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
Lo, I am with you alway. Matthew 28:20
Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear. Rather look at them with full hope that, as they arise, God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. He has kept you hitherto; do you but hold fast to His dear hand, and He will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand, He will bear you in His arms.
Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of your tomorrow, and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations. Frances de Sales
The Lord is my Shepherd. Psalm 23:1 Not was, not may be, nor will be. "The Lord is my Shepherd," is on Sunday, is on Monday, and is through every day of the week; is in January, is in December, and every month of the year; is at home, and is in China; is in peace, and, is in war; in abundance, and in penury. J. Hudson Taylor
HE will silently plan for thee, object thou of omniscient care;
God Himself undertakes to be thy Pilot through each subtle snare.
He WILL silently plan for thee, so certainly, He cannot fail!
Rest on the faithfulness of God, In Him thou surely shalt prevail.
He will SILENTLY plan for thee some wonderful surprise of love.
Eye hath not seen, nor ear hath heard, but it is kept for thee above.
He will silently PLAN for thee, His purposes shall all unfold;
The tangled skein shall shine at last, a masterpiece of skill untold.
He will silently plan FOR THEE, happy child of a Father's care,
As though no other claimed His love, but thou alone to Him wert dear. E. M.Grimes
N.J. Hiebert - 8715
Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear. Rather look at them with full hope that, as they arise, God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. He has kept you hitherto; do you but hold fast to His dear hand, and He will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand, He will bear you in His arms.
Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of your tomorrow, and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations. Frances de Sales
The Lord is my Shepherd. Psalm 23:1 Not was, not may be, nor will be. "The Lord is my Shepherd," is on Sunday, is on Monday, and is through every day of the week; is in January, is in December, and every month of the year; is at home, and is in China; is in peace, and, is in war; in abundance, and in penury. J. Hudson Taylor
HE will silently plan for thee, object thou of omniscient care;
God Himself undertakes to be thy Pilot through each subtle snare.
He WILL silently plan for thee, so certainly, He cannot fail!
Rest on the faithfulness of God, In Him thou surely shalt prevail.
He will SILENTLY plan for thee some wonderful surprise of love.
Eye hath not seen, nor ear hath heard, but it is kept for thee above.
He will silently PLAN for thee, His purposes shall all unfold;
The tangled skein shall shine at last, a masterpiece of skill untold.
He will silently plan FOR THEE, happy child of a Father's care,
As though no other claimed His love, but thou alone to Him wert dear. E. M.Grimes
N.J. Hiebert - 8715
January 4
Forgetting the things which are behind. Philippians 3:13
Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee. Deuteronomy 8:2
Forgetting ills behind me, the sorrows past and gone,
Forgetting all my wanderings, too sad to dwell upon,
Remembering God's great goodness, in times of stress and strain,
Remembering His restorings, I praise my God again.
Forgetting all my doubtings, which dimmed faith's vision bright,
Forgetting all the earth-clouds, the darkness, gloom and night,
Remembering God's bright sunshine, and radiance of His face,
Remembering His long patience, I praise my God for grace.
Forgetting all unkindness which friends and foes have shown,
Forgetting and forgiving the wrongs that I have known,
Remembering God provided, unsought, each faithful friend,
Remembering love's devotion, I'll praise Him to the end.
Forgetting my repinings when disappointments came,
Forgetting all the murmurings, which filled my soul with shame,
Remembering God was ever true to His Holy Word,
Remembering He was faithful, I praise my sovereign Lord. A. G.
N.J. Hiebert - 8716
Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee. Deuteronomy 8:2
Forgetting ills behind me, the sorrows past and gone,
Forgetting all my wanderings, too sad to dwell upon,
Remembering God's great goodness, in times of stress and strain,
Remembering His restorings, I praise my God again.
Forgetting all my doubtings, which dimmed faith's vision bright,
Forgetting all the earth-clouds, the darkness, gloom and night,
Remembering God's bright sunshine, and radiance of His face,
Remembering His long patience, I praise my God for grace.
Forgetting all unkindness which friends and foes have shown,
Forgetting and forgiving the wrongs that I have known,
Remembering God provided, unsought, each faithful friend,
Remembering love's devotion, I'll praise Him to the end.
Forgetting my repinings when disappointments came,
Forgetting all the murmurings, which filled my soul with shame,
Remembering God was ever true to His Holy Word,
Remembering He was faithful, I praise my sovereign Lord. A. G.
N.J. Hiebert - 8716
January 5
Let us lay aside every weight . . . Looking unto Jesus . . . (Hebrews 12:1,2) I press toward the mark . . . (Philippians 3:14)
We stand together at the gateway of another year. It may be a year of many blessed experiences. Follow Him who goes before--the One who went before His people of old--a guiding light, a constant protection, an unfailing Friend and Counselor, an almighty Saviour.
When shadows deepen, and fear rides on the moaning wind; when sorrow comes, and we wander in the misty vale of grief; when joy beckons, and our way is sunlit--"remember" His past leading and know that all is well.
When spectres rise hauntingly from the past, when old heartaches and sorrows seem to weigh us down and blot out the sunshine forget "Those things which are behind," and reach forward to the joys before us. Paul says, "I press toward the mark"-- here there is urgency, and nothing must be allowed to hamper the runner's progress.
We make our own hindrances many times--our Master has done all He can to free us from every weight, giving us forgiveness for the past, help in the present, and assurance for the future. So, dear pilgrim, as we face the coming days of a new year, knowing that each one brings our Master's return nearer, let us "lay aside every weight . . . and press toward the mark," with singleness of heart "looking unto Jesus." A. G.
N.J. Hiebert - 8717
We stand together at the gateway of another year. It may be a year of many blessed experiences. Follow Him who goes before--the One who went before His people of old--a guiding light, a constant protection, an unfailing Friend and Counselor, an almighty Saviour.
When shadows deepen, and fear rides on the moaning wind; when sorrow comes, and we wander in the misty vale of grief; when joy beckons, and our way is sunlit--"remember" His past leading and know that all is well.
When spectres rise hauntingly from the past, when old heartaches and sorrows seem to weigh us down and blot out the sunshine forget "Those things which are behind," and reach forward to the joys before us. Paul says, "I press toward the mark"-- here there is urgency, and nothing must be allowed to hamper the runner's progress.
We make our own hindrances many times--our Master has done all He can to free us from every weight, giving us forgiveness for the past, help in the present, and assurance for the future. So, dear pilgrim, as we face the coming days of a new year, knowing that each one brings our Master's return nearer, let us "lay aside every weight . . . and press toward the mark," with singleness of heart "looking unto Jesus." A. G.
N.J. Hiebert - 8717
January 6
Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar: and put it upon hyssop, and put it to His mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said IT IS FINISHED: and He bowed His head and gave up the ghost". Then "one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side and forthwith came there out blood and water." (John 19:28-34) "And behold, the veil of the temple was rent from the top to the bottom." (Matthew 27:51)
The Lord Jesus, having done the will of God in laying done His life, (He had power to lay it down and power to take it again), "Made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death." (Isaiah 53:9) In fulfillment of this Scripture, a rich man named Joseph went to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre and departed.
But alas! man, not satisfied with what he has done, comes and seals the stone, and sets a watch, to keep the Lord there. But how could death and the grave hold Him? He came from heaven to abolish death and to bring life and incorruptibility to light. But He came as a servant, to do it all for God, being "Obedient even unto death" for the glory of God. Therefore God Himself steps in. "And behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it." (Matthew 28:2)
This was not for the Lord to come out; no great stone sealed could keep HIM there! He was risen, but God had sent an angel from heaven to roll away the stone, so that His own loved ones might see that the tomb was empty. "Come, see (said he) the place where the Lord lay." (Matthew 28:6) The Ways of God With Man - W. M. Sibthorpe
N.J. Hiebert - 8718
The Lord Jesus, having done the will of God in laying done His life, (He had power to lay it down and power to take it again), "Made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death." (Isaiah 53:9) In fulfillment of this Scripture, a rich man named Joseph went to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre and departed.
But alas! man, not satisfied with what he has done, comes and seals the stone, and sets a watch, to keep the Lord there. But how could death and the grave hold Him? He came from heaven to abolish death and to bring life and incorruptibility to light. But He came as a servant, to do it all for God, being "Obedient even unto death" for the glory of God. Therefore God Himself steps in. "And behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it." (Matthew 28:2)
This was not for the Lord to come out; no great stone sealed could keep HIM there! He was risen, but God had sent an angel from heaven to roll away the stone, so that His own loved ones might see that the tomb was empty. "Come, see (said he) the place where the Lord lay." (Matthew 28:6) The Ways of God With Man - W. M. Sibthorpe
N.J. Hiebert - 8718
January 7
"Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price." 1 Corinthians 6:20
We were hopeless to redeem ourselves. We had brought the curse on ourselves, but we had no way to escape from it. Then "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us." Galatians 3;13
Perhaps it seems a contradiction to say that we are slaves of Jesus Christ, and yet He has bought us out of the slave market to make us free men. There is an old story about a slave market in the south of the United States, many years ago. An Englishman was walking past the slave market when he noticed that there was a sale of slaves taking place. He went over to watch, as they did not have slaves in England, and he had never seen such a thing before.
As he watched, a very fine young man was brought out for sale. He was young and strong, and had a fine head and face. The bid went high for him, and as the Englishman watched, his heart was stirred with great pity for this man. At last he also began to bid; the price went higher and higher, but the Englishman determined that he should buy that slave. At last his bid was the highest, and the slave was handed over to him.
The slave came to him with chains on his hands and his feet, and a look of fury in his face. He cursed the Englishman with all the power he possessed. He said, "You call yourself an Englishman. You say you do not believe in slavery, and yet you buy me. Curses be be upon you!" The Englishman did not say one word, until at last the man, having no more breath to curse, stopped. Then the Englishman stepped forward, unlocked the chains on his hands and his feet, and threw them away, saying to him, "I bought you to set you free. You are a free man!" The slave fell down at his feet and cried out with tears, "I am your slave forever!" He became the faithful slave of that Englishman, but he was also a free man. G. C. Willis - Meditations on Galatians.
N.J. Hiebert - 8719
We were hopeless to redeem ourselves. We had brought the curse on ourselves, but we had no way to escape from it. Then "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us." Galatians 3;13
Perhaps it seems a contradiction to say that we are slaves of Jesus Christ, and yet He has bought us out of the slave market to make us free men. There is an old story about a slave market in the south of the United States, many years ago. An Englishman was walking past the slave market when he noticed that there was a sale of slaves taking place. He went over to watch, as they did not have slaves in England, and he had never seen such a thing before.
As he watched, a very fine young man was brought out for sale. He was young and strong, and had a fine head and face. The bid went high for him, and as the Englishman watched, his heart was stirred with great pity for this man. At last he also began to bid; the price went higher and higher, but the Englishman determined that he should buy that slave. At last his bid was the highest, and the slave was handed over to him.
The slave came to him with chains on his hands and his feet, and a look of fury in his face. He cursed the Englishman with all the power he possessed. He said, "You call yourself an Englishman. You say you do not believe in slavery, and yet you buy me. Curses be be upon you!" The Englishman did not say one word, until at last the man, having no more breath to curse, stopped. Then the Englishman stepped forward, unlocked the chains on his hands and his feet, and threw them away, saying to him, "I bought you to set you free. You are a free man!" The slave fell down at his feet and cried out with tears, "I am your slave forever!" He became the faithful slave of that Englishman, but he was also a free man. G. C. Willis - Meditations on Galatians.
N.J. Hiebert - 8719
January 8
And when He had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, He looked up to heaven, and blessed and break the loaves, and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided He among them all.
Mark 6:41
And when they were filled, He said unto His disciples, gather up the fragments (broken pieces) that remain, that nothing be lost. John 6:12
In England we cut a loaf, and if there is anything over, it is a cut end of a loaf, or there may be a few slices. There are never "fragments" (literally broken pieces). But in India people break bits off a loaf or cake, and I suppose it was so in Palestine, as broken pieces, not slices, were left over of what the Lord had first blessed and broken and given.
Some of us may be much more like poor broken pieces than nice tidy cut slices. At any rate we feel so. Is it not a comfort then, to read that not only did our Lord bless and break and give, but every morsel of what He had blessed was, in His sight, worth gathering up for use?
We may be only the odds and ends of things, not worth calling anything, but what He has blessed He uses, that nothing, even such nothings as we are, be lost. Edges of His Ways - Amy Carmichael (1867-1951)
N.J. Hiebert - 8720
And when they were filled, He said unto His disciples, gather up the fragments (broken pieces) that remain, that nothing be lost. John 6:12
In England we cut a loaf, and if there is anything over, it is a cut end of a loaf, or there may be a few slices. There are never "fragments" (literally broken pieces). But in India people break bits off a loaf or cake, and I suppose it was so in Palestine, as broken pieces, not slices, were left over of what the Lord had first blessed and broken and given.
Some of us may be much more like poor broken pieces than nice tidy cut slices. At any rate we feel so. Is it not a comfort then, to read that not only did our Lord bless and break and give, but every morsel of what He had blessed was, in His sight, worth gathering up for use?
We may be only the odds and ends of things, not worth calling anything, but what He has blessed He uses, that nothing, even such nothings as we are, be lost. Edges of His Ways - Amy Carmichael (1867-1951)
N.J. Hiebert - 8720
January 9
Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever. For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the later day upon the earth. Job 19:23-25
Monuments of stone will wear away and their inscriptions perish. The words of Christ spoken and written in the Scriptures, are not only remembered on earth, they are forever settled in heaven. There the beauty of those precious words will never wear away.
They had a way of preserving fruit a hundred years ago that I understand is now lost. I have seen a dish of oranges and apples that look as lovely as though freshly plucked from the trees. That fruit was seventy-five years old. It looked nice but it was as hard as rock. It was only good to look at; it could not be eaten.
This is like the preserved words of ancient men; the volumes look nice on library shelves, but not one in a hundred would take the trouble to read them, or to listen to them being read. Their power and life are gone.
The ancient writings are mostly heavy, dead, and uninteresting; but the souls of men still feed on the words of Christ today as they did a thousand years ago. "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (John 6:63) In this His words are different; they are fresh and satisfying, like fruit from our orchards in the summertime. Truly, "Never man spake like this Man." (John 7:46)
A Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake.
N.J. Hiebert - 8721
Monuments of stone will wear away and their inscriptions perish. The words of Christ spoken and written in the Scriptures, are not only remembered on earth, they are forever settled in heaven. There the beauty of those precious words will never wear away.
They had a way of preserving fruit a hundred years ago that I understand is now lost. I have seen a dish of oranges and apples that look as lovely as though freshly plucked from the trees. That fruit was seventy-five years old. It looked nice but it was as hard as rock. It was only good to look at; it could not be eaten.
This is like the preserved words of ancient men; the volumes look nice on library shelves, but not one in a hundred would take the trouble to read them, or to listen to them being read. Their power and life are gone.
The ancient writings are mostly heavy, dead, and uninteresting; but the souls of men still feed on the words of Christ today as they did a thousand years ago. "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (John 6:63) In this His words are different; they are fresh and satisfying, like fruit from our orchards in the summertime. Truly, "Never man spake like this Man." (John 7:46)
A Plant of Renown - Leonard Sheldrake.
N.J. Hiebert - 8721
January 10
VARIANT OR PERMANENT
Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy Name give glory, for Thy mercy, and Thy truths sake. Psalm 115:1
January 2022, the Omicron variant is getting scary! The pressure is on to be vaccinated because the only alternative is to catch it; so say our medical officials. Hospital staff by the hundreds are testing positive and that greatly strains the hospital and long-term care systems. These people have been valiant and dedicated fighters in this battle for over two years now; we need their continued help.
We believe that God is speaking in an ever-louder voice to all; and the vast majority are either ignoring or refusing God's message. He doesn't promise to protect any one from catching Covid, but does offer a new life that extends beyond the one we were born with; and while we are yet living on this troubled planet, assures us of peace in our souls whatever happens.
And that is the meaning of Permanent. Everything in this world and our lives is variant, subject to change without notice. We know how quickly we can tumble from joy to sorrow, from affluence to poverty, from daily work to soup kitchen line-up. By contrast God offers something Permanent, stable, unchangeable, that is, once received, can never be taken away or altered, either in this life or beyond. And who wouldn't want that? "This is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent (John 17:3).
The beauty of it is that you don't have to "DO" anything to earn it. God has taken care of all the "doing" that was necessary, and now, our part is to simply accept the gift and say "Thank you" to the Giver. "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." (2 Corinthians 9:15)
The major stumbling block is our innate pride. We have been brought up to be self-sufficient, to be masters of our own destiny, and to count on our good health and science to protect us from Covid. But with each new development, God is trying to teach us that He is ultimately in charge of everything, right down to the small details of our lives. He doesn't bring on wars, illness, famine or hurricanes to punish us, but does allow them to show how feeble we are at world management, and how powerful are the forces at His command. "Our God is in the heavens: He has done whatsoever He hath pleased. (Psalm 115:3)
Jesus Christ, God's Son, is the door of entry into permanent blessing. At the cross of Calvary, 2000 years ago, He bore the judgment of God, while bearing there all our sins upon Himself. The price of salvation was fully paid then and there. Millions have believed that the blood that flowed there was to wash away all their personal sins; why not you? "Now once in the end of the world hath He (Jesus) appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself (Hebrews 9:26).
Don't wait any longer. No one can name the exact date when this "limited time offer" will end, but we believe it will be very soon. "Behold, now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). "Repent ye, and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15)" Lorne for Vision 2020 (in 2022)
N.J. Hiebert - 8722
Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy Name give glory, for Thy mercy, and Thy truths sake. Psalm 115:1
January 2022, the Omicron variant is getting scary! The pressure is on to be vaccinated because the only alternative is to catch it; so say our medical officials. Hospital staff by the hundreds are testing positive and that greatly strains the hospital and long-term care systems. These people have been valiant and dedicated fighters in this battle for over two years now; we need their continued help.
We believe that God is speaking in an ever-louder voice to all; and the vast majority are either ignoring or refusing God's message. He doesn't promise to protect any one from catching Covid, but does offer a new life that extends beyond the one we were born with; and while we are yet living on this troubled planet, assures us of peace in our souls whatever happens.
And that is the meaning of Permanent. Everything in this world and our lives is variant, subject to change without notice. We know how quickly we can tumble from joy to sorrow, from affluence to poverty, from daily work to soup kitchen line-up. By contrast God offers something Permanent, stable, unchangeable, that is, once received, can never be taken away or altered, either in this life or beyond. And who wouldn't want that? "This is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent (John 17:3).
The beauty of it is that you don't have to "DO" anything to earn it. God has taken care of all the "doing" that was necessary, and now, our part is to simply accept the gift and say "Thank you" to the Giver. "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." (2 Corinthians 9:15)
The major stumbling block is our innate pride. We have been brought up to be self-sufficient, to be masters of our own destiny, and to count on our good health and science to protect us from Covid. But with each new development, God is trying to teach us that He is ultimately in charge of everything, right down to the small details of our lives. He doesn't bring on wars, illness, famine or hurricanes to punish us, but does allow them to show how feeble we are at world management, and how powerful are the forces at His command. "Our God is in the heavens: He has done whatsoever He hath pleased. (Psalm 115:3)
Jesus Christ, God's Son, is the door of entry into permanent blessing. At the cross of Calvary, 2000 years ago, He bore the judgment of God, while bearing there all our sins upon Himself. The price of salvation was fully paid then and there. Millions have believed that the blood that flowed there was to wash away all their personal sins; why not you? "Now once in the end of the world hath He (Jesus) appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself (Hebrews 9:26).
Don't wait any longer. No one can name the exact date when this "limited time offer" will end, but we believe it will be very soon. "Behold, now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). "Repent ye, and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15)" Lorne for Vision 2020 (in 2022)
N.J. Hiebert - 8722
January 11
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
I've seen the face of Jesus...it was a wondrous sight! Oh, glorious face of beauty, Oh gentle touch of care; If here it is so blessed, what will it be up there? W. Spencer Walton
In our fast-paced daily life, how easy it is to get caught up in the "things of earth" so that eternal values become blurred and almost forgotten. As we conclude the first month's journey through this new year, we need today's hymn to remind us that we must continue to make Christ the central core of our lives--to pursue the kingdom of God and His righteousness--if we are to be victorious believers.
In 1918, Helen Howarth Lemmel (1864-1961) the author and composer of this hymn, was given a tract by a missionary friend. As she read it, Helen's attention was focused on this line: "So then, turn your eyes upon Him, look full into His face, and you will find that the things of earth will acquire a strange new dimness." She wrote the following hymn the same week. Kenneth W. Osbeck
O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Saviour, and life more abundant and free!
Thru death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there;
over us sin no more hath dominion--for more than conq'rors we are!
His word shall not fail you--He promised; believe Him, and all will be well:
then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!
Chorus: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face,
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
N.J. Hiebert - 8723
I've seen the face of Jesus...it was a wondrous sight! Oh, glorious face of beauty, Oh gentle touch of care; If here it is so blessed, what will it be up there? W. Spencer Walton
In our fast-paced daily life, how easy it is to get caught up in the "things of earth" so that eternal values become blurred and almost forgotten. As we conclude the first month's journey through this new year, we need today's hymn to remind us that we must continue to make Christ the central core of our lives--to pursue the kingdom of God and His righteousness--if we are to be victorious believers.
In 1918, Helen Howarth Lemmel (1864-1961) the author and composer of this hymn, was given a tract by a missionary friend. As she read it, Helen's attention was focused on this line: "So then, turn your eyes upon Him, look full into His face, and you will find that the things of earth will acquire a strange new dimness." She wrote the following hymn the same week. Kenneth W. Osbeck
O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Saviour, and life more abundant and free!
Thru death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there;
over us sin no more hath dominion--for more than conq'rors we are!
His word shall not fail you--He promised; believe Him, and all will be well:
then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!
Chorus: Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face,
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
N.J. Hiebert - 8723
January 12
No comments:
Post a Comment