December 21
For every man shall bear his own burden. Galatians 6:5
The burden (load) in verse 5 is the same word as the "light burden" that Christ speaks of in Matthew 11:30 "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." It really means "something carried," whether it be heavy or light, and it is often used for a soldier's "pack". You know in an army each soldier has his own pack, and he himself is responsible to carry that. Perhaps here, the Apostle is thinking of those individual packs which he had so often seen the Roman soldiers carrying. The Christian soldier also has own pack, and we must each one carry that.
Some soldiers put their own private things into their packs and make them heavy, but Christ's pack that He gives to each one of us is light. If we fill it up with gold, or even with books, or some other thing that in our eyes is quite innocent and harmless, we will soon find that our "load" has become very heavy. One of the best Christian soldiers that I ever knew used to say: My life motto is "travel light!" Do not put anything in that pack except what the Captain of our salvation has put in it, and then we may be sure our load will be, as He promised, "light."
But there is another burden that is never meant for the shoulders of a Christian, and that is the heavy, heavy burden of anxiety. The Lord says: "Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6-7). He tells us also what to do with anxiety when it comes, "Casting all your cares (anxiety) upon Him; for He careth for you" 1 Peter 5:7).
If we fill up our pack with anxiety, we will never have any strength left to bear the burdens of another. In Hebrews 10:35 we are told of something we are not to "cast away" and that is "our confidence, which hath great recompense of reward." Too often we cast away our confidence, and carry all our care. Galatians - G. C. Willis
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December 22
And when He had spoken these things . . . He was taken up; and a cloud received Him our of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, . . . why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven. Acts 1:9-11
The words of the angels would impress the hearts of each of the disciples with the precious fact that the One they had known would be eternally the same. None of them had lost the Saviour who spoke peace to their hearts. Not one had lost the Friend who so tenderly cared for him.
The One who Mary Magdalene called "Rabboni" (John 20:16), was coming again, her Saviour and gracious Lord. He whose voice had so often stilled the fears of His troubled disciples, as He spoke peace or pardon to their hearts, was coming back again. He has the same love, the same longsuffering, the same goodness, though now He sits on the throne of God. The One who cheered us on our pathway, the One who cared for us as a Shepherd for His sheep, is coming back again.
We read, "And when He had spoken these things" (Acts 1:9). He talked with them as He left them, and how sweet will be His voice when we hear it audibly for the first time:
"Oh, the blessed joy of meeting, all the desert past!
Oh, the wondrous words of greeting, He shall speak at last!
He and I in that bright glory, one deep joy shall share,
Mine to be forever with Him, His that I am there.
The most thrilling joy of the present moment for the people of God, is, "The coming of the Lord draweth nigh" (James 5:8). May we be watching for Him. Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake
N.J. Hiebert - 8338
December 23
And Jesus taketh with Him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain and He was transfigured before them. Mark 9:2
A glory from within burst forth and irradiates His whole being, until not only His face, but his very garments are radiate with a dazzling light. As the disciples gaze on Him in wonder "there appeared unto them Elijah with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus." These men speak concerning His coming death. "And Peter answereth and saith to Jesus, Rabbi, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses and one for Elijah.
Even while Peter is speaking, a bright cloud comes and overshadows them all. The scene is about to end; but first there comes out of the cloud the voice of the Father conveying the supreme message of the hour, "This is my beloved Son: hear ye Him." There was no need of detaining Moses and Elijah. He had come of whom Moses and the law and prophets had testified, even Jesus the divine Son of God.
Suddenly the cloud departs, and "looking round about, they saw no one any more, save Jesus only with themselves." They needed none other; Him they were to hear; nor could they ever forget the vision of His revealed glory; henceforth He was to them more truly than ever their divine Lord and Master. The mysterious predictions of His death and resurrection were confirmed by what they had seen and heard. Charles Erdman
2 Peter 1:16-18 "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to Him from the excellent glory, this is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount."
N.J. Hiebert - 8339
December 24
When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with HIs disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which He entered, and His disciples. John 18:1
A thousand years earlier some one else walked through this valley, rejected by his people and weeping over what he had left behind? King David had walked this way because of his own heavy guilt; but the Son of David went this way because it was the beginning of His path for the guilt and sins of others.
Here the shadow of the cross fell across His path, and here the Father gave Him the cup, the bitter cup of the wrath of God in just judgment of sin, for He had come to this earth for the very purpose of drinking this cup. There on the cross He was to bear "Our sins in His own body" (1 Peter 2:24), and He "who knew no sin" was to be "made . . . sin for us." (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Before our eyes is the Man Jesus Christ with all His divinely perfect feelings of dependence and obedience. The path leading to the cross lay before Him--the path which He would now have to walk in order to accomplish God's counsels. As He approached this path of suffering He felt keenly what was to befall Him, and He began to be amazed and oppressed in Spirit.
He said to His disciples: "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with Me." (Matthew 26:38) He longed for their sympathy and comfort (Psalm 69:20); He might expect it, but He knew that He would be bitterly disappointed. The only sources of His strength were above, with His Father. Entirely alone, He knelt down; He fell upon the earth, upon His face. He prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from Him. But no one knew as well as He that even this was not possible if He wanted to open the way of salvation for sinners and accomplish the Father's eternal counsels. Therefore He adds: "Not as I will, but as Thou wilt . . . Thy will be done." (Luke 22:42). (F. von Kietzell)
N.J. Hiebert - 8340
December 25
THE TRANSFORMING TOUCH
Hearken unto Me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is My law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but My righteousness shall be forever, and My salvation from generation to generation. Isaiah 51:7-8.
Like the chill winds of November, the stern events of our little lives can quickly make our days seem gaunt with grief and grim with the struggle to sustain enthusiasm. Some seasons it seems sorrow is added to sorrow until only the gray framework remains of what had once been beautiful and bright adventures.
In one recent eighteen-month period my wife and I shared in the deepening gloom of no fewer than fourteen families who faced the scourge of terminal illness. At such times of stress and distress a man needs more than sentiment or sympathy. He needs more than pious platitudes or easy pleasantries. He needs God--in all His majesty and glory and might!
Only the transforming touch of the Risen Christ upon the life can change the dark contours of the circumstances. He alone can descend upon the darkness of the soul in sorrow, bringing exuberant brightness and whiteness to dispel the doubts and gloom. He alone can transform the very outlook from one of despair to that of eager anticipation.
If this is to happen then we must be open and receptive to the presence and power of the Living Lord who gladly comes to engulf us with the wonder of His own person. Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller
The Lord is risen: our trumpet-shout shall be,
Thou hast prevailed! Thy people, Lord, are free! W. P. Mackay
N.J. Hiebert - 8341
December 26
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. . . . and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:18,20
What the Lord said to the eleven is of great interest, and full of comfort to us. While addressed to them, His words are of immense value to us, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth" (ver.18). If we got hold of this immense truth, we should not be so poverty-stricken spiritually as we often are.
This sad condition obtains oftentimes just because we have not realized that He has all power, and it is at the disposal of faith and affection. His closing words here, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (ver 20), have carried with them deepest comfort and support to all His own from that day to this.
Well indeed may we rest upon them in simple faith. The hope of our hearts is to be with Him. Meantime what sustains these hearts? He says, "I am with you." The Lord is coming back to take us to be where He is, but till then He is with us. Matthew's gospel closes by showing us the Lord in the midst of His people saying, "I am with you alway," i.e., He remains here.
He is at the right hand of God--all power is in His hands, and He gives us the grace and cheer of His presence as we pass along here. All power is in the hands of the Anointed Man at God's right hand, upon whom our eyes should be fixed steadfastly. W. T. P. Wolston
N.J. Hiebert - 8342
December 27
ENDURANCE (Remaining Behind)
And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. But Shammah stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the Lord wrought a great victory. 2 Samuel 23:11-12
We find a very beautiful example of this word (endurance) in the lovely story of Shammah in the field of lentiles. Shammah "remained behind." Shammah "endured". There are, perhaps, few things more difficult than to endure. When others have given up, to remain behind, is not easy. I suppose Shammah's friends and fellow soldiers told him it was hopeless, it was certain death to stay where he was, and anyway for a field of lentiles (in the Chinese Bible it is "red beans") it was not worth remaining behind.
I expect David had given that field of lentiles to Shammah to defend. And you and I have been given a field of lentiles in the midst of which 'great David's Greater Son' has placed us. Our field of lentiles may be our home, or the office, or the shop. Our field of lentiles may not seem worth defending, and we may feel like giving up, or perhaps we are turning our eyes to fields that seem to us more attractive, and more worth while. Let us remember Shammah, who remained behind when the others fled. Let us endure, as he endured.
Many years ago some kind friends were urging a young man to give up some work the Lord had given him to do. He went in his perplexity to a dear old brother. He will never forget the way he exclaimed: "Give up? All giving up is of the devil!" Yes, our God is "the God of Endurance."
Do you think Shammah would have missed the experience he gained by that fight in the lentile field? Never! And when we get Home, we will see that some of these hard places on the road were the bits we would not have missed for anything. They worked endurance. Hid Treasures - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8343
December 28
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
By faith, not appearance; God never wants us to look at our feelings. Self may want us to; and Satan may want us to. But God wants us to face facts, not feelings; the facts of Christ and of His finished and perfect work for us.
When we face these precious facts, and believe them because God says they are facts, God will take care of our feelings.
God never gives feeling to enable us to trust Him; God never gives feeling to encourage us to trust Him; God never gives feeling to show that we have already and utterly trusted Him.
God gives feeling only when He sees that we trust Him apart from all feeling, resting on His own Word, and on His own faithfulness to His promise.
Never until then can the feeling (which is from God) possibly come; and God will give the feeling in such a measure and at such a time as His love sees best for the individual case.
We must choose between facing toward our feelings and facing toward God's facts. Our feelings may be as uncertain as the sea or the shifting sands. God's facts are as certain as the Rock of Ages, even Christ Himself, who is the same yesterday, today and forever. Streams in the Desert
"When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil."
Edward Mote
N.J. Hiebert - 8344
December 29
GOD SENT HIS SON
Last of all He sent unto them His Son. Matthew 21:37
In all the confusion and commercialization of Christmas these days we are more than likely to lose sight of Christ. Let us never forget that God sent not merely a prophet, a philosopher, a leader, to meet the world's need. "He gave His only begotten Son . . ." (John 3:16). Like the man in the parable, He said, "I will send My beloved Son" (Luke 20:13). He spared not His own Son (Romans 8:32).
A little boy accustomed to seeing service stars in windows during the war exclaimed as he watched the evening star at sunset, "God must have a Son in the war!" The story has been misapplied, but in the age-old struggle with sin God truly gave His Son.
Remember at Christmas that the Gospel is not that Jesus came or that He lived or that He taught. He could have done all that, but if He had returned to the Father some other way than by Calvary and the open tomb, we would still be in our sins. Thank God He was born. But He was born to die and live again, that we might live forever. Day by Day - Vance Havner
God sent His Son, they called Him Jesus,
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Saviour lives.
Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear s gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives. - William & Gloria Gaither
N.J. Hiebert - 8345
December 30
The Bible!
(Henry Law, "Beacons of the Bible" 1869)
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The Bible is the richest treasure of the world!
Without it, the palace is a dark blank.
With it, the poor cottage sparkles with celestial light.
It is the transcript of God's heart.
It tells what human reason is too weak to find.
It is pure truth without one shadow of error.
It gives knowledge on all things needful for time and for eternity.
It is a safe guide through life's entangled path.
It is a compass . . .
through shoals and rocks;
amid winds and waves;
to Heaven's eternal rest!
The sage is ignorant without it.
The peasant learns from it salvation's road.
It is a solace for every hour.
It is a companion always ready to converse.
It cheers when other comforts fail.
It is arrayed in every charm for the intellect.
It never wearies.
It is always fresh.
Its oldest truths cannot grow old.
Its readers become more wise--and more holy.
Other books may puzzle and corrupt.
The Bible is from Heaven, and leads to Heaven.
It enters the heart with purifying grace.
The more you search the Bible--the more your minds will wonder, and your hearts will love.
Read it as literally true. Then no human philosophy will beguile you.
Ponder its characters. You will find on them the intrinsic stamp of truth.
"The Bible is . . .
an armory of heavenly weapons,
a pharmacy of infallible medicines,
a mine of exhaustless wealth,
a guidebook for every road,
a chart for every sea,
a medicine for every malady,
and a balm for every wound!
Rob us of our Bible, and our sky has lost its sun!" (Thomas Guthrie)
"Oh, how I love Your Law! I meditate on it all day long!" Psalm 119:97
"Your Words were found, and I ate them--and Your Word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart!" Jeremiah 15:16
December 31
WONDERFUL COUNSELLOR
Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Psalm 73:24
One of the offices which our Lord Jesus sustains is "Counsellor" (Isaiah 9:6).
Now there are numberless things before us continually in our earthly pilgrimage regarding which we need counsel, we need advice; and then under these circumstances we should go to our Lord Jesus Christ and say to Him: "My Lord, I am ignorant; now what am I to do? Thou art my Counsellor, now show me clearly and distinctly how to act under these circumstances." And what will be the result? We shall be taught!
You never need take a step in the dark. If you do, you are sure to make a mistake. Wait! Wait till you have light. Remind yourself, that the Lord Jesus is Counsellor to the Church of God. So He will be, in your particular case, Counsellor and Guide. He will direct you, and if you patiently wait, believingly, expectantly, you will find that the waiting is not in vain. The Lord will prove Himself a Counsellor both wise and good.
George Mueller, of Bristol.
Thou art our Counsellor, our Pattern, and our Guide,
And Thou our Shepherd art; Oh! keep us near Thy side;
Nor let our feet e'er turn aside, to wander in the crocked way.
We love the Shepherd's voice; His watchful eyes shall keep
Our pilgrim souls among the thousands of God's sheep;
He feeds His flock, He calls their names, and gently leads the tender lambs.
R. Chapman
N.J. Hiebert - 8346
LIGHT SHINES THROUGH JOB'S DARKNESS
"For I know that my Redeemer liveth," Job 19:25
This may be the earliest reference to God as Redeemer. Job lived thousands of years before Christ, so how did he come to know it? Only by revelation from God. In spite of the misery Job was put through, God saw him as a righteous man and gave him wonderful insights. The apostle Peter confirms the thought, and relates it to what Job was experiencing: "The trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold which perisheth, though it be tried with fire. . . . Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold . . . but with the precious blood of Christ". 1 Peter 1:7.18,19.
"And that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth" Job 19:25.
Another great truth foretold! Jesus will come back and reign over the earth, and we will be with Him. "Behold, He cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see Him". Revelation 1:7
"And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God." Job 19;26.
There was hope for Job, and so there is for all who now trust in Jesus. Job was given a view ahead, that could only come true after the Lord died at Calvary. We will see Jesus, the Son of God. "Now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2
Whatever misery, trial or persecution we are called upon to endure, we, like poor Job, can rest securely upon what God has revealed to us. "Thy Word is Truth " John 17:17 Lorne Perry
Redeemed - how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy, His child, and forever, I am. W. J. Kirkpatrick
N.J. Hiebert - 8347
January 1
My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defence; I shall not be moved. Psalm 62:5-6.
In considering the power and majesty of God we are made to realize that whatever His purpose is, He is able to carry it through, and there is no creature power that can prevent His doing so. It is sheer folly to think one can go against His purpose with any success.
So the realization in our souls of God's invincible power should have a wholesome effect upon us to restrain us from any course of self-will. Whenever a child of God sets aside God's will to pursue a course of his own, he does so to his own hurt; for he has, in fact, plunged into a battle against Omnipotence with nothing on his side but creature strength, and he is certain to lose in the end.
But on the other hand, what a source of peace and comfort for the believer who has surrendered his will to God! He knows he is a child of God. God who is over all, blessed forever, is his Father, and he an object of His special love and care. God's thoughts are always thoughts of peace towards His children. What a solid rock for His children to rest upon in all the circumstances of life, however monotonous or changing they may otherwise be.
Ever remind yourself then of this great fact. Your Father's hand, guided by His thoughts of peace, is acting for you in every circumstance as the moving power behind the scene, working all things together for your good. You can't remind yourself too often of this blessed peace-giving, soul-steadying fact; for it is as a bright rainbow in the clouds and an anchor that holds you fast and keeps you from being driven by the storm. E. C. Hadley
N.J. Hiebert - 8348
January 2
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Joseph's brethren have condemned themselves out of their own lips. They have protested that they are true men, (Genesis 42:11) and in the same breath they say, "one is not," (Genesis 42:13), knowing full well that if Joseph has passed out of their existence it is entirely owing to their own wickedness. They stand in the presence of the one that they had rejected with unrepentant hearts, and yet protest they are honest men.
Joseph now takes the first step to convict them of their sin, by putting them into prison. The fear of losing their lives had brought them into Egypt, with the result that they lose their liberty. For three days they are left in prison that they may learn in some measure what their sins merit. (v.17).
Joseph had been thrown into prison unjustly, but they are justly brought into the same condemnation. The result is conscience begins to work. Conscience connects their present trouble with their past sin. The prison has so far done its work. They not only say, "we are verily guilty," but "we are verily guilty concerning our brother." We saw the anguish of his soul, but we hardened our hearts. He besought us but we stopped our ears to all his entreaties, "Therefore is this distress come upon us." They rightly connect their present distress with the past sin of twenty years ago. Hamilton Smith
Listen, oh, listen, my Father, all holy - humble and sorrowful, owning my sin,
Hear me confess in my penitence lowly - how in my weakness temptation came in.
Pity me now, for, my Father, no sorrow - weighs on my soul like the pain that I know,
Trembling and fearing that all thro' the morrow - missing the light of Thy love I may go.
Father, I know for the grace I am seeking - nothing of mine can I offer to Thee;
Thou to my sinful and sad spirit speaking - giving forgiveness--gives all things to me. Anon
N.J. Hiebert - 8349
January 3
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