Gems from October 21- 25, 2026

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.  Acts 20:31 

The passage from which this is an extract reveals clearly the nature of these warnings and the cause of them.  He foresaw that grievous wolves (Acts 20:29) would enter in among them, not sparing the flock, and that of their own selves men would arise speaking perverse things.

The history of the church proves with what unerring wisdom and foresight the Apostle spoke, and to-day on every hand we see what mischief the wolves have wrought, and what perverse things are spoken everywhere. 

If there was need for the Apostle to warn, how much more need is there for such warnings to-day, from all who have the true interests of Christ's sheep at heart. 

The greatest need today is for every true servant of Christ, every one who cherishes the truth  and to whom Christ's interests are dear, to remember the exhortation as well as the example of the Apostle,  and to feed the church of God and warn the flock.  Evidently every other kind of method was accompanied and supported by prayer, for at the close of the address this great  servant of God (Paul) "kneeled down and prayed with them all." (Acts 20:36)  Break of Day - Russell Elliott 

N.J. Hiebert - 20466

October 19

Of His own will begat He us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first-fruits of His creatures.  James 1:18   But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.  1 Corinthians 1:30 

Our relationship with God and the Father is all settled, and settled forever.  We are children, and our relations with God flow from that.  We are to act as children of God and God deals with us as with children.  We are not yet glorified, that is clear.

"For our conversation in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. (Philippians 3:20,21) "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." (1 John 3:2,3).  

This hope keeps the heart turned to Christ where He is in the glory.  Gazing upon Him there with the hope of being like Him soon, already has its purifying effect upon us now.  How can we have such a wondrous hope of being like Christ?  Solely because the blessed Son of God has been made "sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21). 

There on the cross He was forsaken of God and dealt with as though He were that sinful person that we are.  The moment we really believe that there is nothing actually too great for Him to do for us, we may expect anything!  There is nothing His love would hold back from us after such a sacrifice of Himself. 
J. N. Darby   

Till Thou come, o keep us steady, keep us walking in Thy ways; At Thy call may w be ready, On Thee, Lord, with joy to gaze; And in heaven sing Thine everlasting praise.  T. Kelly 

N.J. Hiebert - 20467

October 20

Be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  Hebrews 13:5 

About, above me, evermore, Christ's gentle presence broods,
He shares with me my silences, He fills my solitudes. 

His face, His form, I cannot see, no spoken word can hear,
But with some finer sense of soul do I perceive Him near. 

Oh, how my heart within me burns! what ecstasy is mine,
That He thus vouchsafes unto me His comradeship divine.

Are not these joys too sweet to last? May He not soon depart?
"Lo, I am with you all the days" He answereth my heart. 

There are three great Biblical names, whose spiritual meanings unfold what God can be  to His people during the days of their pilgrimage.  These words cover, not only the special need of which we have been thinking, but also every problem and difficulty which we may encounter as we journey to the Land of Rest. 

The first is "Ebenezer", which means "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us (1 Samuel 7:12).  The second is "Emmanuel", which means, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23).  The third is "Jehovah-Jireh", which means "The Lord will provide" (Genesis 22:14). 

"Ebenezer"--with all the happy memories  that it recalls--that is the only word that adequately explains the past.  "Emanuel" with all the wealth of comradeship that it connotes--that is the only word that can give assurance for the present.  "Jehovah-Jireh"--with all the boundless provision that it implies--that is the only word that can impart confidence as we face the future. 
The Best is Yet to Be - Henry Durbanville 

N.J. Hiebert - 20468

October 21

A  PARABLE  OF  THE  FANNER  BEES   

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.  Matthew 5:9   
It was a glorious night of midsummer--a moon at full and a host of stars.  The old bee garden was bathed in soft crystalline light--and ever so light a breeze lisped in the treetops.  At the door of one of the hives we came to a halt.  There arose from the hive a sibilant...persistent...not unlike the sound of sea waves...advancing...retreating. 

"They are fanner bees," whispered  the old beekeeper.  "Its their job to keep the hive sweet and fresh.  They're standing with their heads lowered, turned toward the center of the hive.  Their wings are  moving so rapidly that if you could see them you would think you were looking at a gray mist.  They are drawing the bad air through one side of the entrance, while the pure air is sucked in on the other side." 

Standing there close to nature, listening to the bee fanners, I felt close to one of nature's wonders--the mystery of the hive life.  Presently the old bee-keeper stooped to the hive, holding a lighted candle in his hand.  Instantly the light was extinguished by the strong air current, those infinitesimal bee wings moving in unison, making a draft so strong that the candle light was instantly quenched.  Think of it! 

As we stood there in the starlit garden the old preacher said, "The fanners--drawing out the bad air, letting in the fresh.  Isn't that how people who call themselves Christians ought to act?"  If we had enough fanners, if they were as keen on their jobs as those bees are on theirs, wouldn't the great hive of the world grow sweet and fresh?  Selected 

"Now thanks be unto God, which...maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place.  For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them  that perish." (2 Corinthians 14,15)   

N.J. Hiebert - Selected

October 22

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.  Luke 22:31,32 

The word translated "desired" is really a stronger term than our English word; it is better rendered "demanded."  Just as Satan went before God and practically demanded to have the opportunity to test Job, accusing him before God, saying that Job loved God only for what God gave him, so Satan demanded to test Peter.  But Jesus said, "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not." 

You know when we get into the Devil's sieve he can shake us up badly, but all that is left when he is through is chaff:  the wheat falls through, and Satan has only the chaff.  So do not be afraid of the Devil's sieve; God is able to sustain us.  Remember that Jesus has said, "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not!" 

Peter failed sadly. He denied his Lord three times, but his faith was preserved, and we find him turning back to Jesus and able to say, "Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee." (John 21:17)  The Lord Jesus said, "And when thou art converted [when you are restored], strengthen thy brethren."  Sometimes the Lord has to allow some of His best servants to fail terribly in order to show them their weakness, and that they may be more tender and sympathetic toward others.    

Not realizing his own weakness Peter said, "Lord, I am ready to go with Thee, both into prison, and to death." (Luke 22:33)  But the Lord said, "I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me."  Luke 22:34)  The Lord knew Peter far better than he knew himself, and He knows you and me better than we know ourselves.  Luke - H. A. Ironside 

N.J. Hiebert - 20470

October 23

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep [or garrison] your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:7

It is most important that we should be engaged with Him--for this reason, that our care not infrequently is the consequence of some failure on our own part and consequently, sensitive, conscientious  souls fix their eye upon their own delinquencies, and become disqualified for enjoying this peace of which we are speaking. 

Of course, if the believer has sinned, that sin must be confessed, and communion restored.   We could not for a moment imagine the peace of God filling the heart of anyone who is pursuing a path of disobedience. 

But, on the other hand, it is to be noticed that in the verse before us it says nothing as to this peace becoming ours because of anything we have either done or not done.  It is "through Christ Jesus."  Let us think of Him.

He is altogether pleasing to God.  He was the Obedient One--obedient unto death, even the death of the cross; and nothing was ever more glorifying to God; and that Cross has, as it were, shut you out of God's sight altogether as to what you have done and what you are, and left only Christ in all His perfection between you and God. 

And so the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, reaches us through a perfect medium, and does not have to find its way through our imperfections, or possibly it would be turned back long before it came to our hearts at all.  Christ Himself is the living link between your heart and God's. 
Angels in White  - Russell Elliott 

N.J. Hiebert - 20471

October 24

WORDS  IN  SEASON

The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary." Isaiah 50:4   

A word spoken in due season, how good is it!  Proverbs 15:23 

Lord, speak to me, that I may speak
In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou hast sought, so let me seek
Thy erring children lost and lone.

If God had passed over the sin of Adam and Eve in the garden, I should have been able to say, Sin is no matter, but when I look at the cross I cannot. 

Take out redemption and scripture becomes impossible to understand; introduce it, and all is plain. 

If we who believe on Him were not justified and made like Him, He would not see of the fruit and travail of His soul. . . . A Redeemer without the redeemed would have lost the reward of His work and sufferings.  We form part of the glory of Christ, and it is a deep source of joy to our souls that we by our likeness to Him in eternity shall be the proof of the value of the work of Christ. 

The Lord is coming . . . the time for the world is passing away. . . .  May God find us watching, and thinking only of one thing--of Him about Whom God thinks--Jesus, our precious Saviour.    Footprints for Pilgrims - J. N. Darby 

N.J. Hiebert - 20472

October 25

October 26

October 27

Gems from October 11- 20, 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

Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Daniel 2:19 

Daniel was able to show Nebuchadnezzar that, in his dream, God had revealed the whole course of Gentile power, and how it would end.  His dream of the great image covered from the time of the Babylonian empire, until times yet future, when the revived Roman empire will again be a force in the world. 

In his dream Nebuchadnezzar saw the image struck by a stone cut without hands out of the mountain.  It smashed the image to pieces and ground it to powder. The stone was then seen to become a great mountain that filled the whole earth. 

Daniel was able to show that the empires of this world are headed for destruction, and that when Christ returns in power and glory, it will not be to improve the world system but to destroy it completely.  Christ will establish His kingdom in the world where men once cried, "Away with Him, crucify Him" (John 19:15), saying in effect, "We will not have this Man to reign over us" (Luke 19:14).   

Now we might wonder what all of this has to do with us.  This revelation is significant to us because, knowing what God has in mind for the political and social systems of our world, we will understand that the Kingdom of Christ will not come through a process of gradual improvement in the human condition, nor through our political or social involvement. 

No. God's plan is to destroy the world system, and on its ashes to establish His Kingdom of Righteousness.  This knowledge will preserve us from expending our energies on improving world conditions.  Instead we should direct them toward spreading the gospel of Christ, which tells man that he is hopelessly depraved and that the answer is not in improving his nature or his world, but in receiving new birth.  Daniel - William Burnett. 

N.J. Hiebert - 20464

October 17

Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:51 

We may not die, but rise and meet the Lord! 
This blessed hope, God shows us in His Word, 
The Spirit makes it plain to us, His own,--
He'll catch us from the world, to His Own throne.

We may not die, but rise and meet the Lord!
Oh, the bright glory these few words afford!
Changed instantly, the twinkling of an eye,
And see Thee face to face, our Lord for aye! 

Some shall not die, but rise and meet their Lord,
O precious promise! faithful, true and good!
Although we do not know the day or hour,
We know that He Himself shall come in power.

We may not die, then let us more pure be,
Cut off each sin, unseen, or that men see.  
This world is passing, Heaven will quickly come, 
Then let us day by day, be more like Him! 

We shall arise, and meet Him in the air!
Then let us not entangled be down here!
We look for Christ!  We do not look for death!
Our hope at any hour, to leave this earth.

We shall arise, and to our Lord ascend,
When His victorious shout the air shall rend!
O Come! Lord Jesus Come! His saints now cry,
Come quickly! so, we e'er shall be with Thee.  G. Christopher Willis

N.J. Hiebert - 20465

October 18

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.  Acts 20:31 

The passage from which this is an extract reveals clearly the nature of these warnings and the cause of them.  He foresaw that grievous wolves (Acts 20:29) would enter in among them, not sparing the flock, and that of their own selves men would arise speaking perverse things.

The history of the church proves with what unerring wisdom and foresight the Apostle spoke, and to-day on every hand we see what mischief the wolves have wrought, and what perverse things are spoken everywhere. 

If there was need for the Apostle to warn, how much more need is there for such warnings to-day, from all who have the true interests of Christ's sheep at heart. 

The greatest need today is for every true servant of Christ, every one who cherishes the truth  and to whom Christ's interests are dear, to remember the exhortation as well as the example of the Apostle,  and to feed the church of God and warn the flock.  Evidently every other kind of method was accompanied and supported by prayer, for at the close of the address this great  servant of God (Paul) "kneeled down and prayed with them all." (Acts 20:36)  Break of Day - Russell Elliott 

N.J. Hiebert - 20466

October 19

Of His own will begat He us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first-fruits of His creatures.  James 1:18   But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.  1 Corinthians 1:30 

Our relationship with God and the Father is all settled, and settled forever.  We are children, and our relations with God flow from that.  We are to act as children of God and God deals with us as with children.  We are not yet glorified, that is clear.

"For our conversation in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. (Philippians 3:20,21) "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." (1 John 3:2,3).  

This hope keeps the heart turned to Christ where He is in the glory.  Gazing upon Him there with the hope of being like Him soon, already has its purifying effect upon us now.  How can we have such a wondrous hope of being like Christ?  Solely because the blessed Son of God has been made "sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21). 

There on the cross He was forsaken of God and dealt with as though He were that sinful person that we are.  The moment we really believe that there is nothing actually too great for Him to do for us, we may expect anything!  There is nothing His love would hold back from us after such a sacrifice of Himself. 
J. N. Darby   

Till Thou come, o keep us steady, keep us walking in Thy ways; At Thy call may w be ready, On Thee, Lord, with joy to gaze; And in heaven sing Thine everlasting praise.  T. Kelly 

N.J. Hiebert - 20467

October 20

October 21

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