Gems from October 11- 15, 2026

THE  QUEENS  QUESTION  -  CAN  WE  BE  SURE?

"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9

Is there any way of making sure that we shall spend eternity in heaven, welcomed into the fellowship of God and not in "the second death" of eternal separation from Him?  Many suppose that this question, the greatest that can confront one, must necessarily wait for its answer until the present life is over.  But is it so?  Must the question of eternal blessedness or misery, heaven or hell, remain a torturing uncertainty till too late to make any change?   

A beautiful incident in the experience of Queen Victoria is worth remembering.  It is unquestionably authentic.  The Queen had attended a service in St. Paul's Cathedral and had listened to a sermon that interested her greatly; then she asked her chaplain, "Can one be absolutely sure in this life of eternal safety?"  His answer was that he "knew of no way that one could be absolutely sure." 

This was published in the Court News and fell under the eye of a humble minister of the  Gospel, John Townsend, an intimate friend of George Muller, whose life of faith led to the founding of his well-known orphanages.  John Townsend was the father of "Sister Abigail," another Christian of extraordinary faith and service.  After reading Queen Victoria's question and the answer she received, John Townsend thought and prayed much about the matter, then sent the following note to the Queen:

"To her gracious Majesty, our beloved Queen Victoria,  from one of her most humble subjects:  With trembling hands, but heart-filled love, and because I know that we can be absolutely sure even now of our eternal life in the Home that Jesus went to prepare, may I ask your Most Gracious Majesty to read the following passages of scripture: John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10?  These passages prove there is full assurance of salvation by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ for those who believe and accept His finished work. I sign myself, your servant for Jesus' sake,"   John Townsend

John Townsend was not alone in praying about his letter to the Queen.  He took others into his confidence, and much prayer from many hearts went up to God.  In about a fortnight he received a modest-looking envelope containing the following letter: 

To John Townsend:
Your letter of recent date received and in reply would state that I have carefully and prayerfully read the portions of Scripture referred to.  I believe in the finished work of Christ for me, and trust by God's grace to meet you in that Home of which He said, "I go to prepare a place for you."   (Signed ) Victoria Guelph 

Whether one is an earthly monarch or an inconspicuous unknown person the way of salvation and of eternal life is the same.   -  Come Home

N.J. Hiebert - 20457

October 10

I have surely seen the affliction of My people . . . come now, therefore , I will send thee,  (Exodus 3:7,10) 

Does that seem a weak ending to a powerful beginning?  The Lord God looks upon terrible affliction and He sends a weak man to deal with it.  Could He not have sent fire from heaven?  Could He not have rent the heavens and sent His ministers of calamity and disasters?  Why chose a man when the archangel Gabriel stands ready at obedience?

This is not the way of the Lord.  He uses human means to divine ends.  He works through man to the emancipation of men.  He pours His strength into a worm, and it becomes an instrument with teeth.  He stiffens a frail reed and it becomes an iron pillar.

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing.
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He,
The Lord of Host's His name, from age to age the same. 
And He must win the battle.  Martin Luther 

And this mighty God will use thee and me.  On every side there are Egypts where affliction abounds, there are homes where ignorance breeds, there are workshops where tyranny reigns, there are lands where oppression is rampant. "Come now, therefore, I will send thee."  Thus saith the Lord, and He who gives the command will also give the equipment."  J. H. Jowett. 

N.J. Hiebert - 20458

October 11

He that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.  John 10:2 
I am the door of the sheep. John 10:7

You may have heard a little incident told by Dr. Piazzi Smith.  On one occasion he saw a shepherd leading his flock up the hill.  He led them into the fold and made them comfortable, and then Dr. Smith said, "Do you leave the sheep in this fold all night?"   "Yes." "But aren't there wild beasts around?" "Yes." "Wont they try to get the sheep?" "Yes."

"Well, you have no door here; how can you keep the wild beasts out?" "But the Arab shepherd lay down on his side, and as he settled himself in the entry way, he looked up and smiled and said, "I am the door."  You see, no wild beast could enter without awakening him, and no sheep would go out over his body. 

So Jesus said, "I am the Door."  I am the one through whom My sheep enter into blessing and I am their guard and their guide. Then He says, "I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." John 10:9. 

Oh, that is what David meant when he said, "He leadeth me beside the still waters, He maketh me to lie down in green pastures." (Psalm 23:2)  The shepherd takes care of the sheep, guides them to proper pastures, where they are refreshed and fed. 

So our blessed Lord makes Himself responsible for those who put their trust in HIm.  Gospel of John - H. A, Ironside 

N.J. Hiebert - 20459

October 12

Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth. 
1 Peter 2:21,22 

With what perfect and entire confidence did Jesus give Himself over into His heavenly Father's care.  It enabled Him to face the most trying hour, to drink the most bitter cup, and to endure the taunt during His crucifixion, "He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He will have Him: for He said, I am the Son of God." (Matthew 27:43). 

How many a perplexity would we avoid by turning ourselves over to God as He did.  In seasons of darkness and trouble, let us lift the confiding eye of faith to Him and say, "I am oppressed; undertake for me." (Isaiah 38:14)  How blessed we are if we believe that He directs all that befalls us; that no contingencies can frustrate His plans; and that the way He leads us with all its briars and thorns is not only a right way but, the right way. 

The result of such a habitual staying of ourselves on the Lord will be a deep, abiding peace.  Ripples that a storm ruffles can only be on the surface of the ocean--all beneath is a serene settled calm. Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep Him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee."  

Christian! look back on your checkered path.  Look at how wondrously He has threaded you through the maze of your way, relieving your fears and bringing about your hopes!  Are there evils looming in the future?  Do not anticipate the trials of tomorrow but leave them with Him, knowing that no affliction will be sent that is greater than you can bear.
 
His voice will be heard stealing from the bosom of the threatening  cloud, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).  As with Israel of old, He will make those very waves that may now be so threatening a fenced wall on every side!  J. R. Macduff

N.J. Hiebert - 20460

October 13

SPRINGTIME  TO  OUR  SOULS

Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.  And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:34-36. 

Only the total availability of our souls to the impinging presence of the Living Lord can set them free.  Just as the sun of spring rising ever higher in the sky releases the earth from its winter bondage, so the new life of the Risen Sun, the Christ of God, sets our spirits free. 

Jesus Himself said, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (Joh 8:36).  Free to follow Him.  Free to to revel in His love.  Free to find abundant energy, hope, and life in Him.

All of us have our summer days of strength and bright assurance.  All of us, too, have our autumn days when the shadows lengthen across our years.  All of us will have our winters of deep despair and some the dark pain of death.  And all of us can know again the powerful resurgence of Christ's triumphant, overcoming life made real in our experience by His presence and resurrection power.

We must find our life, our strength, our love, our hope, our ultimate healing, and wholeness in Christ.  All other human philosophies will cheat us of the best.  All other false religions, mysticism, or spiritism of any sort, are but a delusion that leads to darkness, despair,  and death. 

But glory of glories, wonder of wonders, Christ brings His light amid our darkness.  He brings His love into our despair.  He brings His life to replace our death.  He is springtime to our souls!    
Songs of My Soul - W. Philip Keller  

N.J. Hiebert - 20461

October 14

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  2 Corinthians 5:17 

Many years ago, a dear man, newly saved, was giving his testimony at an open air gospel preaching street meeting in a large city.  As he was speaking, a heckler in the crowd began to taunt him.  He yelled: "Why don't you shut up and sit down?  "YOU'RE JUST DREAMING."  Hardly had the heckler finished yelling at the Christian when he felt a tug on his coat.  Glancing down he looked into the sweet face of a neatly dressed little girl.  With a soft, trembling voice and an earnest look, she stared into the face of the heckler and asked; "SIR, MAY I SPEAK TO YOU?" 

The heckler taken aback by her quiet, serious and courteous demeanour, could only nod a "yes".  With a trembling but firm voice the little girl began.  "That man up there talking is my daddy.  Daddy used to to get drunk almost  every night.  He spent all the money he made at work, down at the saloon.  My mama was very sad and we cried a lot.  Sometimes when my  daddy came home, he would be angry and hit my mama.  I was scared and would hide.  I never had nice shoes or a nice dress to wear to school because daddy was always drunk."  Pointing happily to her clothing she continued. 

"Look at my new shoes and my pretty dress.  Guess what?  My daddy bought these for me."   The heckler began to squirm uneasily, looking for a way to escape, but the little evangelist wasn't through with him yet.  "See this lady over there in the pretty blue dress?  That my mama.  She's the only one that has a big smile on her face.  Sir, do you know that now she doesn't cry anymore when daddy comes home and I don't have to hide anymore, either.  Mama sings even when she is doing the ironing." 

The heckler, quite deflated and embarrassed, was by now desperately looking for escape from the group of people who had been listening to the child's testimony.  But there was no escape until she finished, saying with all the sweet innocence and purity  of a small child: "MISTER, IF YOU REALLY THINK MY DADDY IS DREAMING, PLEASE DON'T WAKE HIM UP" Doug Nicolet - 2007   

N.J. Hiebert - 20462

October 15

"The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?" 

(Psalm 118:6) 
When He giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? Job 34:29 
  
The Lord is for me. What can man do unto me?
Nothing. 
Nothing that really matters. 
Nothing that can do any harm. 
Nothing that will not be turned to golden good. 

Sometimes we feel as though man could do a great deal.  A perverse child can cloud a whole day.  The sight of deadly sin, injustice and suffering can overwhelm us.  And deeper things, the inward assaults of the never-resting foe (though he is not man but stronger than man) can seem to do appalling things. 

But still the word stands, the question that can have only one answer.  The Lord is for me.  What can man do unto me?  Nothing. 

And to another question there is only one answer.  "When He giveth quietness, who then can make trouble?"  No one.  However things seem, the answers to those two questions are among the things that cannot be shaken.  Whispers of His Power - Amy Carmichael 

Be not dismayed what-e'er betide, God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.

Thro' days of toil when heart doth fail,  God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail, God will take care of you.

All you may need He will provide, God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will be denied, God will take care of you. 

No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one upon His breast, God will take care of you. G. D. Martin 

N.J. Hiebert - 20463

October 16

October 17

Gems from October 1- 10, 2026

For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. 

Ephesians 5:30 

Out of the great continent of Africa, there are people who are unable to count beyond ten--the number of their fingers.  One of these folk was asked how many oxen he possessed.  He replied that he could not tell. 

"Then how would you know if one or two of your oxen were missing?" was the next question.  "Not because the number was less, but because I should miss a face."  Beloved Christian friend, if by any possibility you fail to appear in heaven, you would be missed!  But there is no such possibility. 

I like very much the reply which the old lady gave to one who objected to her rejoicing so unfeignedly in the biblical assurances of the security of the believer. 

"You seem pretty confident about this salvation of yours.  I would not be too sure about it if I were you.  Suppose the Lord should let you slip through His fingers."

"But," said the old saint, "He cannot do that since I happen to be one of His fingers myself."  

"The love that led me all the golden way,
Nor left me when my feet had gone astray, 
Will hold me still at dying of the day
And bring me home."
George Henderson - Heaven's Cure for Earth's Care

N.J. Hiebert - 20448

October 1

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.  Galatians 4:4-5 

What an exciting thought-- "When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son." For centuries, which grew darker and darker, the faithful people of God waited for the promised Messiah who would reign, according to Isaiah 9:6, "Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." 

Isaiah goes on to say that "of the increase of His government  and of peace there shall be no end." "He will reign with judgment  and with righteousness, from henceforth even forever."  But when would He come?  When would be this "fullness of the time"?   It is not too difficult for us today to identify  with the desire and longing expressed in the prophecies of the Old Testament that speak of a Redeemer who would come to deliver His people from the oppression and trouble  all around them. 

We too live in similar times.  While there are a few bright spots of hope, they are quickly overshadowed  by the vast amounts of selfishness, misery, strife, despair, and destruction all around us. But there is one great difference between then and now.  "The fullness of the time" has come!  And all who believe "God sent His Son". 

The millennial time is yet to come when our Lord will reign physically over this earth in the manner described by Isaiah and the other prophets.  But the time is here and now for each one of us to receive the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, the peace which shall guard our hearts and our thoughts by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).  We can enjoy Him now if we recognize and own Him as the One sent to redeem us from our sins. 
L.J. Ondrejack 

N.J. Hiebert - 20449

October 2

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me.  Galatians 2:20 

Were we to walk in the light and power of this great foundation truth, humility would characterize us.  The flesh, in its vanity and assumption, would be mortified; and the meek and lowly spirit of Jesus would be manifested. 

The bird that soars on highest wing, builds on the ground her lowly nest,
And she that doth most sweetly sing, sings in the shade when all things rest. 
 In lark and nightingale we see what honour hath humility. 

When Mary chose the better part, she meekly sat at Jesus feet.
And Lydia's gently opened heart was made for God's own temple meet.
Fairest and best adorned is she, whose clothing is humility. 

The saint that wears heaven's brightest crown in humble adoration bends;
The weight of glory bows him down, then most, when most, his soul ascends.
Nearest the throne must ever be, the footstool of humility. 

When Christ is a complete covering to the eye, contentment fills the heart.  We can afford to take the lowest place.  Everything  needed to make us happy is found in Him.  He is not only fair to the eye, but pleasant to the heart.  Many are fair that are not pleasant, and many are pleasant that are not fair, but Christ is both. 
"Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant." 
(Song of Solomon 1:16) 
Meditations on the Song of Solomon - Andrew Miller 

N.J. Hiebert - 20450

October 3

Then said one unto Him, Lord, are there few that be saved?  And He said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate.  Luke 13:23-24 

Some persons seem constantly occupied with religious questions.  Their enquiry is not, "Am I saved?" but, are others saved?"  Sometimes we find a fond parent solicitous about the future state of a dying child, a kind master anxious about his afflicted servant's spiritual condition, and others manifesting concern for the ignorant and poor around them, without laying to heart what their own state before God really is. 

It was so in the days of our Lord. "One said unto Him, Lord, are there few that be saved?" to which Jesus replied, "Strive to enter in at the straight gate."  Thus He sought to lead him away from the consideration of others, to ponder the all-important question of his own soul's salvation; and exposed the folly of appearing  concerned for others, while he himself was on the broad road to destruction.  So weighty, so essential, is the point, and so fatal would a mistake be, that He commands them to "strive (or agonize) to enter in at the strait gate." 

We do well to observe, that the instruction here is not that they were to do  a great many things, or even one thing, to make themselves fit for God; or that they were to wander through a long, tedious labyrinth to find blessing and safety.  No; it is simply a "gate" that is presented to them as the alone way of escape; and their security and blessing depended on their entering in at the gate.

The condition of all outside is most perilous; but there is a way of escape;  and judgment and condemnation must overtake those who do not accept the only way of deliverance by entering in at the strait (narrow door) gate. [Christ crucified].
Streams of Refreshing H. H. Snell (1815-1891)

N.J. Hiebert - 20451

October 4

Thou shalt hide them in the secret of Thy presence from the pride of man: Thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.  Psalm 31:20 

Just as the clouds were gathering in the days of Mordecai and Esther, so they are gathering around us today. It looked very bad for God's people, but although God is neither heard nor seen throughout the book of Esther, He was working behind the scenes for the blessing of His people, then and now. 

In Psalm 3:8 we read, "Thy blessing is upon Thy people."  Dear believer in the Lord Jesus, there is no reason why we should ever be discouraged, we are on the winning side!  When our strength is gone, then He will come in and deliver. 

Two of the hardest lessons for us to learn are dependence and obedience.  This is really what makes up the path of faith, it is not complicated . . . but we may make it so.  One who goes on quietly in the presence of God in simplicity, reading the Word and praying, does not find the path complicated. 

God has raised up individuals to do His work, and sometimes very strange or unexpected persons are used to carry out His purposes. We remember those scriptures which say,". . . out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast Thou ordained strength" (Psalm 8:2).  This we have in the book of Esther. Can you imagine this young captive, like an exotic plant in the wilderness, moving kingdoms?  She did.  Don't say, "There's nothing for me to do." 

The great thing for you and me is to be in such a state of soul that God can use us.  It is easy to say when we get up in the morning, "Lord, make me a channel of blessing today," but it is a little different to sit down and meditate on the Word of God and wait upon God.  In the very last days of Israel's future history, when they will be restored, they are told to wait upon God.  Oh how hard this is for the flesh.   Esther  - C. E. Lunden 

N.J. Hiebert - 20452

October 5

Absalom . . . reared up for himself a pillar . . . and it is called unto this day, Absalom's place.  2 Samuel 18:18

Prince Albert died of typhoid  in 1861.  Queen Victoria had an enormous four sided granite pyramid constructed in his memory within the grounds of Balmoral Castle in Scotland. An inscription bears testament to the fact that it was "erected by his broken hearted widow."  It is called Prince Albert's Cairn. 

Absalom had a pillar erected so that his name would be remembered.  Our Lord did not seek a physical monument to His memory but He did institute a weekly memorial gathering around simple emblems so that His  own followers would actively remember Him.  Will you remember Him today in the way He asked?  Brian Powlesland

A monument of grace, a sinner saved by blood,
The streams of love I trace, up to the fountain, God.  John Kent

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread:

And when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. 

After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till He come.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 

N.J. Hiebert - 20453

October 6

HANDS  --  A  MIGHTY  MECHANISM

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.  Ecclesiastes 9:10 

Let us lift up our . . . hands unto God in the  heavens.  Lamentations 3:41

Stay a minute, and look at your hand, the hand that holds this little book as you read it.  See how wonderfully it is made; how perfectly fitted for what it has to do; how ingeniously connected with the brain, so as to yield that instantaneous and instinctive obedience without which its beautiful mechanism would be very little good to us! 

Your hand, do you say? Whether it is soft and fair with an easy life, or rough and strong with a working one, or white and weak with illness, it is the Lord Jesus Christ's.  It is not your own at all; it belongs to Him.  He made it, "for without Him was not anything made that was made" (John 1:3), not even your hand.  And He has the added right of purchase--He has bought it that it might be one of His own instruments. 

We know this very well, but have we realized it?  Have we really let Him have the use of these hands of ours?  and have we ever simply and sincerely asked Him to keep them for His own use?

Jesus, Master, whom I serve, though so feebly and so ill,
Strengthen hand and heart and nerve all Thy bidding to fulfill;
Open Thou mine eyes to see all the work Thou hast for me.
Opened Treasures - Frances Ridley Havergal 

N.J. Hiebert - 20454

October 7

He (Daniel) went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees . . . and prayed.  Daniel  6:10 

Daniel did not have to open his windows when he wanted to commune with his Lord.  Apparently they were open (as are our windows in India) all the time.  Is it not a perfect picture of how we are meant to live?   

We do not have to spend even one minute in opening our windows, if our custom is to keep them open. To be earthly-minded, moved by self-love, self-pity, self-will--that trend of feeling which leads to self-occupation--is to close the shutters. 

Are my windows open toward (Jerusalem) HIM?  Is my whole being, with all its various "windows", always open?  Sometimes winds blows from one side or another and a window is blown shut. If that happens, do I know it at once?  Lord Jesus, let me know it at once.  Do not let me go on with any windows shut or half-open.  Lord, help me to keep my windows open continually "toward Jerusalem".  Edges of His Ways - Amy Carmichael 

N.J. Hiebert - 20455

October 8

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. 
Galatians 5:25,26 

We usually call vainglory, conceit.  The law makes us more vainglorious or conceited than we were before, instead of destroying our vainglory, because the law makes me think of myself. 

Though as we have seen, if we use the law in the right way it is most useful, for when I think of myself,  and see how bad I am -- when I see how far short of the righteous demands of the law I come -- then the law helps to compel me to own myself a lost sinner.  But the law, as we have seen, never can produce righteousness. 

And the law cannot produce holiness either.  The law is not the rule of life for the Christian.  Even the Christian's flesh is not subject to the law, and so the law cannot produce holiness in it.  But God has given us a new life, and the Holy Spirit dwells in us, to produce fruits which are well-pleasing to God. 

Strengthened by the Holy Spirit, living by Him, walking by Him, led by Him, taught by Him from the Word of God, (the Bible), let us each one by Him seek to walk in line, to keep step, to walk, in the footsteps of Christ (1 Peter 2:21).  If we keep step, we are likely also to "keep rank" (1 Chronicles 12:33). 

Let us remember:
1. Through the Spirit we wait for (eagerly expect) the hope of righteousness by faith (Galatians 5:5).  2. We walk in The Spirit. (5:16).  3.The Spirit opposes the flesh. (5:17).  4. We are led of the Spirit. (5:18).  5. We live in the Spirit. (5:25). 6. We keep step by the Spirit. (5:25).  7. We sow to the Spirit to reap life everlasting. (6:8). Meditations on Galatians - G. C. Willis 

N.J. Hiebert - 20456

October 9

THE  QUEENS  QUESTION  -  CAN  WE  BE  SURE?

"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9

Is there any way of making sure that we shall spend eternity in heaven, welcomed into the fellowship of God and not in "the second death" of eternal separation from Him?  Many suppose that this question, the greatest that can confront one, must necessarily wait for its answer until the present life is over.  But is it so?  Must the question of eternal blessedness or misery, heaven or hell, remain a torturing uncertainty till too late to make any change?   

A beautiful incident in the experience of Queen Victoria is worth remembering.  It is unquestionably authentic.  The Queen had attended a service in St. Paul's Cathedral and had listened to a sermon that interested her greatly; then she asked her chaplain, "Can one be absolutely sure in this life of eternal safety?"  His answer was that he "knew of no way that one could be absolutely sure." 

This was published in the Court News and fell under the eye of a humble minister of the  Gospel, John Townsend, an intimate friend of George Muller, whose life of faith led to the founding of his well-known orphanages.  John Townsend was the father of "Sister Abigail," another Christian of extraordinary faith and service.  After reading Queen Victoria's question and the answer she received, John Townsend thought and prayed much about the matter, then sent the following note to the Queen:

"To her gracious Majesty, our beloved Queen Victoria,  from one of her most humble subjects:  With trembling hands, but heart-filled love, and because I know that we can be absolutely sure even now of our eternal life in the Home that Jesus went to prepare, may I ask your Most Gracious Majesty to read the following passages of scripture: John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10?  These passages prove there is full assurance of salvation by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ for those who believe and accept His finished work. I sign myself, your servant for Jesus' sake,"   John Townsend

John Townsend was not alone in praying about his letter to the Queen.  He took others into his confidence, and much prayer from many hearts went up to God.  In about a fortnight he received a modest-looking envelope containing the following letter: 

To John Townsend:
Your letter of recent date received and in reply would state that I have carefully and prayerfully read the portions of Scripture referred to.  I believe in the finished work of Christ for me, and trust by God's grace to meet you in that Home of which He said, "I go to prepare a place for you."   (Signed ) Victoria Guelph 

Whether one is an earthly monarch or an inconspicuous unknown person the way of salvation and of eternal life is the same.   -  Come Home

N.J. Hiebert - 20457

October 10

I have surely seen the affliction of My people . . . come now, therefore , I will send thee,  (Exodus 3:7,10) 

Does that seem a weak ending to a powerful beginning?  The Lord God looks upon terrible affliction and He sends a weak man to deal with it.  Could He not have sent fire from heaven?  Could He not have rent the heavens and sent His ministers of calamity and disasters?  Why chose a man when the archangel Gabriel stands ready at obedience?

This is not the way of the Lord.  He uses human means to divine ends.  He works through man to the emancipation of men.  He pours His strength into a worm, and it becomes an instrument with teeth.  He stiffens a frail reed and it becomes an iron pillar.

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing.
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He,
The Lord of Host's His name, from age to age the same. 
And He must win the battle.  Martin Luther 

And this mighty God will use thee and me.  On every side there are Egypts where affliction abounds, there are homes where ignorance breeds, there are workshops where tyranny reigns, there are lands where oppression is rampant. "Come now, therefore, I will send thee."  Thus saith the Lord, and He who gives the command will also give the equipment."  J. H. Jowett. 

N.J. Hiebert - 20458

October 11

He that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.  John 10:2 
I am the door of the sheep. John 10:7

You may have heard a little incident told by Dr. Piazzi Smith.  On one occasion he saw a shepherd leading his flock up the hill.  He led them into the fold and made them comfortable, and then Dr. Smith said, "Do you leave the sheep in this fold all night?"   "Yes." "But aren't there wild beasts around?" "Yes." "Wont they try to get the sheep?" "Yes."

"Well, you have no door here; how can you keep the wild beasts out?" "But the Arab shepherd lay down on his side, and as he settled himself in the entry way, he looked up and smiled and said, "I am the door."  You see, no wild beast could enter without awakening him, and no sheep would go out over his body. 

So Jesus said, "I am the Door."  I am the one through whom My sheep enter into blessing and I am their guard and their guide. Then He says, "I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." John 10:9. 

Oh, that is what David meant when he said, "He leadeth me beside the still waters, He maketh me to lie down in green pastures." (Psalm 23:2)  The shepherd takes care of the sheep, guides them to proper pastures, where they are refreshed and fed. 

So our blessed Lord makes Himself responsible for those who put their trust in HIm.  Gospel of John - H. A, Ironside 

N.J. Hiebert - 20459

October 12

Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth. 
1 Peter 2:21,22 

With what perfect and entire confidence did Jesus give Himself over into His heavenly Father's care.  It enabled Him to face the most trying hour, to drink the most bitter cup, and to endure the taunt during His crucifixion, "He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He will have Him: for He said, I am the Son of God." (Matthew 27:43). 

How many a perplexity would we avoid by turning ourselves over to God as He did.  In seasons of darkness and trouble, let us lift the confiding eye of faith to Him and say, "I am oppressed; undertake for me." (Isaiah 38:14)  How blessed we are if we believe that He directs all that befalls us; that no contingencies can frustrate His plans; and that the way He leads us with all its briars and thorns is not only a right way but, the right way. 

The result of such a habitual staying of ourselves on the Lord will be a deep, abiding peace.  Ripples that a storm ruffles can only be on the surface of the ocean--all beneath is a serene settled calm. Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep Him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee."  

Christian! look back on your checkered path.  Look at how wondrously He has threaded you through the maze of your way, relieving your fears and bringing about your hopes!  Are there evils looming in the future?  Do not anticipate the trials of tomorrow but leave them with Him, knowing that no affliction will be sent that is greater than you can bear.
 
His voice will be heard stealing from the bosom of the threatening  cloud, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).  As with Israel of old, He will make those very waves that may now be so threatening a fenced wall on every side!  J. R. Macduff

N.J. Hiebert - 20460

October 13

Gems from September 21- 30, 2026

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  Philippians 4:6 

He would have us, in the intimacy of His love, to be without reserve before Him--all told out, nothing kept back.  Our danger never lies in telling Him too much, but just in the opposite direction. 

He loves to hear the cry of His children, for He well knows that it is the expression of their confidence in Him.  It may be, as it often is, a foolish cry, but still it is the cry  of His own children, and He never wearies of listening to it. 

God never spares His rod if thereby He can bless His children. 

But, He lifts it up on high,
With pity in His heart,
That every stroke His children feel
May peace and joy impart. 

To enter into this will make an immense change in our experience.  Meeting with trials and difficulties we shall instantly ask, "What has the Father to say to us through these things?"  In this way we shall receive nothing but blessing through the most adverse circumstances. 

Like vines, our poor hearts send out tendrils in all directions, winding themselves around this and that object, and then it is that the Father permits trials...to come in to snap these ties to objects other than Christ, and by the discovery of Himself and His love to us in these chastenings He seeks to wean us from everything that might hinder our progress, and to attract us more fully to Himself.  Footprints for Pilgrims - Edward Dennett 

N.J. Hiebert - 20438

September 21

Wherefore, as by one man sin came into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.  Romans 5:12 

The Bubonic plague, the Ebola virus, SARS, and most recently, the COVID-19 virus, have taken countless thousands of lives over the years.  Yet these diseases have only affected a percentage of the world's overall population.  But there is another disease that is the worst of all diseases combined, because it affects every person on this earth.  And it brings death. 

It cannot be identified in a research lab; nor can it be seen under a microscope; and there is no earthly cure for it either.   The Bible is the only reliable source of information on it.  The Bible has identified it, described it, and has prescribed a cure for it.  It is called SIN. It originated with one man, Adam.  Through his disobedience sin entered the world, and the Bible says that as a consequence all are under condemnation. 

But God has prescribed a cure through another Man. John the Baptist introduced Him  when, looking upon Jesus as He walked, he said,"Behold! the Lamb of God, which taketh away the SIN of the world." (John 1:29).  Christ died for our SINS on the cross, and "the blood  Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). But we must avail ourselves of it: 

"For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned" (John 3:16-18).

This disease will be forever eradicated from the world when God brings in a new heaven and a new earth where only righteousness will dwell.
(2 Peter 3:13)   Richard Barnett 

N.J. Hiebert - 20439

September 22

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth  them that are His.  2 Timothy 2:19 

What a blessed thought of comfort and cheer it is, which should forever banish fear and unbelief!  The Lord, the One seated there in the Holiest, knows us personally.  He knew us before we ever were in existence.  He saw us before the foundation of the world.  He knew all our vileness and depths of degradation.  He knew us as we wandered in our sins.  His loving eyes followed us then. He sought us in His love and brought us to Himself. 

He gave us His life and dwells in us.  Each believing sinner, saved by grace, is one Spirit with the Lord.  "I know My sheep."  He calleth each by name, like a Shepherd calleth His own sheep.  What a comfort it should be to our hearts, that He knows each of us by name.  He knows our circumstances, trials, difficulties and temptations. He knows our conflicts and our tears.  "He knoweth the way, which I take."  It is very precious!  In Psalm 32 we find the comforting word for one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered, "I will guide thee with Mine eye upon thee."  That eye up yonder, which measures the depths of the universe, which follows every planet, that eye which neither sleeps nor slumbers, that all-seeing eye rests upon us. 

He is occupied with each.  The millions of His people who have lived and died, who passed through life and are now at home with Him, were each individually the objects of His care.  His loving eye was upon the multitudes of martyrs.  He knew and watched that poor tortured saint, who was cast with broken bones into a dungeon to starve to death.  His power and love rested upon those who were burned or cast before wild animals.

For each He served and worked.  And so He does still.  Oh, the preciousness that each believer is under the loving care of the Man in Glory, the object of His love.  The Work of Christ - A. C. Gaebelein   

N.J. Hiebert - 20440

September 23

hough He slay me, yet will I trust in Him: but I will maintain mine own ways before Him.  Job 13:15

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless  I am not ashamed: for I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:12 

"In fierce storms," said an old seaman, "we must do one thing; there is only one way: we must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there."  

This, Christian is what you must do.  Sometimes, like Paul, (Acts 27:14-20) you can see neither sun nor stars, and no small tempest lies on you; and then you can do but one thing; there is only one way. 

Reason cannot help you; past experiences give you no light.  Even prayer fetches no consolation.  Only a single course is left.  Put your soul in one position, keep it there. 

You must stay upon the Lord; and come what may--winds, waves, cross-seas, thunder, lightning, frowning rocks, roaring breakers--no matter what, you must lash yourself to the helm, and hold fast your confidence in God's faithfulness, His covenant engagement, His everlasting love in Christ Jesus.  Richard Fuller 

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain, will your anchor drift, or firm remain?

Will your anchor hold in the straights of fear, when the breakers roar and the reef is near?
While the surges rave, and the wild winds blow, shall the angry waves then your bark o'erflow?

We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure as the billows roll;
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love.
Priscilla J. Owens

N.J.Hiebert - 20441

September 24

SAD  OR  GLAD

For they all saw Him, and were troubled.  Mark 6:50 
Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord.  John 20:20 

The disciples saw Him in a storm but supposed Him to b a spirit.  They did not recognize Him.  But in our second verse they saw the risen Lord and knew Him by the print of the nails in His hands and feet. 

Surely the sight of the Lord should make us glad.  But sometimes we wist not that it was He.  He draws near, but, like the Emmaus disciples, we have holden eyes.  What should thrill us only troubles us.  Indeed, as the Emmaus disciples related their experience, Jesus appeared, but they "supposed that they had seen a spirit." (Luke 24:37)  He quelled their fears then as He did in John's account  by showing the marks of the cross. 

We walk by faith, not by sight, these days, and are not granted a view of Him with our eyes.  But in His dealings with us He still walks our seas and comes into our rooms through doors we have shut.  Alas, that fear so often sees a spirit when faith should see the Saviour!  What should bring triumph then brings only trouble.  See Him and be glad!  Day by Day - Vance Havner 

N.J. Hiebert - 20442

September 25

Pilate saith unto Him (Jesus), what is truth?  And when he had said this, he went out...  John 18:38 

It is of vast importance to have the truth.  It is a profound mistake not to have it, if it is to be had.  Many a man has it not.  The Christian has it.  The believer in Christ has it.  Christ is the truth, and I want to draw your attention to these precious words of the Saviour uttered by Him when surrounded by everything that the enmity of man could bring against Him, when betrayed, denied, blindfolded, and passed on from one careless high priest to another, and then trundled away to the judgment-seat of a godless man, as Pilate undoubtedly was. 

Yet in the face of all this, what what was His attitude?   Look at Christ!   Look how quiet, how calm, albeit how sad.  Then it was He said: "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.  Every one that  is of the truth heareth My voice." (John 18:37)  Pilate carelessly says "What is truth?" and then turns his back on Truth personified. There is many a man doing that to-day.  Pilate is not the only man who has turned his back on the Truth. 

The truth, God's truth, may simply pass before us.  I shall make mo apology for the Scripture. I believe it to be the Word of God.  I believe it to be a revelation from God, of His mind, of His thoughts, of His purposes, and of His counsels; that we have in the Scriptures the truth written, and that in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ we have truth incarnate.  The result is, that the man who receives the truth of scripture, in the power of the Holy Ghost, will invariably be brought into contact with Christ, Who is the truth.

Seekers for Light - W. T. P. Wolston, M.D. 

N.J. Hiebert - 20443

September 26

But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.  (James 4:6)

Did we but know the perils which surround those who occupy high positions, we would cease envying them and commence praying for them--thankful and content to fill, in lowly obscurity, the niche which God intends us to fill.

      ". . . As the storm that makes
     The high elm crouch and rends the oak,
     The humble lily spares--so, a thousand blows
     That shake the lofty Monarch on his throne
     We lesser folk feel not.  Keen are the pains 
     Advancement often brings.  To be secure
     Be humble; to be happy be content."

Of all trees, I observe that God hath chosen the vine, a low plant that creeps upon the helpful wall; of all beasts, the soft and patient lamb; of all fowls, the mild and guileless dove.    

When God appeared to Moses, it was not in the lofty cedar, nor the sturdy oak, nor the spreading palm; but in a bush, a humble, slender, abject  shrub; as if He would, by these elections, check the conceited arrogance of man.

    "He that is down need fear no fall. 
    He that is low, no pride;
    He that is humble ever shall
    Have God to be his guide."  

Winsome Christianity - Henry Durbanville   

N.J. Hiebert - 20444

September 27

I will say unto God my rock, why hast Thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?  Psalm 42:9 

Canst thou answer this, believer? Canst thou find any reason why thou art so often mourning instead of rejoicing?  Why yield to gloomy anticipations?  Who told thee that the night would never end in day? 

Who told thee that the winter of thy discontent would proceed from frost to frost, from snow and ice, and hail, to deeper snow, and yet more heavy tempest of despair? 

Knowest thou not that day follows night, that flood comes after ebb, that spring and summer succeed winter?

Hope thou then!  Hope thou ever! for God fails thee not.  C. H. Spurgeon

He was better to me than all my hopes;
He was better than all my fears;
He made a bridge of my broken works,
And a rainbow of my tears.

N.J. Hiebert - 20445

September 28

And they that had laid hold on Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and elders were assembled. 

Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put Him to death;

But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none.  At the last came two false witnesses,

And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days   Matthew 26:57,59-61.   

Late in the night, the members of the Sanhedrin were illegally assembled with one purpose in mind: to put Jesus to death. Having no witnesses, they sought for false witnesses. The high priest then put Jesus under oath to tell whether He was the Christ, the promised Messiah, the Son of God.

(Leviticus 5:1-4)required a person placed under oath to speak the truth. Jesus, who is the  truth  (John 14:6) used the occasion to tell the truth: "Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said" (It is as you said.) "nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven" (v.64) 

Then the high priest tore his clothes--something the law forbade--and accused Jesus of speaking  blasphemy,  Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, saying, "Prophecy unto us, Thou Christ, who is he that smote Thee? (vv,67-68).  In such a wicked manner Israel's leaders treated the Lord of glory!   E. Vedder, Jr. 

N.J. Hiebert - 20446

September 29

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels; and then He shall reward every man according to His works.  

Matthew 16:27 

The story is told of a soldier in the Crimean war.  He had received a medal with Inkerman (War - 1854 November 5) upon it - for that was his battle; but he said the most touching part of it was the experience of a friend of his who fought at his side.  A cannon ball took off one of his legs, but the brave fellow sprang up immediately and, taking hold of a tree, drew his sword, and was ready to fight even to death.

Immediately another cannon ball came crashing past and took off the other leg.  They carried him, wounded, bleeding, and, as they supposed, dying, to the hospital.  Strangely enough, he, recovered, and when the day came for the awarding of medals they carried him upon his stretcher before her majesty, the queen. 

To the other soldiers she had simply given the medals by the hands of her secretary, but when she (Queen Victoria) saw this man carried in on a stretcher, his face so thin and pale, she rose from her throne, stooped down by his side, and pinned with her own hands the medal upon his breast, while the tears fell like rain upon the face of the brave soldier. 

Thus I trust it will be with many of us.  We shall come into His presence, stand face to face with Him, and He will rise from His throne, coming forward to receive us, and as we look up into His face, thrones will vanish away and crowns will be as nothing, for to see Him with all His beauty will be the full reward.   J. Wilbur Chapman 

A man may go to heaven without health, without honours, without learning,
without friends;
But he can never get to heaven without Christ.  Selected

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September 30

For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. 

Ephesians 5:30 

Out of the great continent of Africa, there are people who are unable to count beyond ten--the number of their fingers.  One of these folk was asked how many oxen he possessed.  He replied that he could not tell. 

"Then how would you know if one or two of your oxen were missing?" was the next question.  "Not because the number was less, but because I should miss a face."  Beloved Christian friend, if by any possibility you fail to appear in heaven, you would be missed!  But there is no such possibility. 

I like very much the reply which the old lady gave to one who objected to her rejoicing so unfeignedly in the biblical assurances of the security of the believer. 

"You seem pretty confident about this salvation of yours.  I would not be too sure about it if I were you.  Suppose the Lord should let you slip through His fingers."

"But," said the old saint, "He cannot do that since I happen to be one of His fingers myself."  

"The love that led me all the golden way,
Nor left me when my feet had gone astray, 
Will hold me still at dying of the day
And bring me home."
George Henderson - Heaven's Cure for Earth's Care

N.J. Hiebert - 20448

October 1

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.  Galatians 4:4-5 

What an exciting thought-- "When the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son." For centuries, which grew darker and darker, the faithful people of God waited for the promised Messiah who would reign, according to Isaiah 9:6, "Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." 

Isaiah goes on to say that "of the increase of His government  and of peace there shall be no end." "He will reign with judgment  and with righteousness, from henceforth even forever."  But when would He come?  When would be this "fullness of the time"?   It is not too difficult for us today to identify  with the desire and longing expressed in the prophecies of the Old Testament that speak of a Redeemer who would come to deliver His people from the oppression and trouble  all around them. 

We too live in similar times.  While there are a few bright spots of hope, they are quickly overshadowed  by the vast amounts of selfishness, misery, strife, despair, and destruction all around us. But there is one great difference between then and now.  "The fullness of the time" has come!  And all who believe "God sent His Son". 

The millennial time is yet to come when our Lord will reign physically over this earth in the manner described by Isaiah and the other prophets.  But the time is here and now for each one of us to receive the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, the peace which shall guard our hearts and our thoughts by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).  We can enjoy Him now if we recognize and own Him as the One sent to redeem us from our sins. 
L.J. Ondrejack 

N.J. Hiebert - 20449

October 2