December 21
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place.
(2 Corinthians 2:14)
There is one other thing which we would do well to note, namely, that a fragrance is the same everywhere. "For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you."
(2 Corinthians 2:4)
A rose smells as sweetly in the kitchen as in the living room; in the house of business as in the prayer meeting or on the playground.
Lord Jesus, in the busy mart, the hurrying crowd, the anxious strife,
Maintain Thy throne within my heart, be thou to me my very life.
The wild pursuit of paltry wealth, the craze and lure of wrong desires,
The world that lives without Thyself, and all for self alone aspires--
Let these all leave me undismayed, untouched, unstained, by sin or shame,
Calm, and at all times unafraid, indifferent quite, to worldly fame.
But filled alone with Thee, my Lord, and all of Heaven's joy beside,
Thus walk with Thee in glad accord, and find my Heaven at Thy side.
One look of love from Thy kind eyes, one pressure of Thy nail-scarred hand,
Are more than earth's most thrilling prize, acclaimed abroad in every land.
Winsome Christianity - Henry Durbanville
N.J. Hiebert - 8702
(2 Corinthians 2:14)
There is one other thing which we would do well to note, namely, that a fragrance is the same everywhere. "For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you."
(2 Corinthians 2:4)
A rose smells as sweetly in the kitchen as in the living room; in the house of business as in the prayer meeting or on the playground.
Lord Jesus, in the busy mart, the hurrying crowd, the anxious strife,
Maintain Thy throne within my heart, be thou to me my very life.
The wild pursuit of paltry wealth, the craze and lure of wrong desires,
The world that lives without Thyself, and all for self alone aspires--
Let these all leave me undismayed, untouched, unstained, by sin or shame,
Calm, and at all times unafraid, indifferent quite, to worldly fame.
But filled alone with Thee, my Lord, and all of Heaven's joy beside,
Thus walk with Thee in glad accord, and find my Heaven at Thy side.
One look of love from Thy kind eyes, one pressure of Thy nail-scarred hand,
Are more than earth's most thrilling prize, acclaimed abroad in every land.
Winsome Christianity - Henry Durbanville
N.J. Hiebert - 8702
December 22
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse . . . and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10
The truth of this verse is well illustrated in nature where the farmer who sows liberally, reaps liberally, and the farmer who sows sparingly will reap sparingly.
So it is with us. If we hoard our resources and give to God in a skimpy fashion, we cannot expect to see His hand open in blessing upon us. But if we yield our all to Him, we can expect to see returns that will go beyond our ability to conceive it.
There shall be showers of blessing: this is the promise of love:
There shall be seasons refreshing, sent from the Saviour above.
There shall be showers of blessing, precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys, sound of abundance of rain.
There shall be showers of blessing: send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing, come, and now honour Thy Word.
There shall be showers of blessing: oh that today they might fall,
Now as to God we're confessing, now as on Jesus we call!
CHORUS
Showers of blessing, Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy drops round us are falling, but for the showers we plead. (El Nathan)
N.J. Hiebert - 8703
The truth of this verse is well illustrated in nature where the farmer who sows liberally, reaps liberally, and the farmer who sows sparingly will reap sparingly.
So it is with us. If we hoard our resources and give to God in a skimpy fashion, we cannot expect to see His hand open in blessing upon us. But if we yield our all to Him, we can expect to see returns that will go beyond our ability to conceive it.
There shall be showers of blessing: this is the promise of love:
There shall be seasons refreshing, sent from the Saviour above.
There shall be showers of blessing, precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys, sound of abundance of rain.
There shall be showers of blessing: send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing, come, and now honour Thy Word.
There shall be showers of blessing: oh that today they might fall,
Now as to God we're confessing, now as on Jesus we call!
CHORUS
Showers of blessing, Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy drops round us are falling, but for the showers we plead. (El Nathan)
N.J. Hiebert - 8703
December 23
In the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate. And Pilate asked Him, Art Thou the King of the Jews? And He answering said unto him, thou sayest it. ...The multitude crying aloud began to desire (Barabbas)...who had committed murder...will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews...And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify Him." (Mark 15:1-15)
By their Roman conquerors the Jews had been deprived of the right to inflict capital punishment. The Jewish rulers lead Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor, that he may pronounce and execute the sentence of death. Mark pictures all the essential features of the scene: the malice of the rulers, the fickleness of the people, the moral cowardice of Pilate, and above all the supreme majesty of Jesus. As to the character of the rulers in this supreme crisis they exhibit their power over the people and so emphasize their guilty abuse of the sacred trust of leadership and influence.
As to the people, their change of sentiment is incredible, and their choice is fatal. Throughout the whole story they have been enthusiastic in their support of Jesus; they have thronged about Him continually, and recently, as He entered the city, they hailed Him joyfully as their Messiah and King. Suddenly all is changed, when they demanded the release of a murderer (Barabbas) and demand that Jesus be crucified.
How deceitful the rulers must have been, "the chief priest moved the people that Pilate should rather release Barabbas unto them." (Mark 15:11) This furnishes the tragic example of Pilate who lacked the courage of his convictions; when absolutely convinced of the innocence of Jesus. Barbarous torture of a Roman scourging was ordered, thinking that this would satisfy the malice of his enemies. All is in vain; the multitude more loudly demanded that the sufferer should be crucified. Fearing the consequences of treason, Pilate pronounces the sentence of death. Charles R. Erdman
N.J. Hiebert - 8704
By their Roman conquerors the Jews had been deprived of the right to inflict capital punishment. The Jewish rulers lead Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor, that he may pronounce and execute the sentence of death. Mark pictures all the essential features of the scene: the malice of the rulers, the fickleness of the people, the moral cowardice of Pilate, and above all the supreme majesty of Jesus. As to the character of the rulers in this supreme crisis they exhibit their power over the people and so emphasize their guilty abuse of the sacred trust of leadership and influence.
As to the people, their change of sentiment is incredible, and their choice is fatal. Throughout the whole story they have been enthusiastic in their support of Jesus; they have thronged about Him continually, and recently, as He entered the city, they hailed Him joyfully as their Messiah and King. Suddenly all is changed, when they demanded the release of a murderer (Barabbas) and demand that Jesus be crucified.
How deceitful the rulers must have been, "the chief priest moved the people that Pilate should rather release Barabbas unto them." (Mark 15:11) This furnishes the tragic example of Pilate who lacked the courage of his convictions; when absolutely convinced of the innocence of Jesus. Barbarous torture of a Roman scourging was ordered, thinking that this would satisfy the malice of his enemies. All is in vain; the multitude more loudly demanded that the sufferer should be crucified. Fearing the consequences of treason, Pilate pronounces the sentence of death. Charles R. Erdman
N.J. Hiebert - 8704
December 24
". . . the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will. " Ephesians 1:11
The purposes of the eternal Sovereign can be challenged, but never changed. He has a plan and purpose for each of His people and He "worketh all things" to the accomplishment thereof.
Our peace, pleasure, and profit require that our highest aspirations be subject to His perfect will. Our own purposes will lead to discipline, and perhaps suffering and loss as He brings us to conformity to His divine plan for us.
Therefore, it is wise to surrender ourselves entirely to His will now, and without detour reach our decisions in conformity to His unerring and loving purposes.
Doug Kazen
Since all the downward tracts of time
God's watchful eye surveys,
O, who so wise to choose our lot
Or regulate our ways?
Good when He gives, supremely good,
Nor less when He denies;
E'en crosses from His sovereign hand
Are blessings in disguise.
Why should we doubt a Father's love,
So constant and so kind?
To His unerring, gracious will
Be every wish resigned.
James Hervey (1714 - 1758)
N.J. Hiebert - 8705
The purposes of the eternal Sovereign can be challenged, but never changed. He has a plan and purpose for each of His people and He "worketh all things" to the accomplishment thereof.
Our peace, pleasure, and profit require that our highest aspirations be subject to His perfect will. Our own purposes will lead to discipline, and perhaps suffering and loss as He brings us to conformity to His divine plan for us.
Therefore, it is wise to surrender ourselves entirely to His will now, and without detour reach our decisions in conformity to His unerring and loving purposes.
Doug Kazen
Since all the downward tracts of time
God's watchful eye surveys,
O, who so wise to choose our lot
Or regulate our ways?
Good when He gives, supremely good,
Nor less when He denies;
E'en crosses from His sovereign hand
Are blessings in disguise.
Why should we doubt a Father's love,
So constant and so kind?
To His unerring, gracious will
Be every wish resigned.
James Hervey (1714 - 1758)
N.J. Hiebert - 8705
December 25
ON MEEKNESS AND WEAKNESS
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.
Titus 3:1-2
Meek men are not weak men. The meek are gracious, congenial individuals who are easy to get along with. These genial, good-natured souls win friends on every side because they refuse to shove, push, and throw their weight around. They do not win their wars with brutal battles and fierce fights. They win their way into a hundred hearts and homes with the passport of a lowly, loving spirit.
Their unique genius is their gentleness. This quality of life does not come from a position of feeble impotence, but rather from a tremendous inner strength and serenity. Only the strong, stable spirit can afford to be gentle.
It is the sublime Spirit of the living God who bestows upon us the capacity to express genuine concern and compassion for others. His self-less self-giving enables us to treat others with courtesy and consideration. This quality is much more than a thin veneer of proper propriety or superficial politeness. . . . Rather, it is the epitome of a laid-down life, poured out, laid out, lived out on behalf of others.
Songs of My Soul -W. Phillip Keller.
N.J. Hiebert - 8706
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.
Titus 3:1-2
Meek men are not weak men. The meek are gracious, congenial individuals who are easy to get along with. These genial, good-natured souls win friends on every side because they refuse to shove, push, and throw their weight around. They do not win their wars with brutal battles and fierce fights. They win their way into a hundred hearts and homes with the passport of a lowly, loving spirit.
Their unique genius is their gentleness. This quality of life does not come from a position of feeble impotence, but rather from a tremendous inner strength and serenity. Only the strong, stable spirit can afford to be gentle.
It is the sublime Spirit of the living God who bestows upon us the capacity to express genuine concern and compassion for others. His self-less self-giving enables us to treat others with courtesy and consideration. This quality is much more than a thin veneer of proper propriety or superficial politeness. . . . Rather, it is the epitome of a laid-down life, poured out, laid out, lived out on behalf of others.
Songs of My Soul -W. Phillip Keller.
N.J. Hiebert - 8706
December 26
And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation. 2 Corinthians 1:7
Once I heard a song of sweetness, as it cleft the morning air,
Sounding in its blest completeness, like a tender, pleading prayer;
And I sought to find the singer, whence the wondrous song was borne;
And I found a bird, sore wounded, pinioned by a cruel throne.
I have seen a soul in sadness, while its wings with pain were furl'd,
Giving hope, and cheer and gladness that should bless a weeping world;
And I knew that life of sweetness, was of pain and sorrow borne,
And a stricken soul was singing, with his heart against a thorn.
Ye are told of One who loved you, of a Saviour crucified,
Ye are told of nails that pinioned, and a spear that pierced His side;
Ye are told of cruel scourging, of a Saviour bearing scorn,
And He died for your salvation, with His brow against a thorn.
Ye are not above the Master. Will you breathe a sweet refrain?
And His grace will be sufficient, when your heart is pierced with pain.
Will you live to bless His loved ones, tho' your life be bruised and torn,
Like the bird that sang so sweetly, with his heart against a thorn?
Mike's comment, "My mom loved this hymn."
Submitted by - Mike O'Brien (severely handicapped brother in Christ)
N.J. Hiebert - 8707
Once I heard a song of sweetness, as it cleft the morning air,
Sounding in its blest completeness, like a tender, pleading prayer;
And I sought to find the singer, whence the wondrous song was borne;
And I found a bird, sore wounded, pinioned by a cruel throne.
I have seen a soul in sadness, while its wings with pain were furl'd,
Giving hope, and cheer and gladness that should bless a weeping world;
And I knew that life of sweetness, was of pain and sorrow borne,
And a stricken soul was singing, with his heart against a thorn.
Ye are told of One who loved you, of a Saviour crucified,
Ye are told of nails that pinioned, and a spear that pierced His side;
Ye are told of cruel scourging, of a Saviour bearing scorn,
And He died for your salvation, with His brow against a thorn.
Ye are not above the Master. Will you breathe a sweet refrain?
And His grace will be sufficient, when your heart is pierced with pain.
Will you live to bless His loved ones, tho' your life be bruised and torn,
Like the bird that sang so sweetly, with his heart against a thorn?
Mike's comment, "My mom loved this hymn."
Submitted by - Mike O'Brien (severely handicapped brother in Christ)
N.J. Hiebert - 8707
December 27
Then they sought to take Him: but no man laid hands on Him, because His hour was not yet come. John 7:30
It is a principle that runs through scripture, that God's servants are indestructible until their service is over. God protects and preserves His servants until His purpose for their lives is complete; then He takes them to Himself. Daniel and his friends were exposed to the ruthless decree of an uncaring king, and could have been swept away along with the other wise men of Babylon, but God had other plans for them. Neither Nebuchadnezzar nor any other, could thwart these plans.
We also see this exemplified in the life of the Lord Jesus. For example, in John 7:30, "His hour was not yet come." Men could not take Him and kill Him at their whim, because the life of the Lord Jesus was being ordered according to His Father's timing.
We can rest secure that He will keep us right to the end, and His purposes for our lives will be fulfilled. Only when His purposes for us are complete will we be taken to His presence. Until then, our lives are invincible.
Paul also rested secure in this knowledge. "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:20,21. "Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death." Life and death for Paul were in the hands of the Lord. Even when it became evident that God's purposes for him were nearing completion, and he was to die on Nero's execution block. "I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand" 2 Timothy 4:6 Daniel - W. Burnett
Our times are in Thy hand, Father, we wish them there;
Our life, our soul, our all, we leave entirely to Thy care .
Our times are in Thy hand, we'd always trust in Thee;
Till we have left this weary land, and all Thy glory see. (W. F. Floyd -1835)
N.J. Hiebert - 8708
It is a principle that runs through scripture, that God's servants are indestructible until their service is over. God protects and preserves His servants until His purpose for their lives is complete; then He takes them to Himself. Daniel and his friends were exposed to the ruthless decree of an uncaring king, and could have been swept away along with the other wise men of Babylon, but God had other plans for them. Neither Nebuchadnezzar nor any other, could thwart these plans.
We also see this exemplified in the life of the Lord Jesus. For example, in John 7:30, "His hour was not yet come." Men could not take Him and kill Him at their whim, because the life of the Lord Jesus was being ordered according to His Father's timing.
We can rest secure that He will keep us right to the end, and His purposes for our lives will be fulfilled. Only when His purposes for us are complete will we be taken to His presence. Until then, our lives are invincible.
Paul also rested secure in this knowledge. "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:20,21. "Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death." Life and death for Paul were in the hands of the Lord. Even when it became evident that God's purposes for him were nearing completion, and he was to die on Nero's execution block. "I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand" 2 Timothy 4:6 Daniel - W. Burnett
Our times are in Thy hand, Father, we wish them there;
Our life, our soul, our all, we leave entirely to Thy care .
Our times are in Thy hand, we'd always trust in Thee;
Till we have left this weary land, and all Thy glory see. (W. F. Floyd -1835)
N.J. Hiebert - 8708
December 28
But Thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Micah 5:2
Then took he (Simeon) Him (Jesus) up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy Word: For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation. Luke 2:28-30
Hark the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King; peace on earth, and mercy mild-God and sinners reconciled!" Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies; with th' angelic hosts proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem." Hark the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!" (Luke 2:8-14)
Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord: late in time behold Him come, offspring of a virgin's womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th' incarnate Deity! Pleased as Man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, ris'n with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die; born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!" (Charles Wesley)
N.J. Hiebert - 8709
Then took he (Simeon) Him (Jesus) up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy Word: For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation. Luke 2:28-30
Hark the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King; peace on earth, and mercy mild-God and sinners reconciled!" Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies; with th' angelic hosts proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem." Hark the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!" (Luke 2:8-14)
Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord: late in time behold Him come, offspring of a virgin's womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th' incarnate Deity! Pleased as Man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, ris'n with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die; born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!" (Charles Wesley)
N.J. Hiebert - 8709
December 29
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:9-11
"Unto you is born this day a Saviour"
Which is Jesus Christ the wondrous Lord;
Not a "teacher," not a "good example,"
But the Son of God, the Living Word.
No "philosopher," his fancies weaving,
Warp of dreams and woof of visions vast,
Not a "prophet," peering down the future,
Not a "scholar," delving in the past.
"Unto you is born this day a Saviour";
Shine, O star! and shout, O angel voice!
Unto you this precious gift is given;
Sing, O earth! and all ye heavens, rejoice!
Long the world has waited such a Saviour,
Sunk in sin and torn by fear and doubt;
Long in darkness groped for truth and wisdom;
Glory, glory, now the light shines out!
"Unto you is born this day a Saviour,"
Earth's one hope, the Life, the Truth, the Way,
Mighty God and glorious Redeemer,
Jesus Christ the Lord is born today.
Annie Johnson Flint
N.J. Hiebert - 8710
"Unto you is born this day a Saviour"
Which is Jesus Christ the wondrous Lord;
Not a "teacher," not a "good example,"
But the Son of God, the Living Word.
No "philosopher," his fancies weaving,
Warp of dreams and woof of visions vast,
Not a "prophet," peering down the future,
Not a "scholar," delving in the past.
"Unto you is born this day a Saviour";
Shine, O star! and shout, O angel voice!
Unto you this precious gift is given;
Sing, O earth! and all ye heavens, rejoice!
Long the world has waited such a Saviour,
Sunk in sin and torn by fear and doubt;
Long in darkness groped for truth and wisdom;
Glory, glory, now the light shines out!
"Unto you is born this day a Saviour,"
Earth's one hope, the Life, the Truth, the Way,
Mighty God and glorious Redeemer,
Jesus Christ the Lord is born today.
Annie Johnson Flint
N.J. Hiebert - 8710
December 30
Therefore doth My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of My Father. John 10:17-18
He was free, and yet under commandment. Strange all this, again I admit, to reasonings and unbelief, but perfect in the judgment of faith.
The Son of God died on the tree, where the wicked hand of man had nailed Him, and the eternal purpose and grace of God had appointed Him. There He died, and died because He was there. The Lamb was slain. Who would think of of gainsaying such a thought? Wicked hands murdered Him, and God provided Him as His own Lamb for the altar. Who would touch for a moment so needed and precious a mystery? And yet the Lamb gave up His own life.
No exhaustion under the suffering, no pressure of the cross, led Him to the death; but His life He yielded of Himself. In token of being in full possession of that which he was rendering up, "He cried with a loud voice," and then "gave up the ghost." (Mark 15:37). The history of the moment admits of no other thought; and I will add, neither should the worshipping affections of the saints.
Pilate marvelled that He was dead already; he would not believe it; He had to satisfy himself of it. No time had been passed on the cross sufficient to extort the life, so that the legs of the others had to be broken. But He was dead already, and Pilate must make inquiry, and call for the witness, ere he would believe it. The Son of God - J. G. Bellett
N.J. Hiebert - 8711
He was free, and yet under commandment. Strange all this, again I admit, to reasonings and unbelief, but perfect in the judgment of faith.
The Son of God died on the tree, where the wicked hand of man had nailed Him, and the eternal purpose and grace of God had appointed Him. There He died, and died because He was there. The Lamb was slain. Who would think of of gainsaying such a thought? Wicked hands murdered Him, and God provided Him as His own Lamb for the altar. Who would touch for a moment so needed and precious a mystery? And yet the Lamb gave up His own life.
No exhaustion under the suffering, no pressure of the cross, led Him to the death; but His life He yielded of Himself. In token of being in full possession of that which he was rendering up, "He cried with a loud voice," and then "gave up the ghost." (Mark 15:37). The history of the moment admits of no other thought; and I will add, neither should the worshipping affections of the saints.
Pilate marvelled that He was dead already; he would not believe it; He had to satisfy himself of it. No time had been passed on the cross sufficient to extort the life, so that the legs of the others had to be broken. But He was dead already, and Pilate must make inquiry, and call for the witness, ere he would believe it. The Son of God - J. G. Bellett
N.J. Hiebert - 8711
December 31
. . . Jesus said, let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on Me...She hath done what she could. Mark 14:6,8
A striking storey of W W II was recounted by an airman who was part of a crew that flew a B-17 bomber over Germany during that awful conflict. The particular bombing run which he recounted was targeted over the German city of Kassel.
As usual, the flak from German antiaircraft weapons was heavy and terrible. The shells most often used were 20mm, armour piercing shells with explosive charges in their tips. If they hit an aircraft in the right place the exploding charge would set off a far greater explosion, destroying the aircraft. During the raids, many allied bombers were lost after being hit by these shells. Yet, on this particular mission, though the shells actually pierced the fuel tanks of the bomber the airman was in, strangely, the aircraft did not explode. It was able to complete its mission and get back to its base before it ran out of fuel.
The pilot later told his aircrew the amazing story of that particular bombing run. The morning following the bombing run, he had requested that the air crew ground chief who was in charge of repairing the bomber's fuel tanks would give him one of the enemy shells as a souvenir of the what seemed a miracle. It was them the pilot learned that eleven shells had been found in the fuel tanks! All eleven shells were un-exploded even though just one should have caused the bomber to explode in flames.
The shells had been sent to the armorers to have their explosive tips defused, but then, Allied intelligence men had taken them away. Eventually the pilot received word that when the armorers opened each of the shells to defuse them, they found no explosive charges in any of shell tips. All eleven shell tips were empty.
Yet, not all of the shells were really empty! They found one shell which contained in its hollow tip a carefully rolled piece of paper with a note scrawled on it in the Czech language. The Allied intelligence people located a man who could read Czech and was able to decipher the note. It caused the whole bomber crew to marvel! The translated note read: This is all we can do for you for now. TCS - July 2013
N.J. Hiebert - 8712
A striking storey of W W II was recounted by an airman who was part of a crew that flew a B-17 bomber over Germany during that awful conflict. The particular bombing run which he recounted was targeted over the German city of Kassel.
As usual, the flak from German antiaircraft weapons was heavy and terrible. The shells most often used were 20mm, armour piercing shells with explosive charges in their tips. If they hit an aircraft in the right place the exploding charge would set off a far greater explosion, destroying the aircraft. During the raids, many allied bombers were lost after being hit by these shells. Yet, on this particular mission, though the shells actually pierced the fuel tanks of the bomber the airman was in, strangely, the aircraft did not explode. It was able to complete its mission and get back to its base before it ran out of fuel.
The pilot later told his aircrew the amazing story of that particular bombing run. The morning following the bombing run, he had requested that the air crew ground chief who was in charge of repairing the bomber's fuel tanks would give him one of the enemy shells as a souvenir of the what seemed a miracle. It was them the pilot learned that eleven shells had been found in the fuel tanks! All eleven shells were un-exploded even though just one should have caused the bomber to explode in flames.
The shells had been sent to the armorers to have their explosive tips defused, but then, Allied intelligence men had taken them away. Eventually the pilot received word that when the armorers opened each of the shells to defuse them, they found no explosive charges in any of shell tips. All eleven shell tips were empty.
Yet, not all of the shells were really empty! They found one shell which contained in its hollow tip a carefully rolled piece of paper with a note scrawled on it in the Czech language. The Allied intelligence people located a man who could read Czech and was able to decipher the note. It caused the whole bomber crew to marvel! The translated note read: This is all we can do for you for now. TCS - July 2013
N.J. Hiebert - 8712
January 1
The night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer,
Paul. Acts 23:11
Some think Paul should not have gone up to Jerusalem on this visit. Some think he should not have taken a vow as he was advised to do. Still others think that his behaviour on trial compares poorly with that of our Lord. Be all that as it may, the Lord knew Paul's heart and so stood by him to cheer him up and to assure him that he would witness also in Rome.
God does not measure us by by isolated incidents. "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). A good man may blunder and fall far below the standard, but God looks at the real motive, the general purpose of the heart. Some may do exceedingly well at times whose true heart is undependable. Others may fail at times, but their inmost self is right with God. God knew that Paul meant business with those who mean business. God knew that Paul meant business, and that is what counts with Him. Day by Day with Vance Havner
When we walk with the Lord in the Light of His word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His sweet will, how our hearts He can fill
With His love as we trust and obey.
But we never can prove the delights of His love
When in paths of self pleasing we stray;
For the favour He shows, and the joy He bestows
Are for those who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet let us sit at His feet,
Or walk by His side in the way;
What He says may we do, where He sends may we go--
Never fear, only trust and obey. (J. H. Sammis)
N.J. Hiebert - 8713
Paul. Acts 23:11
Some think Paul should not have gone up to Jerusalem on this visit. Some think he should not have taken a vow as he was advised to do. Still others think that his behaviour on trial compares poorly with that of our Lord. Be all that as it may, the Lord knew Paul's heart and so stood by him to cheer him up and to assure him that he would witness also in Rome.
God does not measure us by by isolated incidents. "Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). A good man may blunder and fall far below the standard, but God looks at the real motive, the general purpose of the heart. Some may do exceedingly well at times whose true heart is undependable. Others may fail at times, but their inmost self is right with God. God knew that Paul meant business with those who mean business. God knew that Paul meant business, and that is what counts with Him. Day by Day with Vance Havner
When we walk with the Lord in the Light of His word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His sweet will, how our hearts He can fill
With His love as we trust and obey.
But we never can prove the delights of His love
When in paths of self pleasing we stray;
For the favour He shows, and the joy He bestows
Are for those who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet let us sit at His feet,
Or walk by His side in the way;
What He says may we do, where He sends may we go--
Never fear, only trust and obey. (J. H. Sammis)
N.J. Hiebert - 8713
January 2
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
The Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
On a beautiful summer day each one of us can stand in the sunshine, feel its warmth and enjoy it to the full. While all have a share of the sun, we realize also that all have a sun to themselves. It is for all! It is for me! So is the love of God: vast, immense, wonderful! Alex Ross
Was it for me for me, alone, The Saviour left His glorious throne;
The dazzling splendours of the sky, was it for me He came to die?
Was it for me sweet angel strains came floating o'er Judea's plans?
That starlight night so long ago, was it for me God planned it so?
Was it for me the Saviour said, pillow thy weary aching head,
Trustingly on thy Saviour's breast? was it for me can I thus rest?
Was it for me He wept and prayed my load of sin before Him laid;
That night within Gethsemane, was it for me, that agony?
Was it for me He bowed His head, upon the cross, and freely shed
His precious blood-that crimson tide, was it for me the Saviour died?
Chorus It was for me, yes, all for me, O love of God, so great so free,
O wondrous love, I'll shout and sing. He died for me, my Lord and King!
J. M. Whyte
N.J. Hiebert - 8714
John 3:16
The Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
On a beautiful summer day each one of us can stand in the sunshine, feel its warmth and enjoy it to the full. While all have a share of the sun, we realize also that all have a sun to themselves. It is for all! It is for me! So is the love of God: vast, immense, wonderful! Alex Ross
Was it for me for me, alone, The Saviour left His glorious throne;
The dazzling splendours of the sky, was it for me He came to die?
Was it for me sweet angel strains came floating o'er Judea's plans?
That starlight night so long ago, was it for me God planned it so?
Was it for me the Saviour said, pillow thy weary aching head,
Trustingly on thy Saviour's breast? was it for me can I thus rest?
Was it for me He wept and prayed my load of sin before Him laid;
That night within Gethsemane, was it for me, that agony?
Was it for me He bowed His head, upon the cross, and freely shed
His precious blood-that crimson tide, was it for me the Saviour died?
Chorus It was for me, yes, all for me, O love of God, so great so free,
O wondrous love, I'll shout and sing. He died for me, my Lord and King!
J. M. Whyte
N.J. Hiebert - 8714
January 3
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