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
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
CURE FOR SELF-PITY
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust. Psalms 103:13,14.
Self-pity can become a ruinous habit. We weaken our powers feeling sorry for ourselves and defeat ourselves in advance before the battle begins. We do not know all the facts anyway and may be lamenting something that may be God's providence working things out for our good, as they always do to them that love God and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
He knows our frame and He expects from us only what His grace will enable us to do. Do not count on yourself and then you will not be disappointed. Count on God and again you will not be disappointed!
Our Father pities His children. Let Him do it--don't pity yourself.
All the days - Vance Havner
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, whatever they may be,
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright, as best may seem to Thee.
Our times are in Thy hand, why should we doubt or fear?
A Father's hand will never cause His child a needless tear.
(W. F. Lloyd - 1835)
N.J. Hiebert - 8724
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust. Psalms 103:13,14.
Self-pity can become a ruinous habit. We weaken our powers feeling sorry for ourselves and defeat ourselves in advance before the battle begins. We do not know all the facts anyway and may be lamenting something that may be God's providence working things out for our good, as they always do to them that love God and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
He knows our frame and He expects from us only what His grace will enable us to do. Do not count on yourself and then you will not be disappointed. Count on God and again you will not be disappointed!
Our Father pities His children. Let Him do it--don't pity yourself.
All the days - Vance Havner
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, whatever they may be,
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright, as best may seem to Thee.
Our times are in Thy hand, why should we doubt or fear?
A Father's hand will never cause His child a needless tear.
(W. F. Lloyd - 1835)
N.J. Hiebert - 8724
January 13
When Jesus...went forth with His disciples over the brook Cedron, where there was a garden, into which He entered, and His disciples. ...and, Judas also, which betrayed Him, knew the place...having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons." John 18:1-3.
The Lord comes forth to the band of cruel officers and soldiers, as they were, with this word, "Whom seek ye?"--thus addressing them, as in the repose of heaven, which was His. And He comes forth in the power of heaven, as well as in its repose--for on His afterwards saying to them, "I Am He," they go backward, and fall to the ground. No man could take His life from Him.
He has even to show them their prey; for all their torches and lanterns would not otherwise have discovered Him to them. Every stage in the way was His own. He laid down His life of Himself. They that would eat up His flesh must stumble and fall. They that desired His hurt must be turned back, and put to confusion. The fire was ready to consume this captain and his fifty.
(See 2 Kings 1:9-16)
Had the Son of God pleased, there, on the ground, the enemy would still have lain. He had come, however, not to destroy men's lives, but to save; and therefore He would lay down His own. (J. G. Bellett - The Evangelist)
His be "the Victor's name," who fought the fight alone;
Triumphant saints no honour claim, His conquest was their own.
"By weakness and defeat, He won the meed and crown;
Trod all our foes beneath His feet by being trodden down.
Bless, bless the conqueror slain, slain in His victory;
Who lived, who died, who lives again--for thee, His church, for thee!
(Whitlock Gandy)
N.J. Hiebert - 8725
The Lord comes forth to the band of cruel officers and soldiers, as they were, with this word, "Whom seek ye?"--thus addressing them, as in the repose of heaven, which was His. And He comes forth in the power of heaven, as well as in its repose--for on His afterwards saying to them, "I Am He," they go backward, and fall to the ground. No man could take His life from Him.
He has even to show them their prey; for all their torches and lanterns would not otherwise have discovered Him to them. Every stage in the way was His own. He laid down His life of Himself. They that would eat up His flesh must stumble and fall. They that desired His hurt must be turned back, and put to confusion. The fire was ready to consume this captain and his fifty.
(See 2 Kings 1:9-16)
Had the Son of God pleased, there, on the ground, the enemy would still have lain. He had come, however, not to destroy men's lives, but to save; and therefore He would lay down His own. (J. G. Bellett - The Evangelist)
His be "the Victor's name," who fought the fight alone;
Triumphant saints no honour claim, His conquest was their own.
"By weakness and defeat, He won the meed and crown;
Trod all our foes beneath His feet by being trodden down.
Bless, bless the conqueror slain, slain in His victory;
Who lived, who died, who lives again--for thee, His church, for thee!
(Whitlock Gandy)
N.J. Hiebert - 8725
January 14
And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed...there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine...and, behold, seven other kine came after them out of the river, ill favoured and lean fleshed...And the ill favoured and lean fleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. And Joseph answered Pharaoh...Genesis 41:1-4,16-44
This dream is God's plan for the future government of the world. Not by parliaments, or cabinets, nor by counsellors and ministers, will God govern, but by "a Man discreet and wise" set over all. And all will be brought under His sway either by the day of grace or in the day of judgment -- the years of plenty or the years of famine. For over two thousand years God has been meeting man's deepest need according to the riches of His grace, and many have thus been brought under the sway of Christ by confessing Him as Lord to His glory and their blessing. But the world at large that has neglected God's grace and rejected the claims of Christ will be brought to bow in the day of judgment that will follow the years of grace. "For when Thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness" (Isaiah 26:9).
All being good in the eyes of Pharaoh, he proceeds to carry out the God given counsels of Joseph. Thus it came to pass that the man "that was separate from his brethren" (Genesis 49:26) is exalted to a place of supremacy "over all the land of Egypt." The rejection by his brothers, the humiliation he had borne, the lowly positions he had filled, and the sufferings he has endured, all led to the place of exaltation, and have an answer in the varied glories that fall to him as lord of all.
Moreover, if the days of his sorrows were a foreshadowing of the yet deeper sufferings and rejection of Christ, so too the supremacy of Joseph foreshadows the still greater glories of Christ as the the exalted Man. In story after story of great saints of old the Spirit of God delights to anticipate the supremacy of Christ; by glowing Psalms and thrilling prophecies His exaltation is foretold, and when at last -- His sufferings all fulfilled -- He is glorified at God's right hand, with yet greater delight the Holy Spirit takes the things of Christ and unfolds before us His varied glories as the One exalted over all. Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8726
This dream is God's plan for the future government of the world. Not by parliaments, or cabinets, nor by counsellors and ministers, will God govern, but by "a Man discreet and wise" set over all. And all will be brought under His sway either by the day of grace or in the day of judgment -- the years of plenty or the years of famine. For over two thousand years God has been meeting man's deepest need according to the riches of His grace, and many have thus been brought under the sway of Christ by confessing Him as Lord to His glory and their blessing. But the world at large that has neglected God's grace and rejected the claims of Christ will be brought to bow in the day of judgment that will follow the years of grace. "For when Thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness" (Isaiah 26:9).
All being good in the eyes of Pharaoh, he proceeds to carry out the God given counsels of Joseph. Thus it came to pass that the man "that was separate from his brethren" (Genesis 49:26) is exalted to a place of supremacy "over all the land of Egypt." The rejection by his brothers, the humiliation he had borne, the lowly positions he had filled, and the sufferings he has endured, all led to the place of exaltation, and have an answer in the varied glories that fall to him as lord of all.
Moreover, if the days of his sorrows were a foreshadowing of the yet deeper sufferings and rejection of Christ, so too the supremacy of Joseph foreshadows the still greater glories of Christ as the the exalted Man. In story after story of great saints of old the Spirit of God delights to anticipate the supremacy of Christ; by glowing Psalms and thrilling prophecies His exaltation is foretold, and when at last -- His sufferings all fulfilled -- He is glorified at God's right hand, with yet greater delight the Holy Spirit takes the things of Christ and unfolds before us His varied glories as the One exalted over all. Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8726
January 15
The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake. Philippians 1:29
All the gifts that a man has will never enable him to drink deep of this cup for Christ; such is the pride of man's heart, he had rather suffer any way than this, rather from himself, and for himself, than from Christ, or for Christ.
Most men are more tender of their skin than of their conscience, and had rather the gospel had provided armour to defend their bodies from death and danger, than their souls from sin and Satan. All the pieces are to defend the Christian from sin: (Ephesians 6:12-17) none to secure him from suffering.
Here is the true reason why so few come at the beat of Christ's drum to His standard, and so many of those few that have enlisted themselves by an external profession under Him, within a while drop away, and leave His colours; it is suffering work they are sick of.
Sufferings for the gospel are no matter of shame. Paul does not blush to tell, it is for the gospel he is in bonds. The shame belonged to them that put on the chain, not to him that wore it. "If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this behalf" (1 Peter 4:16)
The apostles rejoiced that "They were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name" (Acts 5:41). Shall the wicked glory in their shame, and you be ashamed of your glory?
Heaven is but little worth if you have not a heart to despise a little shame, and bear a few taunts from profane people for your hope of it. A martyr, when asked how he came to prison, he showed his Bible, and said, "This brought me here". The Chrisitian in Complete Armour - Willaim Gurnall (1617-1679)
N.J. Hiebert - 8727
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake. Philippians 1:29
All the gifts that a man has will never enable him to drink deep of this cup for Christ; such is the pride of man's heart, he had rather suffer any way than this, rather from himself, and for himself, than from Christ, or for Christ.
Most men are more tender of their skin than of their conscience, and had rather the gospel had provided armour to defend their bodies from death and danger, than their souls from sin and Satan. All the pieces are to defend the Christian from sin: (Ephesians 6:12-17) none to secure him from suffering.
Here is the true reason why so few come at the beat of Christ's drum to His standard, and so many of those few that have enlisted themselves by an external profession under Him, within a while drop away, and leave His colours; it is suffering work they are sick of.
Sufferings for the gospel are no matter of shame. Paul does not blush to tell, it is for the gospel he is in bonds. The shame belonged to them that put on the chain, not to him that wore it. "If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on this behalf" (1 Peter 4:16)
The apostles rejoiced that "They were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name" (Acts 5:41). Shall the wicked glory in their shame, and you be ashamed of your glory?
Heaven is but little worth if you have not a heart to despise a little shame, and bear a few taunts from profane people for your hope of it. A martyr, when asked how he came to prison, he showed his Bible, and said, "This brought me here". The Chrisitian in Complete Armour - Willaim Gurnall (1617-1679)
N.J. Hiebert - 8727
January 16
The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour. He coveteth greedily all the day long; but the righteous giveth and spareth not. Proverbs 21:25,26
Like a drone in the hive, the slothful man covets the fruits of labour but detests the work which produces them. He is occupied with himself, full of desire, but opposed to effort. Selfishness is his strongest characteristic.
The righteous man is a producer. He loves to acquire, but only in order that he may "provide things honest in the sight of all men," (Romans 12:17) properly meeting the need of those dependent upon him, and having plenty to give to any who are in need.
In this he is an imitator of God "who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not." (James 1:5)
N.J. Hiebert - 8728
Like a drone in the hive, the slothful man covets the fruits of labour but detests the work which produces them. He is occupied with himself, full of desire, but opposed to effort. Selfishness is his strongest characteristic.
The righteous man is a producer. He loves to acquire, but only in order that he may "provide things honest in the sight of all men," (Romans 12:17) properly meeting the need of those dependent upon him, and having plenty to give to any who are in need.
In this he is an imitator of God "who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not." (James 1:5)
N.J. Hiebert - 8728
January 17
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. John 15:4
The rest is in Christ, and not something He gives apart from Himself, and so it is only in having Him that the rest can really be kept and enjoyed.
It is because so many a young believer fails to lay hold of this truth that the rest so speedily passes away. With some it is that they really did not know; they were never taught how Jesus claims the undivided allegiance of the whole heart and life; how there is not a spot in the whole of life over which He does not wish to reign; how in the very least things His disciple must only seek to please Him.
They did not know how entire the consecration was that Jesus claimed. With others, who had some idea of what a very holy life a Christian ought to lead, the mistake was a different one: they could not believe such a life to be a possible attainment. Taking, and bearing, and never for a moment laying aside the yoke of Jesus, appeared to them to require such a strain of effort, and such an amount of goodness as to be altogether beyond their reach.
The very idea of always, all the day, abiding in Jesus, was too high,--something they might attain to after life of holiness and growth, but certainly not what a feeble beginner was to start with. They did not know how, when Jesus said, "My yoke is easy," He spoke the truth; how just the yoke gives the rest, because the moment the soul yields itself to obey, the Lord Himself gives the strength and joy to do it.
These two, consecration and faith, are the essential elements of the Christian life--the giving up all to Jesus, the receiving all from Jesus. They are implied in each other; they are united in one word--surrender. A full surrender is to obey as well as to trust, to trust as well as to obey. Abide in Christ - Andrew Murray
N.J. Hiebert - 8729
The rest is in Christ, and not something He gives apart from Himself, and so it is only in having Him that the rest can really be kept and enjoyed.
It is because so many a young believer fails to lay hold of this truth that the rest so speedily passes away. With some it is that they really did not know; they were never taught how Jesus claims the undivided allegiance of the whole heart and life; how there is not a spot in the whole of life over which He does not wish to reign; how in the very least things His disciple must only seek to please Him.
They did not know how entire the consecration was that Jesus claimed. With others, who had some idea of what a very holy life a Christian ought to lead, the mistake was a different one: they could not believe such a life to be a possible attainment. Taking, and bearing, and never for a moment laying aside the yoke of Jesus, appeared to them to require such a strain of effort, and such an amount of goodness as to be altogether beyond their reach.
The very idea of always, all the day, abiding in Jesus, was too high,--something they might attain to after life of holiness and growth, but certainly not what a feeble beginner was to start with. They did not know how, when Jesus said, "My yoke is easy," He spoke the truth; how just the yoke gives the rest, because the moment the soul yields itself to obey, the Lord Himself gives the strength and joy to do it.
These two, consecration and faith, are the essential elements of the Christian life--the giving up all to Jesus, the receiving all from Jesus. They are implied in each other; they are united in one word--surrender. A full surrender is to obey as well as to trust, to trust as well as to obey. Abide in Christ - Andrew Murray
N.J. Hiebert - 8729
January 18
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Matthew 6:34
There are two golden days in the week upon which we need not worry about. One of these day is Yesterday; yesterday, with its cares and frets, all it pains and aches, all its faults, mistakes and blunders, has passed forever beyond my recall. I cannot undo an act that I wrought; nor unsay a word that I said.
All that it holds of my life, of wrong, regret and sorrow, is in the hands of our Mighty Lord that can bring honey out of the rock and sweetest waters out of the bitterest desert. Save for the beautiful memories--sweet and tender--that linger like the perfume of roses in the heart of the day that is gone, I have nothing to do with Yesterday. It was mine! It is God's.
And the other day that I do not worry about is Tomorrow; tomorrow, with all its possible adversities, its burdens, its perils, its promise and poor performances, its failures and mistakes, is as far beyond my mastery as its dead sister, Yesterday. It is a day of God's. Its sun will rise in roseate splendor, or behind a mask of weeping clouds--but it will rise.
There is left, then, but one day in the week--Today. With God's help we can fight the battles of today. We can resist the temptations of today! It is when we willfully add the burdens of those two awful eternities--yesterday and tomorrow--such burdens as only our God can sustain--that we break down. It isn't the experiences of Today, it is the remorse that happened yesterday; or the dread of what tomorrow may disclose that drives to despair.
"Did I not die for thee? Do I not live for thee? Leave Me the "tomorrows"!
Tomorrow is God's secret--but today is yours to live. All the tomorrows of our lives have to pass Him before they get to us. Bob Burdette
N.J. Hiebert - 8730
There are two golden days in the week upon which we need not worry about. One of these day is Yesterday; yesterday, with its cares and frets, all it pains and aches, all its faults, mistakes and blunders, has passed forever beyond my recall. I cannot undo an act that I wrought; nor unsay a word that I said.
All that it holds of my life, of wrong, regret and sorrow, is in the hands of our Mighty Lord that can bring honey out of the rock and sweetest waters out of the bitterest desert. Save for the beautiful memories--sweet and tender--that linger like the perfume of roses in the heart of the day that is gone, I have nothing to do with Yesterday. It was mine! It is God's.
And the other day that I do not worry about is Tomorrow; tomorrow, with all its possible adversities, its burdens, its perils, its promise and poor performances, its failures and mistakes, is as far beyond my mastery as its dead sister, Yesterday. It is a day of God's. Its sun will rise in roseate splendor, or behind a mask of weeping clouds--but it will rise.
There is left, then, but one day in the week--Today. With God's help we can fight the battles of today. We can resist the temptations of today! It is when we willfully add the burdens of those two awful eternities--yesterday and tomorrow--such burdens as only our God can sustain--that we break down. It isn't the experiences of Today, it is the remorse that happened yesterday; or the dread of what tomorrow may disclose that drives to despair.
"Did I not die for thee? Do I not live for thee? Leave Me the "tomorrows"!
Tomorrow is God's secret--but today is yours to live. All the tomorrows of our lives have to pass Him before they get to us. Bob Burdette
N.J. Hiebert - 8730
January 19
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13
The story is told of a beloved servant of the Lord who, in his own right, was very wealthy. One night in the prayer meeting he asked prayer for a brother who had had a great calamity.
A friend walking home with him enquired who the brother was for whom they had been praying. He replied, "Myself". "Oh," the other asked, "if it is not too inquisitive, may I know what the calamity is?" "I have just had word of a large legacy that has been left to me and the responsibility to use it aright is so heavy."
I believe that brother had learned the lesson how to abound. He and his devoted wife had a large and beautiful home in London, where they lived on the top floor, devoting the rest of the house to the Lord's people who were in need. My mother has told me how her widowed mother, with a young family, homeless for Christ's sake, were taken into that home and tenderly cared for.
But these are lessons that we may see in perfection only in Him "though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9) How it bows our hearts in adoration to know that "Though He were a Son, yet learned HE obedience by the things which He suffered." (Hebrews 5:8).
In (Philippians 2:8) We have the same word: "to run low:" but there it is He Himself who made Himself low. It is one of those amazing steps downward that we saw our Lord voluntarily take, for our sakes. So if we, like Paul, must learn the lesson of being brought low: let us remember our Lord knows all about it: He has walked that road before us; and none ever went so low as He.
G. Christopher Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8731
The story is told of a beloved servant of the Lord who, in his own right, was very wealthy. One night in the prayer meeting he asked prayer for a brother who had had a great calamity.
A friend walking home with him enquired who the brother was for whom they had been praying. He replied, "Myself". "Oh," the other asked, "if it is not too inquisitive, may I know what the calamity is?" "I have just had word of a large legacy that has been left to me and the responsibility to use it aright is so heavy."
I believe that brother had learned the lesson how to abound. He and his devoted wife had a large and beautiful home in London, where they lived on the top floor, devoting the rest of the house to the Lord's people who were in need. My mother has told me how her widowed mother, with a young family, homeless for Christ's sake, were taken into that home and tenderly cared for.
But these are lessons that we may see in perfection only in Him "though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9) How it bows our hearts in adoration to know that "Though He were a Son, yet learned HE obedience by the things which He suffered." (Hebrews 5:8).
In (Philippians 2:8) We have the same word: "to run low:" but there it is He Himself who made Himself low. It is one of those amazing steps downward that we saw our Lord voluntarily take, for our sakes. So if we, like Paul, must learn the lesson of being brought low: let us remember our Lord knows all about it: He has walked that road before us; and none ever went so low as He.
G. Christopher Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8731
January 20
And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on Him, saying, if Thou be the Christ, save Thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this Man hath done nothing amiss.
Luke 23:39-41
Is not the testimony of this recent convert beautiful? "This Man hath done nothing amiss." (Luke 23:41) He confesses his own sin, and judges it too, and at the same moment gets a glimpse of, and proclaims the glories of the Saviour's character. This man, in the very jaws of death himself, and when every possible evidence was against Christ, discovers His worth, and proclaims alike His excellences, His Lordship, and His Kingly rights, "...He hath done nothing amiss." (Luke 23:41) He is Lord and King, and although He is dying now, He will rise and come in His kingdom. Splendid testimony of faith!
The next moment he says, "Lord remember me when Thou comest into Thy Kingdom." (Luke 23:42). That is all the length his faith got then; but mark the Lord's answer, "Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with Me in paradise." (Luke 23:43).
Oh! look at the Saviour's grace to the man who confides in Him. That other thief, hand and glove with the world, was railing against Him--infidelity, rationalism, and reason were working in all save one, as they stood, or hung, taunting Him to save Himself, if He were the Christ, and if He were the King. The poor thief sees that He is a King; sees that He is the Christ the Son of God, and then owns that He is his Lord! Seekers for Light - W. T. P. Wolston, M. D.
N.J. Hiebert - 8732
Luke 23:39-41
Is not the testimony of this recent convert beautiful? "This Man hath done nothing amiss." (Luke 23:41) He confesses his own sin, and judges it too, and at the same moment gets a glimpse of, and proclaims the glories of the Saviour's character. This man, in the very jaws of death himself, and when every possible evidence was against Christ, discovers His worth, and proclaims alike His excellences, His Lordship, and His Kingly rights, "...He hath done nothing amiss." (Luke 23:41) He is Lord and King, and although He is dying now, He will rise and come in His kingdom. Splendid testimony of faith!
The next moment he says, "Lord remember me when Thou comest into Thy Kingdom." (Luke 23:42). That is all the length his faith got then; but mark the Lord's answer, "Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with Me in paradise." (Luke 23:43).
Oh! look at the Saviour's grace to the man who confides in Him. That other thief, hand and glove with the world, was railing against Him--infidelity, rationalism, and reason were working in all save one, as they stood, or hung, taunting Him to save Himself, if He were the Christ, and if He were the King. The poor thief sees that He is a King; sees that He is the Christ the Son of God, and then owns that He is his Lord! Seekers for Light - W. T. P. Wolston, M. D.
N.J. Hiebert - 8732
January 21
Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but My Father giveth you the true bread from Heaven. For the bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. John 6:32-33
Of the manna, we read that "they gathered it every morning" (Exodus 16:21). Viewed typically and spiritually, these words present a philosophy of life for the Christian believer. They constitute the secret of safety, of certainty, and of enjoyment. To the holy habit of daily feeding on the heavenly manna, which is set before us in the sacred page of Scripture, is attributable our joy (Jeremiah 15:16), our peace (Psalm 119:165), our fruitfulness (Psalm 1:2,3), our security in the hour of peril (Psalm 17:4).
Christian men and women must read and study the Word of God. No pressure of Christian work, in all the manifold activities of the present day, should prevent the daily, devotional perusal of God's Holy Word. Christian effort cannot be substituted for thoughtful and serious attention to what we are taught of God in His Holy Book, and by which we are to be renewed and sanctified. We must be filled with divine truth if we are to grow in the divine life. Our Christian activities, furthermore, can only be sustained and enlarged by much communion with Christ through His Word.
The sources of great rivers are hidden away in mountain and glen. Fountains burst out in secluded places, and gentle brooks run through shaded ravines. They meet at length, and, mingling in their onward flow, set at work industrial activity in a thousand shapes and forms. But would keep all these activities in motion if the fountains should fail, and the brooks be dried up? What shall sustain steadily the long-continued effort of the Church of Christ to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, save the feeding of each member of the elect body in the green pastures of the divine Word? The real power to do great things for Christ must come from secluded places, where men commune with God and gather motives, convictions and incitements to effort, from His word. The Pearl of Psalms - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 8733
Of the manna, we read that "they gathered it every morning" (Exodus 16:21). Viewed typically and spiritually, these words present a philosophy of life for the Christian believer. They constitute the secret of safety, of certainty, and of enjoyment. To the holy habit of daily feeding on the heavenly manna, which is set before us in the sacred page of Scripture, is attributable our joy (Jeremiah 15:16), our peace (Psalm 119:165), our fruitfulness (Psalm 1:2,3), our security in the hour of peril (Psalm 17:4).
Christian men and women must read and study the Word of God. No pressure of Christian work, in all the manifold activities of the present day, should prevent the daily, devotional perusal of God's Holy Word. Christian effort cannot be substituted for thoughtful and serious attention to what we are taught of God in His Holy Book, and by which we are to be renewed and sanctified. We must be filled with divine truth if we are to grow in the divine life. Our Christian activities, furthermore, can only be sustained and enlarged by much communion with Christ through His Word.
The sources of great rivers are hidden away in mountain and glen. Fountains burst out in secluded places, and gentle brooks run through shaded ravines. They meet at length, and, mingling in their onward flow, set at work industrial activity in a thousand shapes and forms. But would keep all these activities in motion if the fountains should fail, and the brooks be dried up? What shall sustain steadily the long-continued effort of the Church of Christ to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, save the feeding of each member of the elect body in the green pastures of the divine Word? The real power to do great things for Christ must come from secluded places, where men commune with God and gather motives, convictions and incitements to effort, from His word. The Pearl of Psalms - George Henderson
N.J. Hiebert - 8733
January 22
And when he came to himself, he said, how many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father . . . Luke 15:17,18
The eager father welcomes back the returning prodigal. But we should not overlook the fact, that it was when the ungrateful youth "came to himself" (Luke 15:17) and took the position of self-judgment because of his wicked folly, and actually turned his face homeward, that the father ran to him, though still a great way off, and fell on his neck and kissed him.
He did not wait for his boy to ring the door bell or knock in fear and anxiety on the gate. But, on the other hand, he did not offer him the kiss of forgiveness while he was down among the swine. He hastened to meet him when, in repentance, he turned homeward with words of confession in his heart.
Does all this becloud grace? Surely not. Rather it magnifies and exalts it. For it is to unworthy sinners who recognize and acknowledge their dire condition that God finds delight in showing undeserved favour. H.A. Ironside
In rags and in ruin, without and within, one terrible mass of pollution and sin;
By false friends deserted, of fortune bereft, he turns to the home he once eagerly left.
O! none can restore, nor such deep sin efface, but the One who comes forth in such infinite grace;
For grace is above all his sin and distress, and he's nothing to do--save his sin to confess!
What an earnest and seal of unspeakable bliss Is conveyed in the Father's affectionate kiss!
The lost one is found, and the servants must bring, at the Father's command, the shoes and the ring.
And the very best robe, and the fatling and wine, What a change from the rags, the husks, and the swine
With music and dancing-tis something so new, such a fullness of blessing-and nothing to do!
N.J. Hiebert - 8734
The eager father welcomes back the returning prodigal. But we should not overlook the fact, that it was when the ungrateful youth "came to himself" (Luke 15:17) and took the position of self-judgment because of his wicked folly, and actually turned his face homeward, that the father ran to him, though still a great way off, and fell on his neck and kissed him.
He did not wait for his boy to ring the door bell or knock in fear and anxiety on the gate. But, on the other hand, he did not offer him the kiss of forgiveness while he was down among the swine. He hastened to meet him when, in repentance, he turned homeward with words of confession in his heart.
Does all this becloud grace? Surely not. Rather it magnifies and exalts it. For it is to unworthy sinners who recognize and acknowledge their dire condition that God finds delight in showing undeserved favour. H.A. Ironside
In rags and in ruin, without and within, one terrible mass of pollution and sin;
By false friends deserted, of fortune bereft, he turns to the home he once eagerly left.
O! none can restore, nor such deep sin efface, but the One who comes forth in such infinite grace;
For grace is above all his sin and distress, and he's nothing to do--save his sin to confess!
What an earnest and seal of unspeakable bliss Is conveyed in the Father's affectionate kiss!
The lost one is found, and the servants must bring, at the Father's command, the shoes and the ring.
And the very best robe, and the fatling and wine, What a change from the rags, the husks, and the swine
With music and dancing-tis something so new, such a fullness of blessing-and nothing to do!
N.J. Hiebert - 8734
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