20396

August 10

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, IT IS FINISHED: and He bowed His head, and gave up the Ghost.  John 19:30

"Tis finished," Jesus said, My Lord on Calvary bled,
Conscience may not condemn, white are my sins once red,
I now can enter in where foes can never tread,
Through Christ our living head.

    Hark! God's beloved Son
    Cried, "Finished!" all is done.
    Oh! Praise and never cease
    The glory of His grace.
    Grace, matchless grace, so free:
    He won the victory. 
    Hallelujah! 'tis done.

"Tis finished!"--Hark the strain, we're cleansed from every strain,
By blood we're sanctified, made holy, without blame,
Tell! Tell it! far and wide; Praise! Praise! His glorious Name,
JESUS, who for us died. 

"Tis finished!" Jesus cried, and from His wounded side,
The blood and water flowed.  Now God is satisfied. 
No more of God afraid, by faith I'm justified. 
Christ is my righteousness. 

Complete in Him we stand, all Death and Hell demand
Is fully satisfied. And now at God's right hand
Our risen Saviour pleads, For us He intercedes,
For us He ever lives.   
(I. Lo - Translated from Chinese by Dorothy Dear)

N.J. Hiebert - 20397

August 11

THE  PROMISE  OF  THE  FATHER

"He shall glorify Me: for He shall received of Mine, and shall show it unto you.  John 16:14 

Blest, Thy Spirit's touch well known, to the heart's oft silent strings;
Wakening them to Thee alone, while my spirit of Thee sings. 

Bright the vision He doth bring, of Thyself before my sight; 
Fit eclipse of everything,  every earthly joy or light. 

Whether for walk, conflict, testimony or worship, our only and all-sufficient power is in the Holy Ghost.  The maintenance of constant dependence is a necessary condition of continued spiritual power. 

There are many of the Lord's people who have learned in a measure their weakness, but who know nothing of the source of power as provided in the Holy Spirit; There are others who believe in the provision, but who have scarcely any skill in drawing upon it for use; there are others again who act even in the christian life as if everything depended upon themselves. 

It must not be forgotten that power does not act independently of our spiritual condition.  The Holy Spirit dwells within, so that our bodies are His temples.  If we are careless, not watchful,   if we seek our pleasure in the world, rather than in Christ, let us not for one moment suppose that He will condescend to use us as vessels of His power...  

But, on the other hand, if the eye be single, and a single eye sees nothing but Christ,  if He is the object of our lives, the Holy Spirit then ungrieved will sustain us in every position in which we are placed, and bring us victoriously out of the very conflict through which we may pass.  Let us not rest until we know practically something of being channels for the manifestation of divine power even in this world.  Footprints for Pilgrims - Edward Dennett 

N.J. Hiebert - 20398

August 12

Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business...and He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them... 

Luke 2:49,51. 

Luke reminds us He "was subject unto [Mary and Jospeh]".  This was another way of loveliness in Him as a child of twelve years.  After the episode in the temple, and His gentle reproof, "Know ye not that I must be about My Father's business?" it is recorded that He went down with Joseph and Mary, "and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them".   He declared that God was His Father, and that His business was all important to Him, but nevertheless recognized His earthly relationship and was subject to Joseph and Mary.  That subjection of His own voluntary will was lovely in Him. 

Joseph and Mary had the manifest token that He fully comprehended His Sonship of God and His exalted mission, but that did not change His moral perfection as subject to those whose care God had entrusted Him. This one incident when He was twelve years of age is on record to reveal the consistent moral perfection of our Lord as He grew up in the family of Joseph the carpenter. 

When our Lord was "sitting in the midst of the doctors" (Luke 2:46) in the temple, He again like charity, did not behave Himself unseemly (1 Corinthians 13:5). He was "hearing them, and asking them questions."  It does not say, He was teaching them or answering their questions.  He did not pose as a teacher, though there dwelt in Him "all the treasures of wisdom knowledge" (Colossians 2:3)  "All that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers." 

He was the true speaker of Psalm 119:99, "I have more understanding than all my teachers: for Thy testimonies are my meditation." All His life, Isaiah  50:4 was true of Him: "He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned." Thus, His childhood and youth were passed in quiet, loving fellowship with God, hearing His voice and responding to His love. A Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake 

N.J. Hiebert - 20399

August 13

Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.  Psalm 85:10 

Lord, while our souls in faith repose upon Thy precious blood,
PEACE like an even river flows, and MERCY, like a flood. 

In this very impressive imagery, writer Mary Bowley contrasts Peace and Mercy, suggesting these thoughts  and scriptures to my soul:   

Mercy had to come first because without it, there could be no gift of settled peace for people like us.  And that depended upon Christ dying to finally settle the sin question.  The flood image suggests destructive force; example: Genesis 9:11 "And I will establish my covenant with you, neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood."  This was God's mercy at work.  Sinners had to be destroyed, but in His mercy, He made provision for one righteous family to rise above the waters. 

Besides, everyone around was invited into the ark, but they all mocked and refused.  This surely reminds us of Christ's work at the cross to finally end the power of sin; but at what a cost!  The measure of that flood of judgment upon Him as sin-bearer may be feebly gathered from the stupendous quantity of water that was needed to cover the whole earth in Noah's day.  "Thy mercy endureth forever." Psalm 136:1

After the Lord rose from the dead, offered the good news of salvation, and then ascended bodily to heaven, Peace like a river could immediately flow to all who believe.  A river suggests a calm, steady flow and unlimited abundance from which all the redeemed can draw for drinking, cleansing  and comfort.  Such a flow also suggests a destination; which for all believers is eternity with our Lord in glory.  (Isaiah  66:12) says "For thus sayeth the Lord, Behold I will extend Peace to her like a river."  The prophet here was speaking of Israel's future, but we believers can take it for ourselves.  The Lord said, "My peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you. (John 12:27)   Lorne Perry

N.J. Hiebert - 20400

August 14

- Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice...he went out, and wept bitterly Matthew 26:75
- He saith unto him the third time...lovest thou Me? Peter...saith unto Him, Lord...Thou knowest that I love Thee...Jesus saith unto him, Feed My sheep. John 21:17.
-And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.  Ephesians 4:32

The following story is told regarding an incident that took place December 30, 1879 in Menlo Park, New Jersey.  For countless hours over a long period of time, Thomas Edison had toiled in his laboratory over his latest invention--a common item today that is taken for granted throughout the world.  Over those long dreary hours in Edison's lab there had been many failures and discouragements but the time arrived when the great inventor had finally achieved success.  He created the world's first glass electric light bulb.

After that long time of labour and failures, Mr. Edison now held in his hands a small, fragile glass globe that emitted a steady glow of light.  The next day, December 31, 1879, Mr. Edison intended to unveil to the world the first electric light bulb.  Work in his lab was over and his assistants were busily cleaning and straightening everything in preparation for the morrow's planned demonstration.  As he reached for a part of the display, Mr Edison very carefully handed the fragile glass bulb to one of his assistants. 

Much to everyone's dismay, the assistant allowed the glass bulb to slip out of his hands and fall on the floor where it shattered to into tiny pieces.  The poor assistant was speechless, aghast at what he had just done.  Mr Edison, however, did not demand he leave his laboratory never to return. Instead he quietly asked who would be willing to stay to help make a duplicate.  No one left.  Toiling all through the long night, blowing glass and diligently working to recreate the light bulb, the exhausted group finished in time for the presentation the next day. 

As he readied the presentation Mr. Edison handed the precious globe to the very assistant who had dropped the first one.  Another assistant asked how Mr. Edison could trust him.  The great inventor replied that he knew of no one on the face of the earth who would hold and handle that precious bulb  with greater care.  The Christian Shepherd - Doug Nicolet 

N.J. Hiebert - 20401

August 15

Then shall the Son also Himself be subject unto Him that put all things under Him. 1 Corinthians 15:28 
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (Hebrews 13:8)

It is happy and establishing to the soul to bear in lively faith and recollection that it is the very same Jesus who was here on earth that is now in heaven, and whom we are to know "through His own eternity." (Isaiah 57:15) When we keep this in memory, every passage of His life here will be introduced afresh  to us, and we shall feel and own that we have in the evangelists (the four gospels) a more wonderful page to meditate, yea, and in some sense a much happier one too, than we once counted upon. 

In the days of His sojourn among us, everything was a reality to Him; all was living and personal.  He did more than touch the surface.  When He healed a wound or removed a sorrow, He in a way felt it. "Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses." (Matthew 8:17)  His spirit drank of the springs, as of the stream; for not only were His joys real, His sorrows real, His fears and disappointments, and the like, real, but He entered into every occasion in all its character.  He knew the unuttered language of that needy soul that touched Him in the crowd, and felt that touch in all its meaning. (Luke 8:43-48)  

He was filled with delight at the faith of that Gentile who pierced the thick cloud of His humiliation, and reached the divine glory which shone in His person beneath it; and He alike fastened on the bold--but not too bold--faith of that sinner of the city who pierced the dark cloud of her own sin and shame, and reached the divine grace which could heal it all. (Luke 7). 

He understood the hasty step of Zacchaeus as he climbed the sycamore-tree, and the thoughtfulness of Nathanael as he sat under the fig-tree.  He heard the strife of the disciples by the way as they went up to Jerusalem; heard it in the tumult of the lusts within, ere it broke out in wars and fightings.  And He knew the love as well as the self-confidence which drew Peter from the ship to the water.  J. G. Bellett

N.J. Hiebert - 20402

August 16

TRUST, WORK  and   WATCH

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.  Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.  Matthew 6:34
(Each day hath enough trouble of its own.)

Trust today and leave tomorrow; each day has enough of care;
Therefore, whatsoe'er thy burden, God will give thee strength to bear. 
He is Faithful! Cast on Him thine every care. 

Work today, and leave tomorrow; all around there's urgent need; 
All around there's sin and sorrow;  broadcast, daily sow the seed.
He is faithful! He shall bless thy work indeed.

Watch today, and leave the morrow; for tomorrow may not come;
For today thy loving Saviour, may appear to take thee home. 
He is faithful! Look for Him, the coming One.  William Sloan

N.J. Hiebert - 20403

August 17

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till He come.  1 Corinthians 11:26

Several perspectives are emphasized in this lovely passage on the Lord's supper.  Our hearts should be occupied with each.  In this verse, we are to look backward to the cross and see our Saviour giving His life for us. 

Secondly, we are to look forward and anticipate His return, when we will not need the emblems anymore, but will see Him, be with Him, and be like Him. 

Again, we are to look upward to our great High Priest who is ever able to take our spiritual sacrifices and make them acceptable to God. 

Finally, we are to look inward. "let a man examine himself" (v 28), and then come with a pure heart to this holy feast. 
Harold G. Smith

On Calvary's brow my Saviour died,
'Twas there my Lord was crucified:
'Twas on the cross He bled for me,
And purchased there my pardon free.
W. M. K Darwood  

N.J. Hiebert - 20404

August 18

FRUIT  OF  THE   LAND

How long are ye slack to possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you?  Joshua 18:3. 

We ought not stand on Jordan's stormy banks casting a wishful eye to Canaan's fair and happy land, where our possessions lie.  "Dwelling in Beulah Land" (Isaiah 62:4) is possible here and now.  Living in Canaan may be a fact today. 

It is also a fight, the fight of faith, as we follow our Joshua, the Captain of our salvation and "possess our possessions."  

And there will be fruit.  It is today, said the spies.  "It floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it."   (Numbers 13:27). "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22,23).  

Alas, so many are still in the wilderness, longing for garlic instead of grace, melons instead of manna!   The best advertisement of the land is the fruit of it.  Where are your milk and honey?  Men will believe the fact when from the fight you bring the fruit.  Day by Day with Vance Havner

N.J. Hiebert - 20405

August 19

Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.  Ecclesiastes 7:3 

Every person and every nation must take lessons in God's school of adversity.  We can say, "Blessed is night, for it reveals to us the stars."  In the same way we can say, "Blessed is sorrow, for it reveals God's comfort."  

The floods washed away home and mill, all the poor man had in the world.  But as he stood on the scene of his loss, after the water had subsided, broken-hearted and discouraged, he saw something shining in the bank which the waters had washed bare. 

"It looks like gold," he said.  It was gold.  The flood which had beggared him made him rich.  So it is ofttimes in life.  H. C. Trumbull

N.J. Hiebert - 20406

August 20

DELIVERANCE  FROM  WORRY

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6,7 

This should make an end of all worry and anxiety.  We may possess a divine carelessness.  Be careful for nothing.  Have no anxiety.  Why should we worry or be anxious?  Worry is the child of unbelief.

Anxiety can never stay if the eyes of the heart behold the Man in Glory and faith realizes that all is in the hands of One "who doeth all things well." (Matthew 7:37)  Worry and anxiety accuse Him. 

Martha did that when she was encumbered with much service and then said to Him, "Doest Thou not care?" (Luke 10:40).  Each time we give way to anxiety, we act as if He did not care.  But He does; and He would have us rest in faith and and commit all to Himself.  The Work of Christ - A. C. Gaebelein

Simply trusting every day, trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small, trusting Jesus, that is all.

Brightly doth His spirit shine into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall; trusting Jesus, that is all.

Singing if my way is clear; praying if the path be drear;
If in danger, for Him call; trusting Jesus, that is all.

Trusting Him while life shall last, trusting Him till earth be past; 
Till within the jasper wall: trusting Jesus that is all.  E. Page

N.J. Hiebert - 20407

August 21

In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? Psalm 11:1 

People who study and understand birds know they fly much higher when migrating than when in local flight.  They concluded that migrating birds take wing higher than the others for three reasons:

- They get a boundless view and more easily find their points of direction.
-They are out of the flight path of birds of prey and clear of obstacles.
-Their flight is accelerated due to the greater purification of the atmosphere.

The higher the child of God soars the more clearly discernible is God's flight plan.  The soul cannot find escape from the attacks of satanic forces, when doubting God's promises. Neither does it find refuge by prostrating itself face downward.  Depressing thoughts give no relief to the mind, nor does doubting God's love when the storm clouds envelope. 

It is true that one defeated, cast-down person can inoculate a whole group at work, at school, in the community, with the gloom of despair.  Attitudes are catching. 

The sweetest songs of David were born in the storms of his life.  The shepherd boy was called "the sweet psalmist of Israel" (2 Samuel 3:1).  Out from the fury of the storm rose loud notes of praise to his God on high.  The result is two beautiful and melodious Psalms - 23 and 91. These Psalms have comforted people of all generations. How much the world would have lost without those comforting words from the struggling heart of David.   Streams in the Desert

N.J. Hiebert - 20408

August 22

I sleep but my heart waketh.  Song of Solomon 5:2 

By far the greater proportion of Christians are more occupied with themselves,  and their changeable feelings, than with the word of God.

This is the fruitful source of endless troubles and perplexities of the soul.  How often it happens in the history of some Christians that when they experience a change of feeling in themselves, they hastily conclude that Christ Himself is not now what He once was to them.

They judge the Lord by their own feelings, in place of believing in Him according to His own word.  This is looking to self in place of Christ, and being governed by feelings in place of the unchangeable truth of God.     
Song of Solomon - Andrew Miller 

Have I an object, Lord, below which would divide my heart with Thee;
Which would divert its even flow in answer to Thy constancy? 
Oh teach me quickly to return, and cause my heart afresh to burn. 

Have I a hope, however dear, which would defer Thy coming, Lord!
Which would detain my spirit here (Where not can lasting joy afford)?
From It, my Saviour, set me free, to look, and long, and wait for Thee. 

Be Thou the object bright and fair to fill and satisfy the heart;
My hope to meet Thee in the air, and nevermore from Thee to part: 
That I may undistracted be to follow, serve, and wait for Thee.  G. W. Frazer   

N.J. Hiebert - 20409

August 23