October 10
A JOYOUS INHERITANCE
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5
The meek individual has found the place of peace. He no longer struggles and fights and pushes to become top man on the totem pole of society. The threat of being pushed off his little pinnacle of prestige no longer haunts him.
He is not caught up in the pettiness of the so-called "pecking order." Content to quietly serve others, he has no fear of falling. There is no need to try so desperately to impress others. His main concern is to do whatever he does to the very best of his ability to satisfy the Master and thus bring Him honour.
"Let your moderation (yieldingness) be know unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 5:5-7)
Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller.
Living for Jesus through earth's little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile,
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.
Thomas O. Chisholm
N.J. Hiebert - 8630
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5
The meek individual has found the place of peace. He no longer struggles and fights and pushes to become top man on the totem pole of society. The threat of being pushed off his little pinnacle of prestige no longer haunts him.
He is not caught up in the pettiness of the so-called "pecking order." Content to quietly serve others, he has no fear of falling. There is no need to try so desperately to impress others. His main concern is to do whatever he does to the very best of his ability to satisfy the Master and thus bring Him honour.
"Let your moderation (yieldingness) be know unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 5:5-7)
Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller.
Living for Jesus through earth's little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile,
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.
Thomas O. Chisholm
N.J. Hiebert - 8630
October 11
A Walking Anatomy Lesson
Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorify Me"
Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorify Me"
Psalm 50:15
The story is told of a missionary to Mongolia many, many years ago, who, during a conflict in that area was asked to treat some wounded soldiers. The missionary was not a doctor but had some knowledge of first aid. Feeling that he should not refuse the request for medical help he worked on the wounds of two of the men and successfully treated their injuries.
The third injured soldier had a thigh bone that was obviously badly broken. The missionary had no idea what to do or how to go about treating such a bad injury--but he did know where he could get help. Kneeling beside the injured man, the missionary prayed, asking the Lord for help. Rising from prayer, he had no idea how God would answer his prayers, but he was confident that his desperate need would surely be met by the Lord.
He went to the library of the primitive hospital where he was tending the wounded, but could find no books that described the appropriate way to treat such an injury. During that time, no doctor arrived at the hospital to care for the sick and wounded. A further complication appeared in the form of a crowd of beggars who came to the missionary asking him for money. Though deeply concerned for his badly injured patient, his heart went out to that group of ragged, hungry paupers. Quickly he gave them each a small gift of money--enough for each to buy a little food--and with a few words of encouragement and hope from God's Word, sent them away.
That is, all but one. The missionary was greatly surprised just a few moments later to find that one very old, weary beggar had, for some reason, remained behind. The poor half-starved beggar was hardly more than a living skeleton! It was then the missionary realized that the Lord had brought to him a living, walking lesson in anatomy!
He asked the elderly man if he might examine him. He carefully traced the femur [leg] bone with his fingers, learning the proper position to set the soldier's broken leg. With the Lord's help, though he had never set such a fracture before, the missionary returned to the patient and successfully set his broken leg. Later, looking for the old beggar in order to thank him, the missionary found he was gone. The Christian Shepherd - Nov. - 2012
N.J. Hiebert - 8631
The third injured soldier had a thigh bone that was obviously badly broken. The missionary had no idea what to do or how to go about treating such a bad injury--but he did know where he could get help. Kneeling beside the injured man, the missionary prayed, asking the Lord for help. Rising from prayer, he had no idea how God would answer his prayers, but he was confident that his desperate need would surely be met by the Lord.
He went to the library of the primitive hospital where he was tending the wounded, but could find no books that described the appropriate way to treat such an injury. During that time, no doctor arrived at the hospital to care for the sick and wounded. A further complication appeared in the form of a crowd of beggars who came to the missionary asking him for money. Though deeply concerned for his badly injured patient, his heart went out to that group of ragged, hungry paupers. Quickly he gave them each a small gift of money--enough for each to buy a little food--and with a few words of encouragement and hope from God's Word, sent them away.
That is, all but one. The missionary was greatly surprised just a few moments later to find that one very old, weary beggar had, for some reason, remained behind. The poor half-starved beggar was hardly more than a living skeleton! It was then the missionary realized that the Lord had brought to him a living, walking lesson in anatomy!
He asked the elderly man if he might examine him. He carefully traced the femur [leg] bone with his fingers, learning the proper position to set the soldier's broken leg. With the Lord's help, though he had never set such a fracture before, the missionary returned to the patient and successfully set his broken leg. Later, looking for the old beggar in order to thank him, the missionary found he was gone. The Christian Shepherd - Nov. - 2012
N.J. Hiebert - 8631
October 12
He hath made every thing beautiful in His time: also He hath set the world (eternity) in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11
Does this verse meet the eyes of some tried and discouraged saint? Have you been overwhelmed at times by a nameless dread as though God had utterly forgotten you, and you were cast off forever? Have you wearied yourself devising one human expedient after another, in the vain hope of averting threatened disaster by the arm of flesh? Learn, then, from God's dealings with His servant (Mordecai) of old (Esther 2:11) that His heart and hand are for you still.
And "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:21) He has heard every sigh; noted, and stored in His bottle, every tear; (Psalm 56:8) taken account of every cry of anguish; heard every confiding prayer. His arm is in no wise shortened; His ear is in no sense deaf to your cry. At the appointed time He will awake in your behalf, and you shall know that it is "the God of all grace" with whom you have to do.
Only look up: be not cast down, for you are ever on His heart; and if you just leave all with Him, He will make your affairs His care. "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you." (1 Peter 5:11). How sweet the words! He careth. He, the most high God: yea, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ careth. He is no indifferent spectator--no callous, unconcerned looker-on; but, as no one else can, He careth for you. Assured of this, may not we well cry, "I will trust, and not be afraid"? (Isaiah 12:2)
H. A. Ironside - Notes on the Esther
N.J. Hiebert - 8632
Does this verse meet the eyes of some tried and discouraged saint? Have you been overwhelmed at times by a nameless dread as though God had utterly forgotten you, and you were cast off forever? Have you wearied yourself devising one human expedient after another, in the vain hope of averting threatened disaster by the arm of flesh? Learn, then, from God's dealings with His servant (Mordecai) of old (Esther 2:11) that His heart and hand are for you still.
And "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:21) He has heard every sigh; noted, and stored in His bottle, every tear; (Psalm 56:8) taken account of every cry of anguish; heard every confiding prayer. His arm is in no wise shortened; His ear is in no sense deaf to your cry. At the appointed time He will awake in your behalf, and you shall know that it is "the God of all grace" with whom you have to do.
Only look up: be not cast down, for you are ever on His heart; and if you just leave all with Him, He will make your affairs His care. "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you." (1 Peter 5:11). How sweet the words! He careth. He, the most high God: yea, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ careth. He is no indifferent spectator--no callous, unconcerned looker-on; but, as no one else can, He careth for you. Assured of this, may not we well cry, "I will trust, and not be afraid"? (Isaiah 12:2)
H. A. Ironside - Notes on the Esther
N.J. Hiebert - 8632
October 13
A THIEF'S CONFESSION
Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34
The Lord's enemies have done their work,--and now see the perfection of Jesus, in grace. At the moment when His enemies have done their worst,--spit in His face, smitten Him with a rod, preferred a robber to Him, crowned Him with thorns, and nailed Him to a tree,--then was fulfilled the scripture, "He was numbered with the transgressors." (Isaiah 53:12) Then, I suppose, there was a little hush in the crowd, and His voice was heard. "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." It was the prayer of perfect love.
Here is the perfection of the love of the Saviour as He prays for His murderers, and this prayer goes up, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." I believe, as these words fell upon the ears of that dying thief, they came, as a flash of light to his soul, and he became conscious that the One beside him, on the cross, was closely linked with God. Manifestly at this moment he got the light that Jesus was the Son of God.
Amazing scene! The man who is dying in his sins, hears this sinless, spotless Man positively praying for His murderers! This man, divinely taught, says, "We indeed justly;" (Luke 23:41) and then, conscious of the glory of the One who hung by his side, sinless but suffering, adds, "but this Man hath done nothing amiss." (Luke 23:41)
The next moment he says, "Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom." (Luke 23:42). But mark the Lord's answer, "Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with Me in paradise."(Luke 23:43). He is the first trophy of the Redeemer's sacrifice. The sins of the thief are laid upon the Saviour, and He atones for them, and forever puts them away. He would not save Himself; but He saved the dying thief.
Seekers for Light - W.T.P. Wolston, M.D.
N.J. Hiebert - 8633
Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34
The Lord's enemies have done their work,--and now see the perfection of Jesus, in grace. At the moment when His enemies have done their worst,--spit in His face, smitten Him with a rod, preferred a robber to Him, crowned Him with thorns, and nailed Him to a tree,--then was fulfilled the scripture, "He was numbered with the transgressors." (Isaiah 53:12) Then, I suppose, there was a little hush in the crowd, and His voice was heard. "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." It was the prayer of perfect love.
Here is the perfection of the love of the Saviour as He prays for His murderers, and this prayer goes up, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." I believe, as these words fell upon the ears of that dying thief, they came, as a flash of light to his soul, and he became conscious that the One beside him, on the cross, was closely linked with God. Manifestly at this moment he got the light that Jesus was the Son of God.
Amazing scene! The man who is dying in his sins, hears this sinless, spotless Man positively praying for His murderers! This man, divinely taught, says, "We indeed justly;" (Luke 23:41) and then, conscious of the glory of the One who hung by his side, sinless but suffering, adds, "but this Man hath done nothing amiss." (Luke 23:41)
The next moment he says, "Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom." (Luke 23:42). But mark the Lord's answer, "Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with Me in paradise."(Luke 23:43). He is the first trophy of the Redeemer's sacrifice. The sins of the thief are laid upon the Saviour, and He atones for them, and forever puts them away. He would not save Himself; but He saved the dying thief.
Seekers for Light - W.T.P. Wolston, M.D.
N.J. Hiebert - 8633
October 14
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. 1 Peter 3:18
Every sin is an affront or insult to God, and His holy nature requires a righteous judgment to be made. Christ has done that when He suffered once for sins. That little word "once" is most significant. His sacrifice requires no repeating; it stands forever in perfection. He said, "I have glorified Thee on the earth: I finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do." (John 17:4)
God meted out His judgment upon the Lamb that He Himself provided, His beloved Son, and He will not refuse to accept His own provision with perfect delight and satisfaction. By His one-time suffering for sins, Christ satisfied the holy claims of God's throne with respect to every sin ever committed. This is propitiation.
Christ also suffered, "The just for the unjust." On the cross, He, the Just One, took the place of guilty, unjust sinners and bore for us the just judgment of God that we deserved. Because of His death for us, He is now the "justifier of Him which believeth in Jesus." (Romans 3:26). This is substitution.
Here is the grand climax of this verse: "That He might bring us to God." We are brought to the God we had spurned and against whom we had sinned. There was a great gulf that we could not bridge, but we are brought near by the precious blood of Christ, and now we call God our Father because a new, intimate relationship has been established.
The distance and darkness of our sinful condition is described most emphatically: "There is none righteous, no, not one...there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way...there is none that doeth good, no, not one." (Romans 3:10-12) From this deplorable condition, we are brought near to the heart of God. This is reconciliation. His work is perfect and complete--nothing to be added, nothing to be taken away. Jacob Redekop
N.J. Hiebert - 8634
Every sin is an affront or insult to God, and His holy nature requires a righteous judgment to be made. Christ has done that when He suffered once for sins. That little word "once" is most significant. His sacrifice requires no repeating; it stands forever in perfection. He said, "I have glorified Thee on the earth: I finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do." (John 17:4)
God meted out His judgment upon the Lamb that He Himself provided, His beloved Son, and He will not refuse to accept His own provision with perfect delight and satisfaction. By His one-time suffering for sins, Christ satisfied the holy claims of God's throne with respect to every sin ever committed. This is propitiation.
Christ also suffered, "The just for the unjust." On the cross, He, the Just One, took the place of guilty, unjust sinners and bore for us the just judgment of God that we deserved. Because of His death for us, He is now the "justifier of Him which believeth in Jesus." (Romans 3:26). This is substitution.
Here is the grand climax of this verse: "That He might bring us to God." We are brought to the God we had spurned and against whom we had sinned. There was a great gulf that we could not bridge, but we are brought near by the precious blood of Christ, and now we call God our Father because a new, intimate relationship has been established.
The distance and darkness of our sinful condition is described most emphatically: "There is none righteous, no, not one...there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way...there is none that doeth good, no, not one." (Romans 3:10-12) From this deplorable condition, we are brought near to the heart of God. This is reconciliation. His work is perfect and complete--nothing to be added, nothing to be taken away. Jacob Redekop
N.J. Hiebert - 8634
October 15
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. Ephesians 1:3
It is good for each of us to rediscover the simple but profound truths expressed by Johnson J. Oatman in this hymn. In the first two stanzas he develops the thought that counting our blessings serves as an antidote for life's discouragements and in turn makes for victorious Christian living. The third stanza teaches us that counting our blessings can be a means of placing material possessions in proper perspective when compared to the eternal inheritance awaiting believers.
Then as we review our individual blessings, we certainly would have to agree with Mr. Oatman's fourth stanza: The provision of God's help and comfort to the end of our earthly pilgrimage is one of our choicest blessings. Each of us could spare ourselves much despair and inner tension if we would only learn to apply the practical teaching of this hymn to our daily living.
When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost, count your many blessings-name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings-ev'ry doubt will fly, and you will be singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold, think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; count your many blessings-money cannot buy, your reward in heaven nor your home on high.
So amid the conflict, whether, great or small, do not be discouraged-God is over all; count your many blessings-angels will attend, help and comfort give you to your journey's end. Johnson J. Oatman
N.J. Hiebert - 8635
It is good for each of us to rediscover the simple but profound truths expressed by Johnson J. Oatman in this hymn. In the first two stanzas he develops the thought that counting our blessings serves as an antidote for life's discouragements and in turn makes for victorious Christian living. The third stanza teaches us that counting our blessings can be a means of placing material possessions in proper perspective when compared to the eternal inheritance awaiting believers.
Then as we review our individual blessings, we certainly would have to agree with Mr. Oatman's fourth stanza: The provision of God's help and comfort to the end of our earthly pilgrimage is one of our choicest blessings. Each of us could spare ourselves much despair and inner tension if we would only learn to apply the practical teaching of this hymn to our daily living.
When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost, count your many blessings-name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings-ev'ry doubt will fly, and you will be singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold, think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; count your many blessings-money cannot buy, your reward in heaven nor your home on high.
So amid the conflict, whether, great or small, do not be discouraged-God is over all; count your many blessings-angels will attend, help and comfort give you to your journey's end. Johnson J. Oatman
N.J. Hiebert - 8635
October 16
TIMES OF CRISIS ARE TIMES OF OPPORTUNITY
"Mens hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."
"Mens hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."
Luke 21:26
Daniel chapter 2 is the story of a crisis in Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, but upon waking, he could not remember what the dream had been. He then made completely unreasonable demands on his wise men. He wanted them to tell him what he had dreamed, and also its meaning. He told them that failure would incur death, but, that success would bring gifts, rewards and great honour. Not unexpectedly, his wise men said, "There is none other that can show it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh" (Daniel 2:11).
Subsequent to this confession of failure, the king gave the order to execute all of the wise men, and of course this included Daniel and his friends. On the surface of things, this was a crisis of unprecedented proportions. Daniel and his friends were at risk, but what followed shows how we can use times of crisis to advantage, and find opportunities to glorify God. Daniel and his friends took up the challenge of the king since they knew "the [God] whose dwelling [was] not with flesh." They were confident that God could reveal the thing to them, thus saving their lives, and the lives of the wise men of Babylon.
How do we view the crises that arise in our lives? Too often crises propel us into uncontrolled panic. The words of Isaiah come to us afresh, "He that believeth shall not make haste (panic)" (Isaiah 28:16). Daniel believed that God could over-rule the insanity of an unreasonable yet powerful king, bringing deliverance to them, and glory to God. Similarly, our world today seems to be spinning out of control, and the prediction of Scripture of "men's hearts failing them for fear" (Luke 21:26), is evident all around.
How do we as believers face this? Do we panic like the rest of the world, or do we rest in the confidence that our God is sovereign, and that these crises could introduce a period of unprecedented opportunity to present the gospel as the only answer to man's fundamental need? As men see their whole material world collapsing, may we be like Daniel, bringing words of confidence and assurance that God can be trusted to deliver the one who trusts in Him.
Daniel - William Burnett
N.J. Hiebert - 8636
Daniel chapter 2 is the story of a crisis in Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, but upon waking, he could not remember what the dream had been. He then made completely unreasonable demands on his wise men. He wanted them to tell him what he had dreamed, and also its meaning. He told them that failure would incur death, but, that success would bring gifts, rewards and great honour. Not unexpectedly, his wise men said, "There is none other that can show it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh" (Daniel 2:11).
Subsequent to this confession of failure, the king gave the order to execute all of the wise men, and of course this included Daniel and his friends. On the surface of things, this was a crisis of unprecedented proportions. Daniel and his friends were at risk, but what followed shows how we can use times of crisis to advantage, and find opportunities to glorify God. Daniel and his friends took up the challenge of the king since they knew "the [God] whose dwelling [was] not with flesh." They were confident that God could reveal the thing to them, thus saving their lives, and the lives of the wise men of Babylon.
How do we view the crises that arise in our lives? Too often crises propel us into uncontrolled panic. The words of Isaiah come to us afresh, "He that believeth shall not make haste (panic)" (Isaiah 28:16). Daniel believed that God could over-rule the insanity of an unreasonable yet powerful king, bringing deliverance to them, and glory to God. Similarly, our world today seems to be spinning out of control, and the prediction of Scripture of "men's hearts failing them for fear" (Luke 21:26), is evident all around.
How do we as believers face this? Do we panic like the rest of the world, or do we rest in the confidence that our God is sovereign, and that these crises could introduce a period of unprecedented opportunity to present the gospel as the only answer to man's fundamental need? As men see their whole material world collapsing, may we be like Daniel, bringing words of confidence and assurance that God can be trusted to deliver the one who trusts in Him.
Daniel - William Burnett
N.J. Hiebert - 8636
October 17
Then (King) Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. (Acts 26:28)
P. P. Bliss was inspired to write this hymn after hearing a message on Acts 26:28, where Agrippa tells Paul he is almost persuaded. The preacher said, "He who is almost persuaded is almost saved, but to be almost saved, is to be entirely lost."
"Almost persuaded" now to believe; "Almost persuaded" Christ to receive;
Seems now some soul to say, "Go, Spirit, go thy way,
Some more convenient day on Thee I'll call."
"Almost persuaded," come, come today; "Almost persuaded," turn not away;
Jesus invites you here, angels are lingering near,
Prayers rise from hearts so dear; O wanderer, come!
Oh, be persuaded! Christ never fails--Oh, be persuaded! His blood avails--
Can save from every sin, cleanse you without, within--
Will you not let Him in? Open the door!
"Almost persuaded," harvest is past! "Almost persuaded," doom comes at last;
"Almost" cannot avail; "Almost" is but to fail!
Sad, sad that bitter wail-- "Almost--but lost!"
Be now persuaded, oh, sinner, hear! be now persuaded, Jesus is near;
His voice is pleading still, turn now with heart and will,
Peace will your spirit fill--Oh, turn today!
Phillip Paul Bliss
N.J. Hiebert - 8637
P. P. Bliss was inspired to write this hymn after hearing a message on Acts 26:28, where Agrippa tells Paul he is almost persuaded. The preacher said, "He who is almost persuaded is almost saved, but to be almost saved, is to be entirely lost."
"Almost persuaded" now to believe; "Almost persuaded" Christ to receive;
Seems now some soul to say, "Go, Spirit, go thy way,
Some more convenient day on Thee I'll call."
"Almost persuaded," come, come today; "Almost persuaded," turn not away;
Jesus invites you here, angels are lingering near,
Prayers rise from hearts so dear; O wanderer, come!
Oh, be persuaded! Christ never fails--Oh, be persuaded! His blood avails--
Can save from every sin, cleanse you without, within--
Will you not let Him in? Open the door!
"Almost persuaded," harvest is past! "Almost persuaded," doom comes at last;
"Almost" cannot avail; "Almost" is but to fail!
Sad, sad that bitter wail-- "Almost--but lost!"
Be now persuaded, oh, sinner, hear! be now persuaded, Jesus is near;
His voice is pleading still, turn now with heart and will,
Peace will your spirit fill--Oh, turn today!
Phillip Paul Bliss
N.J. Hiebert - 8637
October 18
But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
If you listen to God's Word, it will have an effect upon you--a mark which reason will not produce, because reason may turn a man away from God, and often does; but faith, the fruit of the reception of the Word of God, always leads a man to God.
Scripture is full of instances of faith, and of what faith can do. Remember, it "cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." (Romans 10:17) Man's heart naturally sets itself against God, but faith accepts His testimony. "He that hath received His testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. There I believe you get the real definition of what faith is. God hath spoken by His Son the Lord Jesus, and the man that receives His testimony, "sets to his seal that God is true." (John 3:33) That is faith.
Ask any person who is a believer, question any of your friends who have been born of God through grace, and have had their eyes opened, to know the blessedness of the love of God, the value of the cleansing of the blood of Christ, and the joy of knowing that they are saved--ask them how they first really got to know that they were saved, and they will tell you, by giving God credit for speaking the truth, by taking Him at His word, which is faith.
Human reasoning and wisdom of words cannot manufacture faith; it comes by hearing the Word of God. It comes from God, and no human mind can explain it; and no human mind will receive it. Faith is the result of hearing God's Word, and the Spirit of God working upon the heart. The Word of God goes through a man, it convicts him, converts him, and gives him a new life. He does not know how, but his eyes are opened, and he believes. "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." (Romans 10:17)
Seekers of Light - W.T.P Wolston
N.J. Hiebert - 8638
If you listen to God's Word, it will have an effect upon you--a mark which reason will not produce, because reason may turn a man away from God, and often does; but faith, the fruit of the reception of the Word of God, always leads a man to God.
Scripture is full of instances of faith, and of what faith can do. Remember, it "cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." (Romans 10:17) Man's heart naturally sets itself against God, but faith accepts His testimony. "He that hath received His testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. There I believe you get the real definition of what faith is. God hath spoken by His Son the Lord Jesus, and the man that receives His testimony, "sets to his seal that God is true." (John 3:33) That is faith.
Ask any person who is a believer, question any of your friends who have been born of God through grace, and have had their eyes opened, to know the blessedness of the love of God, the value of the cleansing of the blood of Christ, and the joy of knowing that they are saved--ask them how they first really got to know that they were saved, and they will tell you, by giving God credit for speaking the truth, by taking Him at His word, which is faith.
Human reasoning and wisdom of words cannot manufacture faith; it comes by hearing the Word of God. It comes from God, and no human mind can explain it; and no human mind will receive it. Faith is the result of hearing God's Word, and the Spirit of God working upon the heart. The Word of God goes through a man, it convicts him, converts him, and gives him a new life. He does not know how, but his eyes are opened, and he believes. "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." (Romans 10:17)
Seekers of Light - W.T.P Wolston
N.J. Hiebert - 8638
October 19
"IF ANY MAN SIN"
If any man sin . . .1 John 2:1.
If we confess our sins . . . 1 John 1:9.
If we walk in the light . . . 1 John 1:7.
We should not sin, but if we do sin we have an advocate (1 John 2:1) with the Father. We have a prosecutor, and an accuser, (Revelation 12:10) the devil; but we also have a lawyer to plead our case, Jesus Christ the righteous.
If we confess our sins the Father will forgive and cleanse. There must be genuine repentance and confession, but we need not wallow in remorse. God is our Father, if we believe and we are His children. "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. (Psalm 103:13).
"If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another; and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1:7). Provision has been made for victory over sin. God's plan is to keep us from sin, not to keep us in sin.
There is no ground for complacent living in iniquity just because we are "under the blood." (Romans 4:6-7) "It is not that we are not able to sin but that we are able not to sin." (Romans 6) But He also has made provision if we do sin, forgiveness and cleansing if we confess. Day by Day with Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 8639
If any man sin . . .1 John 2:1.
If we confess our sins . . . 1 John 1:9.
If we walk in the light . . . 1 John 1:7.
We should not sin, but if we do sin we have an advocate (1 John 2:1) with the Father. We have a prosecutor, and an accuser, (Revelation 12:10) the devil; but we also have a lawyer to plead our case, Jesus Christ the righteous.
If we confess our sins the Father will forgive and cleanse. There must be genuine repentance and confession, but we need not wallow in remorse. God is our Father, if we believe and we are His children. "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. (Psalm 103:13).
"If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another; and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1:7). Provision has been made for victory over sin. God's plan is to keep us from sin, not to keep us in sin.
There is no ground for complacent living in iniquity just because we are "under the blood." (Romans 4:6-7) "It is not that we are not able to sin but that we are able not to sin." (Romans 6) But He also has made provision if we do sin, forgiveness and cleansing if we confess. Day by Day with Vance Havner
N.J. Hiebert - 8639
October 20
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word. (Psalm 119:9) For we have not followed cunningly devised fables.
(2 Peter 1:16)
Some tell me that the Bible is not God's sacred Word,
And brand as cunning fables the records of the Lord;
That Moses is a fiction, that prophets never spake,
And e'en the blessed Gospels as myths I must forsake.
There was a time I listened to those old serpent lies,
My foolish heart sore tempted the Bible to despise;
Its holiness rebuked me, its precepts, crossed my will,
I wished to silence conscience, and thus my lusts fulfil.
I cared not for the Saviour, this present world I loved,
Its lusts, and wealth, and glory, alone my passions moved;
I cared not for a heaven, I hoped there were no hell,
I wished for no hereafter, I loved my sins too well.
His mercy still pursued me, while wandering far away,
His hand with sickness smote me, to wound, but not to slay;
His Spirit then convinced me, and brought my guilt to light;
I saw my lost condition, how awful was the sight!
The serpent's crafty teachings, the heart's deceitful lies,
The skeptic's subtle reasonings, all vanish from my eyes.
Naked, and lost, and guilty, beneath God's searching eye,
Eternity before me, Oh! whither could I fly?
Oh, then what beauteous sunshine burst on my raptured sight!
It chased away the darkness, and all was life, and light.
I saw how grace and glory in God's free gospel shone,
Before the cross, my terrors and unbelief were gone.
I love the blessed Bible, I know it all is true;
It is a faithful mirror in which myself I view;
It shows me all my weakness, my folly and my shame,
But makes thereby more precious my Saviour's grace and Name. The Remembrancer 1897
N.J. Hiebert - 8640
Some tell me that the Bible is not God's sacred Word,
And brand as cunning fables the records of the Lord;
That Moses is a fiction, that prophets never spake,
And e'en the blessed Gospels as myths I must forsake.
There was a time I listened to those old serpent lies,
My foolish heart sore tempted the Bible to despise;
Its holiness rebuked me, its precepts, crossed my will,
I wished to silence conscience, and thus my lusts fulfil.
I cared not for the Saviour, this present world I loved,
Its lusts, and wealth, and glory, alone my passions moved;
I cared not for a heaven, I hoped there were no hell,
I wished for no hereafter, I loved my sins too well.
His mercy still pursued me, while wandering far away,
His hand with sickness smote me, to wound, but not to slay;
His Spirit then convinced me, and brought my guilt to light;
I saw my lost condition, how awful was the sight!
The serpent's crafty teachings, the heart's deceitful lies,
The skeptic's subtle reasonings, all vanish from my eyes.
Naked, and lost, and guilty, beneath God's searching eye,
Eternity before me, Oh! whither could I fly?
Oh, then what beauteous sunshine burst on my raptured sight!
It chased away the darkness, and all was life, and light.
I saw how grace and glory in God's free gospel shone,
Before the cross, my terrors and unbelief were gone.
I love the blessed Bible, I know it all is true;
It is a faithful mirror in which myself I view;
It shows me all my weakness, my folly and my shame,
But makes thereby more precious my Saviour's grace and Name. The Remembrancer 1897
N.J. Hiebert - 8640
October 21
For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. Colossians 1:19-20
At the birth of the Lord the earth was saluted with words of peace. "Peace on earth," the angels proclaimed in the fields of Bethlehem. (Luke 2:14)
This, however, was but a salutation. It was not the authoritative pronunciation of peace. It was like the word which the Lord afterwards put into the lips of the seventy, in Luke 10:5 when sending them out. He then told them, into whatsoever house they entered first to say, "Peace be to this house." This was a salutation, a wishing them well, the proclamation of good will towards the house, not an authoritative pronunciation of peace: that would rather follow on its being found that the Son of peace was there.
Upon the resurrection of the Lord, however, we have the other thing. "Peace be unto you," the risen Saviour said to His disciples, being thus returned to them--and when He said that, He showed them His hands and His side. (John 20:19-20) He gave them to read their title to peace. Peace was not now merely wished, but authoritatively pronounced, conveyed to them on the warrant of the cross. Jesus now gave peace to them, because He had already made it for them.
And this is the peace that we, who have it, may testify to our fellow-sinners. We do not, like the commissioned seventy, merely say, "Peace be to this house," as saluting it, or wishing it well, but we proclaim to it the sure, settled, purchased peace which sinners have title to in the blood of the cross.
J.G. Bellett
N.J. Hiebert - 8641
At the birth of the Lord the earth was saluted with words of peace. "Peace on earth," the angels proclaimed in the fields of Bethlehem. (Luke 2:14)
This, however, was but a salutation. It was not the authoritative pronunciation of peace. It was like the word which the Lord afterwards put into the lips of the seventy, in Luke 10:5 when sending them out. He then told them, into whatsoever house they entered first to say, "Peace be to this house." This was a salutation, a wishing them well, the proclamation of good will towards the house, not an authoritative pronunciation of peace: that would rather follow on its being found that the Son of peace was there.
Upon the resurrection of the Lord, however, we have the other thing. "Peace be unto you," the risen Saviour said to His disciples, being thus returned to them--and when He said that, He showed them His hands and His side. (John 20:19-20) He gave them to read their title to peace. Peace was not now merely wished, but authoritatively pronounced, conveyed to them on the warrant of the cross. Jesus now gave peace to them, because He had already made it for them.
And this is the peace that we, who have it, may testify to our fellow-sinners. We do not, like the commissioned seventy, merely say, "Peace be to this house," as saluting it, or wishing it well, but we proclaim to it the sure, settled, purchased peace which sinners have title to in the blood of the cross.
J.G. Bellett
N.J. Hiebert - 8641
October 22
And the people shall go out and gather a certain rate [portion] every day. Exodus16:4
The day's portion in its day: Such was the rule for God's giving and man's working in the ingathering of the manna. It is still the law in all the dealings of God's grace with His children. A clear insight into the beauty and application of this arrangement is a wonderful help in understanding. Now one, who feels himself utterly weak, can have the confidence and the perseverance to hold on brightly through all the years of his earthly course.
A doctor was once asked by a patient who had met with a serious accident: "Doctor, how long shall I have to lie here?" The answer, "Only a day at a time," taught the patient a precious lesson. It was the same lesson God had recorded for His people of all ages long before: The day's portion in its day.
It was, without doubt, with a view to this, and to meet man's weakness, that God graciously appointed the change of day and and night. If time had been given to man in the form of one long unbroken day, it would have exhausted and overwhelmed him; the change of day and night continually recruits and recreates his powers. As a child, who easily makes himself master of a book, when each day only the lesson for the day is given him, would be utterly hopeless if the whole book were given him at once; so it would be with man, if there were no divisions in time.
Broken small and divided into fragments, he can bear them; only the care and the work of each day have to be undertaken,--the day's portion in its day. The rest of the night fits him for making a fresh start with each new morning; the mistakes of the past can be avoided, its lessons improved. And he has only each day to be faithful for the one short day, and long years and a long life take care of themselves, without the sense of their length or their weight ever being a burden. Andrew Murray
N.J. Hiebert - 8642
The day's portion in its day: Such was the rule for God's giving and man's working in the ingathering of the manna. It is still the law in all the dealings of God's grace with His children. A clear insight into the beauty and application of this arrangement is a wonderful help in understanding. Now one, who feels himself utterly weak, can have the confidence and the perseverance to hold on brightly through all the years of his earthly course.
A doctor was once asked by a patient who had met with a serious accident: "Doctor, how long shall I have to lie here?" The answer, "Only a day at a time," taught the patient a precious lesson. It was the same lesson God had recorded for His people of all ages long before: The day's portion in its day.
It was, without doubt, with a view to this, and to meet man's weakness, that God graciously appointed the change of day and and night. If time had been given to man in the form of one long unbroken day, it would have exhausted and overwhelmed him; the change of day and night continually recruits and recreates his powers. As a child, who easily makes himself master of a book, when each day only the lesson for the day is given him, would be utterly hopeless if the whole book were given him at once; so it would be with man, if there were no divisions in time.
Broken small and divided into fragments, he can bear them; only the care and the work of each day have to be undertaken,--the day's portion in its day. The rest of the night fits him for making a fresh start with each new morning; the mistakes of the past can be avoided, its lessons improved. And he has only each day to be faithful for the one short day, and long years and a long life take care of themselves, without the sense of their length or their weight ever being a burden. Andrew Murray
N.J. Hiebert - 8642
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