November 10
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am there ye may be also. John 14:3
The word "maranatha" is an Aramaic expression that means: "the Lord cometh". Biblical scholars tell us that it was used as a greeting in the early church. When believers gathered or parted, they didn't say "hello" or "good-bye" but rather, "Maranatha!" Think if Christians today had the same upward longing in love for our blessed Saviour's return, what a glorious difference might be seen in the testimony of Christianity displayed before this poor world! O that God's people had a deepening awareness of the imminent return of the Saviour as He has promised! "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20).
The story is told that while on a South Pole expedition, British explorer Sir Earnest Shackleton left a few men on Elephant Island, promising that he would return. Later, when he tried to go back, huge icebergs blocked the way. But suddenly, as if by a miracle, an avenue opened in the ice and Shackleton was able to get through. His men, ready and waiting, quickly scrambled aboard. No sooner had the ship cleared the island than the ice crashed together behind them. Contemplating their narrow escape, the explorer said to his men."It was fortunate you were all packed and ready to go!" They replied, "we never gave up hope. Whenever the sea was clear of ice, we rolled up our sleeping bags and reminded each other, "The boss may come today."
Hymn writer Horatius Bonar exhorted believers "to be ready for the last moment by being ready at every moment...so attending to every duty that, let our Lord come when He may, He finds the house in perfect order, awaiting His return. The trump may sound anytime. How important that we who are true Christians be "packed and ready to go!" Perhaps as you leave home today, don't say "good-bye" rather, say "Maranatha!" D. Nicolet - January 2013 TCS
N.J. Hiebert - 8661
The word "maranatha" is an Aramaic expression that means: "the Lord cometh". Biblical scholars tell us that it was used as a greeting in the early church. When believers gathered or parted, they didn't say "hello" or "good-bye" but rather, "Maranatha!" Think if Christians today had the same upward longing in love for our blessed Saviour's return, what a glorious difference might be seen in the testimony of Christianity displayed before this poor world! O that God's people had a deepening awareness of the imminent return of the Saviour as He has promised! "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20).
The story is told that while on a South Pole expedition, British explorer Sir Earnest Shackleton left a few men on Elephant Island, promising that he would return. Later, when he tried to go back, huge icebergs blocked the way. But suddenly, as if by a miracle, an avenue opened in the ice and Shackleton was able to get through. His men, ready and waiting, quickly scrambled aboard. No sooner had the ship cleared the island than the ice crashed together behind them. Contemplating their narrow escape, the explorer said to his men."It was fortunate you were all packed and ready to go!" They replied, "we never gave up hope. Whenever the sea was clear of ice, we rolled up our sleeping bags and reminded each other, "The boss may come today."
Hymn writer Horatius Bonar exhorted believers "to be ready for the last moment by being ready at every moment...so attending to every duty that, let our Lord come when He may, He finds the house in perfect order, awaiting His return. The trump may sound anytime. How important that we who are true Christians be "packed and ready to go!" Perhaps as you leave home today, don't say "good-bye" rather, say "Maranatha!" D. Nicolet - January 2013 TCS
N.J. Hiebert - 8661
November 11
And it was the third hour, and they crucified Him. . . . And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. Mark 15:25,33.
It was more than human--God caused a witness of that hour that stood out from all before and after. There was darkness; the very world felt it. So here, the insensibility of men, the revilings and scoffings from chief priests down to thieves, against the Son of God, were answered on God's part by the veiling of all nature in presence of the death of Him Who created all; there was darkness over the whole land. Above, below, what a scene!
"And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is being interpreted, My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" (Mark15:34) It was no exhaustion of nature. Jesus did not die because He could not live, as all others do. He had still the full energy of life. He died not only in atonement, but to take His life again. How else could He have proved the superiority of His life to death, if He had not died? Still less could He have delivered us. "We were reconciled to God by the death of His Son." (Romans 5:10)
But more than that. His living again, His raising Himself from the grave, His taking life again, proved that He had conquered death, to which He had so entirely submitted for God's glory. He was put to death. By wicked hands He was crucified and slain; yet it was also entirely voluntary. In every other person death is involuntary. So absolutely is Jesus above mere nature whether in birth or in death, or all through. Exposition on the Gospel of Mark - William Kelly.
N.J. Hiebert - 8662
It was more than human--God caused a witness of that hour that stood out from all before and after. There was darkness; the very world felt it. So here, the insensibility of men, the revilings and scoffings from chief priests down to thieves, against the Son of God, were answered on God's part by the veiling of all nature in presence of the death of Him Who created all; there was darkness over the whole land. Above, below, what a scene!
"And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is being interpreted, My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" (Mark15:34) It was no exhaustion of nature. Jesus did not die because He could not live, as all others do. He had still the full energy of life. He died not only in atonement, but to take His life again. How else could He have proved the superiority of His life to death, if He had not died? Still less could He have delivered us. "We were reconciled to God by the death of His Son." (Romans 5:10)
But more than that. His living again, His raising Himself from the grave, His taking life again, proved that He had conquered death, to which He had so entirely submitted for God's glory. He was put to death. By wicked hands He was crucified and slain; yet it was also entirely voluntary. In every other person death is involuntary. So absolutely is Jesus above mere nature whether in birth or in death, or all through. Exposition on the Gospel of Mark - William Kelly.
N.J. Hiebert - 8662
November 12
"A certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, and had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, when she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched His garment . . . and she felt in her body that she was healed . . ." Mark 5:25-29.
The condition of the woman is hopeless. Surely no physician of that day and place could save her wasting life; but she had heard of the power of Jesus, and secretly watching for an opportunity, she "came in the crowd behind, and touched His garment." Her faith is imperfect; she seems to think that the power of Jesus is magical and mechanical, and that there is no need of His knowing her or of His thinking of her, that she need make no request for help or express gratitude for relief.
Her faith is imperfect, but it is sincere; and Jesus makes an immediate response to her timid touch, "and straightway...she felt in her body that she was healed of her plague." Possibly the most reassuring feature of the story is just here. Our Lord does not wait until we have a perfect knowledge of Him or His way of working; when we feel our helplessness and come to Him for healing He never withholds His help.
Jesus, however, always desires to perfect the faith of those who trust Him. His healing results ever in a fuller knowledge and in a deepening love. Thus He shows this woman that her cure is due to no mere involuntary out-flow of divine grace, and that the full blessing of faith results only when a believer openly confesses Jesus as the Saviour. He perceives the touch of her trembling fingers; He distinguishes it from the press of the jostling crowd; He recognizes it as a mute appeal for help; He gives the relief which the suppliant craves, and then, for the sake of the woman who has already perceived His divine power, now realizes His divine knowledge, and as she comes and acknowledges her trust and her cure, she learns His divine love, for she hears Him say, "Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague." (Mark 5:34) She found a new assurance of His saving power and that rest of soul which issues from accepting His gracious word, "Go in Peace." Mark - C. R. Erdman
N.J. Hiebert - 8663
The condition of the woman is hopeless. Surely no physician of that day and place could save her wasting life; but she had heard of the power of Jesus, and secretly watching for an opportunity, she "came in the crowd behind, and touched His garment." Her faith is imperfect; she seems to think that the power of Jesus is magical and mechanical, and that there is no need of His knowing her or of His thinking of her, that she need make no request for help or express gratitude for relief.
Her faith is imperfect, but it is sincere; and Jesus makes an immediate response to her timid touch, "and straightway...she felt in her body that she was healed of her plague." Possibly the most reassuring feature of the story is just here. Our Lord does not wait until we have a perfect knowledge of Him or His way of working; when we feel our helplessness and come to Him for healing He never withholds His help.
Jesus, however, always desires to perfect the faith of those who trust Him. His healing results ever in a fuller knowledge and in a deepening love. Thus He shows this woman that her cure is due to no mere involuntary out-flow of divine grace, and that the full blessing of faith results only when a believer openly confesses Jesus as the Saviour. He perceives the touch of her trembling fingers; He distinguishes it from the press of the jostling crowd; He recognizes it as a mute appeal for help; He gives the relief which the suppliant craves, and then, for the sake of the woman who has already perceived His divine power, now realizes His divine knowledge, and as she comes and acknowledges her trust and her cure, she learns His divine love, for she hears Him say, "Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague." (Mark 5:34) She found a new assurance of His saving power and that rest of soul which issues from accepting His gracious word, "Go in Peace." Mark - C. R. Erdman
N.J. Hiebert - 8663
November 13
Lord, now lettest Thou thy servant (Simeon) depart in peace, according to Thy Word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation. (Luke 2:29-30)
When Simeon was worshiping in the temple and Mary and Joseph entered with the little Baby, Simeon said, "there is the salvation of God," and he hastened to the Baby and took Him in his arms and he said ". . . mine eyes have seen Thy salvation."
God's salvation is in a Person, and that Person His own blessed Son. To receive Him is to be saved. To receive Him is to have life eternal. "All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me: and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37) Thank God for such an assurance as that! God will never be defeated. His purpose will never fail of accomplishment. All that the Father giveth to Jesus shall come to Him.
You say you do not believe in election or predestination. Then you will have to tear a number of pages out of your Bible, for there are many of them which magnify God's sovereign electing grace. "For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:29).
Someone once said, that, "the 'whosoever wills' are the elect and the 'whosoever won'ts,' the non-elect." You cannot get around it. But we must not overlook our personal responsibility, (Note John 6:37). Let no man say, "Well I am afraid I am not elected, and will not be saved." The question is, Are you willing to come to Jesus? He will in no wise cast out. Whoever you are today, if you will come to Him, He will take you in. You do not have to settle any question of predestination before you come to Jesus. And when you come He receives you, and having come, you may know that you are one whom the Father gave to the Lord Jesus Christ. Gospel of John - H. A. Ironside
N.J. Hiebert - 8664
When Simeon was worshiping in the temple and Mary and Joseph entered with the little Baby, Simeon said, "there is the salvation of God," and he hastened to the Baby and took Him in his arms and he said ". . . mine eyes have seen Thy salvation."
God's salvation is in a Person, and that Person His own blessed Son. To receive Him is to be saved. To receive Him is to have life eternal. "All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me: and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37) Thank God for such an assurance as that! God will never be defeated. His purpose will never fail of accomplishment. All that the Father giveth to Jesus shall come to Him.
You say you do not believe in election or predestination. Then you will have to tear a number of pages out of your Bible, for there are many of them which magnify God's sovereign electing grace. "For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:29).
Someone once said, that, "the 'whosoever wills' are the elect and the 'whosoever won'ts,' the non-elect." You cannot get around it. But we must not overlook our personal responsibility, (Note John 6:37). Let no man say, "Well I am afraid I am not elected, and will not be saved." The question is, Are you willing to come to Jesus? He will in no wise cast out. Whoever you are today, if you will come to Him, He will take you in. You do not have to settle any question of predestination before you come to Jesus. And when you come He receives you, and having come, you may know that you are one whom the Father gave to the Lord Jesus Christ. Gospel of John - H. A. Ironside
N.J. Hiebert - 8664
November 14
I came to them . . . I sat where they sat. Ezekiel 3:15
We rightly marvel at Hudson Taylor, who forsook the comforts of British Shanghai to live in the poverty and hardship of the Chinese section. And yet who could deny the effectiveness of his following the prophet Ezekiel's example?
If this sort of work seems at times distasteful, then we need only remind ourselves of the Saviour, who left His wondrous palaces for our worldly pollutions, that He might sit where we sit, and acquaint Himself with our griefs and sorrows.
Ultimately He made them His own and bore them to Calvary in an astonishing act of grace. Can we not humble ourselves and bear this wondrous message to the places where the lost sit? Choice Gleanings - Rick Morse
There is a stream of precious blood which flowed from Jesu's veins;
And sinners washed in that blest flood lose all their guilty stains.
The dying thief rejoiced to see that Saviour in His day;
And by that blood, tho' vile as he, our sins are washed away.
Blest Lamb of God, Thy precious blood shall never lose its pow'r,
Till every ransomed saint of God be saved to sin no more.
E'er since, by faith, we saw the stream Thy wounds supplied for sin,
Redeeming love has been our theme, our joy and peace has been.
Soon in a nobler, sweeter song, we'll sing Thy pow'r to save;
No more with lisping, stammering tongue, but conquerors o'er the grave. W. Cowper
N.J. Hiebert - 8665
We rightly marvel at Hudson Taylor, who forsook the comforts of British Shanghai to live in the poverty and hardship of the Chinese section. And yet who could deny the effectiveness of his following the prophet Ezekiel's example?
If this sort of work seems at times distasteful, then we need only remind ourselves of the Saviour, who left His wondrous palaces for our worldly pollutions, that He might sit where we sit, and acquaint Himself with our griefs and sorrows.
Ultimately He made them His own and bore them to Calvary in an astonishing act of grace. Can we not humble ourselves and bear this wondrous message to the places where the lost sit? Choice Gleanings - Rick Morse
There is a stream of precious blood which flowed from Jesu's veins;
And sinners washed in that blest flood lose all their guilty stains.
The dying thief rejoiced to see that Saviour in His day;
And by that blood, tho' vile as he, our sins are washed away.
Blest Lamb of God, Thy precious blood shall never lose its pow'r,
Till every ransomed saint of God be saved to sin no more.
E'er since, by faith, we saw the stream Thy wounds supplied for sin,
Redeeming love has been our theme, our joy and peace has been.
Soon in a nobler, sweeter song, we'll sing Thy pow'r to save;
No more with lisping, stammering tongue, but conquerors o'er the grave. W. Cowper
N.J. Hiebert - 8665
November 15
Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made know unto God. Philippians 4:6
Prayer and thanksgiving. Prayer is a means to dispose the heart to praise. When David begins a psalm with prayer, he commonly ends it with praise. That Spirit which leads a soul out of itself to God for supply, will direct it to the same God with His praise. We do not borrow money of one man and return it to another.
If God hath been thy strength, surely thou wilt make Him thy song. The thief comes not to thank a man for what he steals out fo his yard. Mercies ill got are commonly as ill spent, because they are not sanctified, and so become fuel to feed lusts.
As a necessary ingredient in all our prayers: Let your requests be made known with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). This spice must be in all our offerings. He that prays for a mercy he wants, and is not thankful for mercies received, may seem mindful of himself, but is forgetful of God, and so takes the right course to shut his prayers out of doors. God will not put His mercies into a torn purse; and such is is an unthankful heart.
Daniel, when in the very shadow of death, the plot being laid to take away his life, prayed three times a day, and gave thanks before his God (Daniel 6:10). To have heard him pray in that great strait would not have afforded so much matter for wonder; but to have his heart in tune for giving thanks in such a sad hour was admirable.
Prayer and Trial. When prayer cannot prevail to keep a temporal mercy alive, yet it will have a powerful influence to keep thy heart alive when that dies. O, it is sad, when a man's estate and comfort are buried in the same grave together. None will bear the loss of an enjoyment so patiently, as he that was exercised in prayer while he had it. The more David prayed for his child while alive, the fewer tears he shed for it when dead. William Gurnall - 1617-1679
N.J. Hiebert - 8666
Prayer and thanksgiving. Prayer is a means to dispose the heart to praise. When David begins a psalm with prayer, he commonly ends it with praise. That Spirit which leads a soul out of itself to God for supply, will direct it to the same God with His praise. We do not borrow money of one man and return it to another.
If God hath been thy strength, surely thou wilt make Him thy song. The thief comes not to thank a man for what he steals out fo his yard. Mercies ill got are commonly as ill spent, because they are not sanctified, and so become fuel to feed lusts.
As a necessary ingredient in all our prayers: Let your requests be made known with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). This spice must be in all our offerings. He that prays for a mercy he wants, and is not thankful for mercies received, may seem mindful of himself, but is forgetful of God, and so takes the right course to shut his prayers out of doors. God will not put His mercies into a torn purse; and such is is an unthankful heart.
Daniel, when in the very shadow of death, the plot being laid to take away his life, prayed three times a day, and gave thanks before his God (Daniel 6:10). To have heard him pray in that great strait would not have afforded so much matter for wonder; but to have his heart in tune for giving thanks in such a sad hour was admirable.
Prayer and Trial. When prayer cannot prevail to keep a temporal mercy alive, yet it will have a powerful influence to keep thy heart alive when that dies. O, it is sad, when a man's estate and comfort are buried in the same grave together. None will bear the loss of an enjoyment so patiently, as he that was exercised in prayer while he had it. The more David prayed for his child while alive, the fewer tears he shed for it when dead. William Gurnall - 1617-1679
N.J. Hiebert - 8666
November 16
There be . . . things which are little upon the earth, but . . . Proverbs 30:24
Someone once complained, "What I say or do doesn't matter. My influence is like a drop in the bucket!" "Ah, but a drop can be very important," said another.
"It all depends on what it is made of, and what's already in the bucket. One little drop of water falling into a container of acid may cause an explosion. One drop of germ culture introduced into a container of milk can make the liquid dangerous to drink; while one drop of cleansing disinfectant can neutralize a whole pail full of contaminated water".
Yes, even a "drop in a bucket" can make a tremendous difference. Our influence is greater than we suspect. In fact, those whom the world considers "insignificant" are probably the ones whose lives are making the greatest impact for eternity! Anon, Adapted
"Thou crownest the year with Thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness."
Psalm 65:11
N.J. Hiebert - 8667
Someone once complained, "What I say or do doesn't matter. My influence is like a drop in the bucket!" "Ah, but a drop can be very important," said another.
"It all depends on what it is made of, and what's already in the bucket. One little drop of water falling into a container of acid may cause an explosion. One drop of germ culture introduced into a container of milk can make the liquid dangerous to drink; while one drop of cleansing disinfectant can neutralize a whole pail full of contaminated water".
Yes, even a "drop in a bucket" can make a tremendous difference. Our influence is greater than we suspect. In fact, those whom the world considers "insignificant" are probably the ones whose lives are making the greatest impact for eternity! Anon, Adapted
"Thou crownest the year with Thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness."
Psalm 65:11
N.J. Hiebert - 8667
November 17
They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way. Psalm 107:4
There is a mystery in human hearts, and though we be encircled by a host
Of those who love us well, and are beloved, to every one of us, from time to time,
There comes a sense of utter loneliness. Our dearest friend is "stranger" to our pain
And cannot realize our bitterness.
"There is not one who really understands, not one to enter in to all I feel!" -
Such is the cry of each of us in turn. We wander in "a solitary way,"
No matter what or where our lot may be each heart, mysterious even to itself,
Must live its inner life in solitude.
And would you know the reason why this is? It is because the Lord desires our love,
In every heart He wishes to be first. He therefore keeps the secret-key Himself,
To open all its chambers, and to bless, with perfect sympathy and holy peace,
Each solitary soul which comes to Him.
So when we feel this loneliness, it is the voice of JESUS saying, "Come to Me!"
And every time we are "not understood," it is another call to us to come;
For Christ alone can satisfy the soul, and those who walk with Him from day to day
Can never have "a solitary way".
Then if beneath some great trial you faint, and say, "I cannot bear this load alone,"
You say the truth. Christ made it purposely so heavy that you must leave it to Him.
The bitter grief which no one understands conveys a secret message from the Lord,
Entreating you to come to Him with it.
The Man of Sorrows understands it well in all points tempted, He can feel with you.
You cannot come too often, or too near. The Son of God is infinite in grace,
His presence satisfies the longing soul, and those who walk with Him from day to
day can never have a "solitary way." A. C.
N.J. Hiebert - 8668
There is a mystery in human hearts, and though we be encircled by a host
Of those who love us well, and are beloved, to every one of us, from time to time,
There comes a sense of utter loneliness. Our dearest friend is "stranger" to our pain
And cannot realize our bitterness.
"There is not one who really understands, not one to enter in to all I feel!" -
Such is the cry of each of us in turn. We wander in "a solitary way,"
No matter what or where our lot may be each heart, mysterious even to itself,
Must live its inner life in solitude.
And would you know the reason why this is? It is because the Lord desires our love,
In every heart He wishes to be first. He therefore keeps the secret-key Himself,
To open all its chambers, and to bless, with perfect sympathy and holy peace,
Each solitary soul which comes to Him.
So when we feel this loneliness, it is the voice of JESUS saying, "Come to Me!"
And every time we are "not understood," it is another call to us to come;
For Christ alone can satisfy the soul, and those who walk with Him from day to day
Can never have "a solitary way".
Then if beneath some great trial you faint, and say, "I cannot bear this load alone,"
You say the truth. Christ made it purposely so heavy that you must leave it to Him.
The bitter grief which no one understands conveys a secret message from the Lord,
Entreating you to come to Him with it.
The Man of Sorrows understands it well in all points tempted, He can feel with you.
You cannot come too often, or too near. The Son of God is infinite in grace,
His presence satisfies the longing soul, and those who walk with Him from day to
day can never have a "solitary way." A. C.
N.J. Hiebert - 8668
November 18
And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the Ghost. And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. Mark 15:37,38.
Now that Jesus' death was consummated, the only righteous ground of life and redemption, the "veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom." The veil was that which separated the holy place from the holy of holies; there was no single point in the Jewish system more emphatic than the veil.
For what the veil indicated as a figure was God present, but man standing outside; God dealing with the people, but the people unable to draw near to God, having Him with them in the world, but nevertheless not brought to Himself, not able to look upon His glory, kept at a distance from Him under the law. (Hebrews 9:7,8)
As the supernatural darkness (Mark 15:33) was one testimony before His death, so this rending of the veil, at His death declared the power of Christ's blood. It was not only God come down to man, but man now by the blood of Christ entitled to draw near to God, yea, all who know the value of that blood, into the holiest of all. "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which He has consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say His flesh . . .let us draw near. . . (Hebrews 10:19-22). Exposition on Mark - William Kelly
The veil is rent:--our souls draw near unto a throne of grace;
The merits of the Lord appear, they fill the holy place.
His precious blood has spoken there, before and on the throne:
And His own wounds in heaven declare, the atoning work is done.
'Tis finished! here our souls have rest, His work can never fail:
By Him, our Sacrifice and Priest, we pass within the veil. - J. G. Deck
N.J. HIebert - 8669
Now that Jesus' death was consummated, the only righteous ground of life and redemption, the "veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom." The veil was that which separated the holy place from the holy of holies; there was no single point in the Jewish system more emphatic than the veil.
For what the veil indicated as a figure was God present, but man standing outside; God dealing with the people, but the people unable to draw near to God, having Him with them in the world, but nevertheless not brought to Himself, not able to look upon His glory, kept at a distance from Him under the law. (Hebrews 9:7,8)
As the supernatural darkness (Mark 15:33) was one testimony before His death, so this rending of the veil, at His death declared the power of Christ's blood. It was not only God come down to man, but man now by the blood of Christ entitled to draw near to God, yea, all who know the value of that blood, into the holiest of all. "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which He has consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say His flesh . . .let us draw near. . . (Hebrews 10:19-22). Exposition on Mark - William Kelly
The veil is rent:--our souls draw near unto a throne of grace;
The merits of the Lord appear, they fill the holy place.
His precious blood has spoken there, before and on the throne:
And His own wounds in heaven declare, the atoning work is done.
'Tis finished! here our souls have rest, His work can never fail:
By Him, our Sacrifice and Priest, we pass within the veil. - J. G. Deck
N.J. HIebert - 8669
November 19
After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and Thy exceeding great reward.
Genesis 15:1
Abram had just been through some trying experiences--a famine in the land; the defection of his nephew Lot from the path of faith; the battle with the kings--but Abram had stood firm in his faith, unmoved by the swelling tide of circumstance.
It is "after these things," that God gave Abram this word of encouragement: Fear not. So it is as we tread this wilderness scene. Often we face trial upon trial, but our God is aware of it, and just when we need it, He gives that renewing word from Himself--fear not! William Burnett
Is the wilderness before thee, desert land where drought abides?
Heavenly springs shall there restore thee, fresh from God's exhaustless tides.
Light divine surrounds thy going, God Himself shall mark thy way;
Secret blessings, richly flowing, lead to everlasting day.
In the desert God will teach thee what the God that thou has found,
Patient, gracious, powerful, holy, all His grace shall there abound.
Though thy way be long and dreary, eagle strength He'll still renew:
Garments fresh and foot unweary tell how God hath brought thee through.
When to Canaan's long-loved dwelling Love divine thy foot shall bring,
There, with shouts of triumph swelling, Zion's songs in rest to sing--
There no stranger-God shall meet thee, stranger thou in courts above,
He Who to His rest shall great thee, greets thee with a well-known love.
J. N. Darby 1837
N.J. Hiebert - 8670
Abram had just been through some trying experiences--a famine in the land; the defection of his nephew Lot from the path of faith; the battle with the kings--but Abram had stood firm in his faith, unmoved by the swelling tide of circumstance.
It is "after these things," that God gave Abram this word of encouragement: Fear not. So it is as we tread this wilderness scene. Often we face trial upon trial, but our God is aware of it, and just when we need it, He gives that renewing word from Himself--fear not! William Burnett
Is the wilderness before thee, desert land where drought abides?
Heavenly springs shall there restore thee, fresh from God's exhaustless tides.
Light divine surrounds thy going, God Himself shall mark thy way;
Secret blessings, richly flowing, lead to everlasting day.
In the desert God will teach thee what the God that thou has found,
Patient, gracious, powerful, holy, all His grace shall there abound.
Though thy way be long and dreary, eagle strength He'll still renew:
Garments fresh and foot unweary tell how God hath brought thee through.
When to Canaan's long-loved dwelling Love divine thy foot shall bring,
There, with shouts of triumph swelling, Zion's songs in rest to sing--
There no stranger-God shall meet thee, stranger thou in courts above,
He Who to His rest shall great thee, greets thee with a well-known love.
J. N. Darby 1837
N.J. Hiebert - 8670
November 20
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my Words shall not pass away. Matthew 24:35
Bibles are more plentiful today than they ever have been. The words of the Lord Jesus are better known and loved by a greater multitude today than ever before in the history of the world. The gospels have been handed down by the noblest of earth, through rivers of blood, at the cost of liberty and life, in the history of every nation in Christendom.
Christians have fought by weakness, enemies as diverse as Herod, Pontius Pilate, and the people of Israel, and have always been victorious. The enemy, the devil, in one age, has prepared his weapons in the monasteries of superstition; in another he has conducted his warfare from the colleges of infidelity; but whether Greek or Jew, ignorant or intellectual, every weapon has failed.
Passed away! What has passed away? The kings of earth have passed away. The cruelty of the inquisition and the scoffings of Voltaire have passed away. Whatever opposition may arise to God and His Word shall surely pass away: for the Son of Man Who was Son of God, said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words shall not pass away."
Let the ages answer. Let history come with the officers to the seat of power and learning. With one voice all will say, "Never man spake like this Man."
"And the Pharisees and the chief priest sent officers to take Him . . . Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought Him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this man." (John 7:32,45,46)
Leonard Sheldrake (1885-1952) A Plant of Renown
N.J. Hiebert - 8671
Bibles are more plentiful today than they ever have been. The words of the Lord Jesus are better known and loved by a greater multitude today than ever before in the history of the world. The gospels have been handed down by the noblest of earth, through rivers of blood, at the cost of liberty and life, in the history of every nation in Christendom.
Christians have fought by weakness, enemies as diverse as Herod, Pontius Pilate, and the people of Israel, and have always been victorious. The enemy, the devil, in one age, has prepared his weapons in the monasteries of superstition; in another he has conducted his warfare from the colleges of infidelity; but whether Greek or Jew, ignorant or intellectual, every weapon has failed.
Passed away! What has passed away? The kings of earth have passed away. The cruelty of the inquisition and the scoffings of Voltaire have passed away. Whatever opposition may arise to God and His Word shall surely pass away: for the Son of Man Who was Son of God, said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words shall not pass away."
Let the ages answer. Let history come with the officers to the seat of power and learning. With one voice all will say, "Never man spake like this Man."
"And the Pharisees and the chief priest sent officers to take Him . . . Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought Him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this man." (John 7:32,45,46)
Leonard Sheldrake (1885-1952) A Plant of Renown
N.J. Hiebert - 8671
November 21
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
Have you ever thought how infectious fear can be? It spreads from one to another more quickly and certainly than any of the fevers we know so well. So, for the sake of others, let us refuse the spirit of fear which God never gives us (if He does not, who does?), and let us open our hearts wide to the Spirit "of power and love and discipline." We can do this if we will.
Thank God, courage is as infectious as discouragement. Have you not often felt the cheer and strength that seem to flow from one whose mind is stayed on God? I have. And I have been thinking of another, a greater, reason for refusing the spirit of fear. When we are downhearted, or fearful, or weak, we are saying to everybody, by looks and by deeds if not by by words, "After all, our Lord is not to be absolutely trusted."
Somewhere near us, though we do not see them, are others, the good angels and the spirits of evil. To them, too, when we yield to fear, we say the same dishonouring thing. So for the greater glory of our glorious Saviour Who has never once failed us, and never will fail us, Who has loved and led and guarded us all these years, let us look to Him now and pray from the ground of our heart, Lord, give us valour. Edges of His Ways - Amy Carmichael
And He touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose,
and ministered unto them. Matthew 8:15
Whatever the fever, His touch can heal it; whatever the tempest, His voice can still;
There is only joy as we seek His pleasure, there is only rest as we chose His will.
And some day, after life's fitful fever, I think that we shall say, in the home on high,
If the hands that He touched but did His bidding,
How little it matters what else went by! Edith Cheery
N.J. Hiebert - 8672
Have you ever thought how infectious fear can be? It spreads from one to another more quickly and certainly than any of the fevers we know so well. So, for the sake of others, let us refuse the spirit of fear which God never gives us (if He does not, who does?), and let us open our hearts wide to the Spirit "of power and love and discipline." We can do this if we will.
Thank God, courage is as infectious as discouragement. Have you not often felt the cheer and strength that seem to flow from one whose mind is stayed on God? I have. And I have been thinking of another, a greater, reason for refusing the spirit of fear. When we are downhearted, or fearful, or weak, we are saying to everybody, by looks and by deeds if not by by words, "After all, our Lord is not to be absolutely trusted."
Somewhere near us, though we do not see them, are others, the good angels and the spirits of evil. To them, too, when we yield to fear, we say the same dishonouring thing. So for the greater glory of our glorious Saviour Who has never once failed us, and never will fail us, Who has loved and led and guarded us all these years, let us look to Him now and pray from the ground of our heart, Lord, give us valour. Edges of His Ways - Amy Carmichael
And He touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose,
and ministered unto them. Matthew 8:15
Whatever the fever, His touch can heal it; whatever the tempest, His voice can still;
There is only joy as we seek His pleasure, there is only rest as we chose His will.
And some day, after life's fitful fever, I think that we shall say, in the home on high,
If the hands that He touched but did His bidding,
How little it matters what else went by! Edith Cheery
N.J. Hiebert - 8672
November 22
And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book...Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou...hast redeemed us. Revelation 5:4,9
It is easy to become discouraged when we think about our world's sad state of affairs. There seems to be no end to its evil downward spiral. But, Christian, don't despair! Our Lord has already redeemed us with His own precious blood. He will one day execute judgment.
"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10,11) (Romans 14:11)
The victory is already won. It won't be long before our Lord will reign in righteousness and there will be peace on earth. --C. Mark Hogan
"Till He come," O let the words linger on the trembling chords,
Let the "little while" between in their golden light be seen;
Let us think how Heaven and home lie beyond that, "Till He come."
When the weary ones we love enter on their rest above,
Seems the earth so poor and vast, all our life joy overcast?
Hush be every murmur dumb; it is only, "Till He come."
Clouds and conflicts round us press; would we have one sorrow less?
All the sharpness of the cross, all that tells the world is lost,
Death and darkness, and the tomb, only whisper, "Till He come."
(1 Corinthians 11:26 Hebrews 10:37)
N.J. Hiebert - 8673
It is easy to become discouraged when we think about our world's sad state of affairs. There seems to be no end to its evil downward spiral. But, Christian, don't despair! Our Lord has already redeemed us with His own precious blood. He will one day execute judgment.
"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10,11) (Romans 14:11)
The victory is already won. It won't be long before our Lord will reign in righteousness and there will be peace on earth. --C. Mark Hogan
"Till He come," O let the words linger on the trembling chords,
Let the "little while" between in their golden light be seen;
Let us think how Heaven and home lie beyond that, "Till He come."
When the weary ones we love enter on their rest above,
Seems the earth so poor and vast, all our life joy overcast?
Hush be every murmur dumb; it is only, "Till He come."
Clouds and conflicts round us press; would we have one sorrow less?
All the sharpness of the cross, all that tells the world is lost,
Death and darkness, and the tomb, only whisper, "Till He come."
(1 Corinthians 11:26 Hebrews 10:37)
N.J. Hiebert - 8673
November 23
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