A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Proverbs 15:1,2 - 16:32
It is impossible for man to estimate aright the power for good or evil that lies in the tongue. A kindly, gracious word will often disarm a most ill-tempered and wrathful man; while a sharp, cutting remark has frequently separated friends dear to each other for years, until some trivial circumstance arose which might have been turned to an occasion for grace and forbearance on the part of each had love been ruling.
It is considered unmanly by many not to resent an insult, and to allow wrathful words to pass unchallenged; but it takes far more true character to meet an angry man in quietness of spirit, and to return cool, calm words for heated, hasty ones, than it does to give railing for railing, or malice for malice.
The latter bespeaks a man who does not yet know how to rule his spirt; the former, one who has his personal feelings in subjection. Grievous words but add fuel to the flame, while a gracious demeanour will go far towards cooling the angry passion of another.
The wise man knows how to use knowledge so that it shall be for profit; knows, too, when to speak and when to be silent. The fool is always ready with a retort, whether it be fitting or not. Notes on Proverbs - H. A Ironside
Angry words, oh let them never, from the tongue, unbridled slip.
May the love of Jesus ever fill the heart and keep the lip.
Angry words, though lightly spoken, do not suit the child of God.
Happy fellowship is broken by a single angry word. Horatio Palmer
N.J. Hiebert - 8752
It is impossible for man to estimate aright the power for good or evil that lies in the tongue. A kindly, gracious word will often disarm a most ill-tempered and wrathful man; while a sharp, cutting remark has frequently separated friends dear to each other for years, until some trivial circumstance arose which might have been turned to an occasion for grace and forbearance on the part of each had love been ruling.
It is considered unmanly by many not to resent an insult, and to allow wrathful words to pass unchallenged; but it takes far more true character to meet an angry man in quietness of spirit, and to return cool, calm words for heated, hasty ones, than it does to give railing for railing, or malice for malice.
The latter bespeaks a man who does not yet know how to rule his spirt; the former, one who has his personal feelings in subjection. Grievous words but add fuel to the flame, while a gracious demeanour will go far towards cooling the angry passion of another.
The wise man knows how to use knowledge so that it shall be for profit; knows, too, when to speak and when to be silent. The fool is always ready with a retort, whether it be fitting or not. Notes on Proverbs - H. A Ironside
Angry words, oh let them never, from the tongue, unbridled slip.
May the love of Jesus ever fill the heart and keep the lip.
Angry words, though lightly spoken, do not suit the child of God.
Happy fellowship is broken by a single angry word. Horatio Palmer
N.J. Hiebert - 8752
February 10
ATTRACTIONS AND AFFECTIONS
Draw me! Song of Solomon 1:4
Make haste, my beloved. Song of Solomon 8:14
Are we drawn to the Person of Christ? Whether we contemplate the greatness of His work at Calvary or read of the many who were healed during the time of His earthly ministry, we must turn our gaze to the Beautiful One by whom and through whom these things were done. When a loved one wears perfume, it is not to attract our hearts to the fragrance itself, but that the fragrance would turn our gaze to the person wearing it.
Similarly, let us continually thank the Lord for forgiveness of sins and a hope of glory, but all the while may our heart's object be the One who provided this forgiveness. Yes, we revel in the greatness of the salvation we enjoy, but in doing so let us magnify the Saviour--"The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20)!
When the Lord Jesus sat with His disciples on the night He was betrayed, He took bread, broke it, and told them "...this is My body which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me." (1 Corinthians 11:23-25). The institution of this holy meal is not merely a rite or ritual, but the focus here is to draw our attention to His Person, and it ought to cause us to worship. It is only as our hearts are occupied with Him that we can truly appreciate what He has done.
As we contemplate Him, we will find ourselves more and more attracted to Him and our affections drawn to Him. This in turn will cause our hearts to exclaim, "make haste," for we long to be with Him. "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20). Eric Clermont
N.J. Hiebert - 8753
Draw me! Song of Solomon 1:4
Make haste, my beloved. Song of Solomon 8:14
Are we drawn to the Person of Christ? Whether we contemplate the greatness of His work at Calvary or read of the many who were healed during the time of His earthly ministry, we must turn our gaze to the Beautiful One by whom and through whom these things were done. When a loved one wears perfume, it is not to attract our hearts to the fragrance itself, but that the fragrance would turn our gaze to the person wearing it.
Similarly, let us continually thank the Lord for forgiveness of sins and a hope of glory, but all the while may our heart's object be the One who provided this forgiveness. Yes, we revel in the greatness of the salvation we enjoy, but in doing so let us magnify the Saviour--"The Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20)!
When the Lord Jesus sat with His disciples on the night He was betrayed, He took bread, broke it, and told them "...this is My body which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me." (1 Corinthians 11:23-25). The institution of this holy meal is not merely a rite or ritual, but the focus here is to draw our attention to His Person, and it ought to cause us to worship. It is only as our hearts are occupied with Him that we can truly appreciate what He has done.
As we contemplate Him, we will find ourselves more and more attracted to Him and our affections drawn to Him. This in turn will cause our hearts to exclaim, "make haste," for we long to be with Him. "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20). Eric Clermont
N.J. Hiebert - 8753
February 11
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9,10.
Mark, it is first the heart, then the tongue. It is not head-work. That will not do here. It is all head work with zoology, geology, or physiology, but when you come to the knowledge of the Lord, it is heart-work. You have all got hearts, let Christ fill them.
Think of His love--do you not believe that blessed One? Do you ask me if I believe? Yes, I believe Him from the bottom of my heart; I believe He loved me, as the apostle Paul says, "The Son of God who loved me, and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20). What is the result of knowing and believing that? The tongue is loosed.
When a man's heart is touched, he believes, and then confesses Christ. "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:10) It is exceedingly simple. "Confession is made unto salvation." You get right with God first in your heart, and then put yourself right with men by your mouth.
Your tongue exalts Christ. The man who is saved, tells of it to other people. He rejoices to speak of Christ's grace, and to Christ's credit. There is no credit to him. It is all to the glory of Christ. You believe in Him with your heart, and with your mouth confession is made to salvation, for the Scripture says, "For whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 10:11)
Seekers for Light - W. T. P. Wolston, M.D.
N.J. Hiebert - 8754
Mark, it is first the heart, then the tongue. It is not head-work. That will not do here. It is all head work with zoology, geology, or physiology, but when you come to the knowledge of the Lord, it is heart-work. You have all got hearts, let Christ fill them.
Think of His love--do you not believe that blessed One? Do you ask me if I believe? Yes, I believe Him from the bottom of my heart; I believe He loved me, as the apostle Paul says, "The Son of God who loved me, and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20). What is the result of knowing and believing that? The tongue is loosed.
When a man's heart is touched, he believes, and then confesses Christ. "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:10) It is exceedingly simple. "Confession is made unto salvation." You get right with God first in your heart, and then put yourself right with men by your mouth.
Your tongue exalts Christ. The man who is saved, tells of it to other people. He rejoices to speak of Christ's grace, and to Christ's credit. There is no credit to him. It is all to the glory of Christ. You believe in Him with your heart, and with your mouth confession is made to salvation, for the Scripture says, "For whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 10:11)
Seekers for Light - W. T. P. Wolston, M.D.
N.J. Hiebert - 8754
February 12
He (Elijah) went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree . . . as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. . . . and he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. and he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights . 1 Kings 19:4-8
And what did God do with His tired servant? Gave him something good to eat, and put him to sleep. Elijah had done splendid work, and had run alongside of the chariot in his excitement, and it had been too much for his physical strength, and the reaction had come on, and he was depressed.
The physical needed to be cared for. What many people want is sleep, and the physical ailment attended to. There are grand men and women who get where Elijah was--under the juniper tree! and it comes very soothingly to such to hear the words of the Master: "The journey is too great for thee," (verse 7) and I am going to refresh you. Let us not confound physical weariness with spiritual weakness.
I'm to tired too trust and too tired to pray,
Said one, as the overtaxed strength gave way.
The one conscious thought by my mind possessed,
Is, oh, could I just drop it all and rest.
Will God understand, do you suppose.
If I go right to sleep as a baby goes,
Without an asking if I may,
Without ever trying to trust and pray?
Will God understand why think, dear heart,
When language to you was an unknown art,
Did a mother deny you needed rest,
Or refuse to pillow your head on her breast?
Did she let you want when you could not ask?
Did she set her child an unequal task?
Or did she cradle you in her arms,
And then guard your slumber against alarms? - Ella Conrad Cowherd
N.J. Hiebert - 8755
And what did God do with His tired servant? Gave him something good to eat, and put him to sleep. Elijah had done splendid work, and had run alongside of the chariot in his excitement, and it had been too much for his physical strength, and the reaction had come on, and he was depressed.
The physical needed to be cared for. What many people want is sleep, and the physical ailment attended to. There are grand men and women who get where Elijah was--under the juniper tree! and it comes very soothingly to such to hear the words of the Master: "The journey is too great for thee," (verse 7) and I am going to refresh you. Let us not confound physical weariness with spiritual weakness.
I'm to tired too trust and too tired to pray,
Said one, as the overtaxed strength gave way.
The one conscious thought by my mind possessed,
Is, oh, could I just drop it all and rest.
Will God understand, do you suppose.
If I go right to sleep as a baby goes,
Without an asking if I may,
Without ever trying to trust and pray?
Will God understand why think, dear heart,
When language to you was an unknown art,
Did a mother deny you needed rest,
Or refuse to pillow your head on her breast?
Did she let you want when you could not ask?
Did she set her child an unequal task?
Or did she cradle you in her arms,
And then guard your slumber against alarms? - Ella Conrad Cowherd
N.J. Hiebert - 8755
February 13
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13
Both the willing and the working are from God: there is no room to boast. And if it is of GOD, it cannot fail, for, "HE FAILETH NOT." (Zephaniah 3:5) Notice the two "days" that are mentioned in Philippians 1:5 & 6: "The first day", and, "Christ Jesus' day:" the beginning of the race, and the ending. "The first day" was the day when they heard the Gospel and believed it. When is "Christ Jesus' day"? The present time is called "Man's day" (1 Corinthians 3:13). But "Christ Jesus' day " (Philippians 1:6) is coming.
Now, man is allowed to a large extent to have his own way.
-Then, Christ Jesus will have His own way.
- Then, all enemies will be put under His feet.
- Then, He will gather all His own unto Himself.
- Then, we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is.
- Then, even our bodies will be fashioned like unto His glorious body.
- Then, we shall be conformed unto the image of His Son.
- Then, He will finish up the good work which He began in us at the first day.
(It is almost the same word as "It is finished" at the Cross.)
Well may the Apostle cry: "I AM PERSUADED, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38,39). Lord, Give us more of this "persuasion!"
Philippians - G. Christopher Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8756
Both the willing and the working are from God: there is no room to boast. And if it is of GOD, it cannot fail, for, "HE FAILETH NOT." (Zephaniah 3:5) Notice the two "days" that are mentioned in Philippians 1:5 & 6: "The first day", and, "Christ Jesus' day:" the beginning of the race, and the ending. "The first day" was the day when they heard the Gospel and believed it. When is "Christ Jesus' day"? The present time is called "Man's day" (1 Corinthians 3:13). But "Christ Jesus' day " (Philippians 1:6) is coming.
Now, man is allowed to a large extent to have his own way.
-Then, Christ Jesus will have His own way.
- Then, all enemies will be put under His feet.
- Then, He will gather all His own unto Himself.
- Then, we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is.
- Then, even our bodies will be fashioned like unto His glorious body.
- Then, we shall be conformed unto the image of His Son.
- Then, He will finish up the good work which He began in us at the first day.
(It is almost the same word as "It is finished" at the Cross.)
Well may the Apostle cry: "I AM PERSUADED, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38,39). Lord, Give us more of this "persuasion!"
Philippians - G. Christopher Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8756
February 14
Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. . . .fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29,31
Civilla D. Martin, author of this gospel hymn text, tells of a visit in 1904 to a bedridden Christian friend. Mrs. Martin asked the woman if she ever got discouraged because of her physical condition. Her friend responded quickly: "How can I be discouraged when my heavenly Father watches over each little sparrow and I know He loves and cares for me." Within just a few minutes Mrs. Martin completed the writing of her new text, which has since been a source of great encouragement to many of God's people.
It is interesting that our Lord chose the most common of all birds, sparrows of little value, to teach a profound truth: In God's eyes, no one is insignificant! He is vitally concerned with even the details of our lives. Notice also that the Bible uses another bird to to teach this inspiring truth: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles" (Isaiah 40:31). With an awareness of God's concern for our lives and the promise of His enabling power to live victoriously, why should we be afraid?
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, why should my heart be lonely and long for heav'n and home when Jesus is my portion? my constant friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me . . .
"Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear, and resting on His goodness I lose my doubts and fear; tho' by the path He leadeth but one step I may see: His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me . . .
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise, when songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies, I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me . . .
Chorus: I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free, for His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
N.J. Hiebert - 8757
Civilla D. Martin, author of this gospel hymn text, tells of a visit in 1904 to a bedridden Christian friend. Mrs. Martin asked the woman if she ever got discouraged because of her physical condition. Her friend responded quickly: "How can I be discouraged when my heavenly Father watches over each little sparrow and I know He loves and cares for me." Within just a few minutes Mrs. Martin completed the writing of her new text, which has since been a source of great encouragement to many of God's people.
It is interesting that our Lord chose the most common of all birds, sparrows of little value, to teach a profound truth: In God's eyes, no one is insignificant! He is vitally concerned with even the details of our lives. Notice also that the Bible uses another bird to to teach this inspiring truth: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles" (Isaiah 40:31). With an awareness of God's concern for our lives and the promise of His enabling power to live victoriously, why should we be afraid?
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, why should my heart be lonely and long for heav'n and home when Jesus is my portion? my constant friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me . . .
"Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear, and resting on His goodness I lose my doubts and fear; tho' by the path He leadeth but one step I may see: His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me . . .
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise, when songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies, I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me . . .
Chorus: I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free, for His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
N.J. Hiebert - 8757
February 15
And their father Israel said unto them, if it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits...carry down the man a present...take double money...and the money that was brought again...take also your brother...and God almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved." Genesis 43:11-14.
What a picture of man's way of seeking to obtain blessing from God. Do your best, look to the mercy of God to make up for any failure in your efforts, and then hope for the best in the future, and if you are saved you will be saved, and if you are condemned you will be condemned.
The brethren of Joseph proceed to act upon their father's plan only to realize its utter futility. They took the present, they took double money, and Benjamin, and stood before Joseph. (v,15). Joseph pays not the slightest heed to their gifts, he does not touch their money, he will not accept Benjamin as a ransom. He entirely ignores their plan and commences to act according to his own heart.
First, he says, "Bring those men home, and slay and make ready; for these men shall dine with me." (v16). Is this not an anticipation of that far greater message that God sends to a world of sinners, "Come for all things are now ready"? (Luke 14:17). The purposes of Joseph far transcend the plans of his brethren.
Their plan was simply to obtain a blessing from Joseph; his purpose was to bestow a blessing, but a blessing that they should enjoy in his company and in his home. Their plan was to buy corn to make a feast among themselves, his plan to spread a feast to be enjoyed with him. "These men shall dine with me" (v.16).
Like the brethren of Joseph we are equally slow to take in God's thoughts of blessing. We would be content to obtain the forgiveness of sins, and salvation from hell. But how far short of God's thoughts! His thought is to have us with Himself to feast with Him in His home. Joseph - Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8758
What a picture of man's way of seeking to obtain blessing from God. Do your best, look to the mercy of God to make up for any failure in your efforts, and then hope for the best in the future, and if you are saved you will be saved, and if you are condemned you will be condemned.
The brethren of Joseph proceed to act upon their father's plan only to realize its utter futility. They took the present, they took double money, and Benjamin, and stood before Joseph. (v,15). Joseph pays not the slightest heed to their gifts, he does not touch their money, he will not accept Benjamin as a ransom. He entirely ignores their plan and commences to act according to his own heart.
First, he says, "Bring those men home, and slay and make ready; for these men shall dine with me." (v16). Is this not an anticipation of that far greater message that God sends to a world of sinners, "Come for all things are now ready"? (Luke 14:17). The purposes of Joseph far transcend the plans of his brethren.
Their plan was simply to obtain a blessing from Joseph; his purpose was to bestow a blessing, but a blessing that they should enjoy in his company and in his home. Their plan was to buy corn to make a feast among themselves, his plan to spread a feast to be enjoyed with him. "These men shall dine with me" (v.16).
Like the brethren of Joseph we are equally slow to take in God's thoughts of blessing. We would be content to obtain the forgiveness of sins, and salvation from hell. But how far short of God's thoughts! His thought is to have us with Himself to feast with Him in His home. Joseph - Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 8758
February 16
And the king (David) was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!
2 Samuel 18:33
David's heart is broken with unconsolable sorrow. David could not have died for his son. This was reserved for One alone who would die for the ungodly, the only One who was counted among the transgressors and who bore the sin of many (Isaiah 53:12). But David could give free vent to his sorrow over the irrevocable loss of that one whose salvation he had so ardently desired.
No doubt human sentiments were mixed with all this mourning; this is why David needed to have a broken heart. While it is much, a broken spirit (Psalm 51:17) is not enough. With a broken spirit, self-will cannot be active. Before he had a broken spirit David has followed his own will which had led him into adultery and to Uriah's murder. A broken spirit gives up its own will in order to depend on God (15:25-26; 16:10-12; 18:4). There was no need for Jesus' spirit to be broken. Did He not say, when He came into the world: "Lo I come to do, O God, Thy will"?
But sooner or later our heart must be broken as well as our spirit. Sometimes God begins with one, sometimes with the other. When Peter wept bitterly he truly had a broken, humbled heart, for brokenness of heart is always accompanied by humiliation (Psalm 51:17). Peter's spirit was not broken until later: "When thou wast young," Jesus said to him, "thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst where thou desiredest; but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and bring thee where thou dost not desire" (John 21:18).
Nor let us forget that we need continual brokenness. Each time God wants to manifest some new feature of Christ in us, He breaks our heart so that it may appear. Thus it was with the apostle Paul. Jesus' light and life shining through this broken vessel warmed and quickened the soul of his brethren. H. L Rossier
N.J. Hiebert - 8759
2 Samuel 18:33
David's heart is broken with unconsolable sorrow. David could not have died for his son. This was reserved for One alone who would die for the ungodly, the only One who was counted among the transgressors and who bore the sin of many (Isaiah 53:12). But David could give free vent to his sorrow over the irrevocable loss of that one whose salvation he had so ardently desired.
No doubt human sentiments were mixed with all this mourning; this is why David needed to have a broken heart. While it is much, a broken spirit (Psalm 51:17) is not enough. With a broken spirit, self-will cannot be active. Before he had a broken spirit David has followed his own will which had led him into adultery and to Uriah's murder. A broken spirit gives up its own will in order to depend on God (15:25-26; 16:10-12; 18:4). There was no need for Jesus' spirit to be broken. Did He not say, when He came into the world: "Lo I come to do, O God, Thy will"?
But sooner or later our heart must be broken as well as our spirit. Sometimes God begins with one, sometimes with the other. When Peter wept bitterly he truly had a broken, humbled heart, for brokenness of heart is always accompanied by humiliation (Psalm 51:17). Peter's spirit was not broken until later: "When thou wast young," Jesus said to him, "thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst where thou desiredest; but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and bring thee where thou dost not desire" (John 21:18).
Nor let us forget that we need continual brokenness. Each time God wants to manifest some new feature of Christ in us, He breaks our heart so that it may appear. Thus it was with the apostle Paul. Jesus' light and life shining through this broken vessel warmed and quickened the soul of his brethren. H. L Rossier
N.J. Hiebert - 8759
February 17
Behold the Lamb of God! John 1:36
I have glorified Thee on the earth. John 17:4
MEDITATIONS on the CROSS
As the Lamb of God, Christ perfectly glorifies God in John 13; as the Son, He perfectly glorifies the Father in John 14. It is a wonderful thing, the cross; there, and there only, was God fully glorified. Where do we find the love of God in all its fullness? At the cross: "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us." (1 John 3:16)
Where do we find perfect righteousness against sin? At the cross: "He made Him to be sin, for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him."
Where do we find absolute obedience? At the cross, where Christ was before God in the very place of sin: "obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Where was the majesty of God fully vindicated? At the cross: "For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings."
The more we look into the cross--and we must come to it first as poor sinners that need salvation--the more we shall wonder at God's love. We get in the cross man in absolute hatred to God and all the power of Satan; Man (Jesus), much more than man, in absolute obedience; and God in perfect righteousness against sin. All Man was in goodness in Christ; all man was in badness; and all God was in love and righteousness, came out at the cross.
Every question of good and evil was settled at the cross. The new heaven and new earth are founded on it. Though all our blessing is wrapped up in it, "God's Lamb" is for God's glory--for Himself and according to what He is.
J. N. Darby
N.J. Hiebert - 8760
February 18
THE CHARM OF GENTLEMANLINESS
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. Proverbs 15:13
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Galatians 2:20
The Christian, indeed, should be the highest type of gentleman. Although he may not be able to boast of noble descent, or of having received a classical education, he learns in the school of grace, where the heart keeps pace with the head, lessons that will enable him to bear, without abuse, the grand old name of "Gentleman."
1. He is careful to cultivate good manners - It is the natural thing for him to stand, in vehicles, for aged people, and to avoid pushing in crowds.
2. He is above doing a mean thing - He is generous and brave, and never descends to anything that is dishonourable. He invades no secrets in the keeping of another. He betrays none confined to his own keeping. He never stabs in the dark. He is not one thing to a man's face and another behind his back. He has a cheer for those who pass him in the race. His mind is filled with the things that are true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, and of good report; and the opposite of these things have no place in his life (Philippians 4:8).
3. He will never willingly give pain - Conscious of the sense of tears in things mortal, a true gentleman does not make life hard for anyone. "So long as I have been here," said Lincoln, after his second election, "I have not willingly planted a thorn in any man's bosom". Someone has defined a gentleman as "one who never puts his feelings before the rights of others; or his rights before their feelings".
4. He has a touch of kindly humour - God made both tears and laughter, and both for kind purposes. For, as laughter enables mirth and surprise to breathe freely, so tears enable sorrow to vent itself patiently. Tears hinder sorrow from becoming despair and madness; and laughter is one of the privileges of reason, being confined to the human species. Winsome Christianity
N.J. Hiebert - 8761
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. Proverbs 15:13
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Galatians 2:20
The Christian, indeed, should be the highest type of gentleman. Although he may not be able to boast of noble descent, or of having received a classical education, he learns in the school of grace, where the heart keeps pace with the head, lessons that will enable him to bear, without abuse, the grand old name of "Gentleman."
1. He is careful to cultivate good manners - It is the natural thing for him to stand, in vehicles, for aged people, and to avoid pushing in crowds.
2. He is above doing a mean thing - He is generous and brave, and never descends to anything that is dishonourable. He invades no secrets in the keeping of another. He betrays none confined to his own keeping. He never stabs in the dark. He is not one thing to a man's face and another behind his back. He has a cheer for those who pass him in the race. His mind is filled with the things that are true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, and of good report; and the opposite of these things have no place in his life (Philippians 4:8).
3. He will never willingly give pain - Conscious of the sense of tears in things mortal, a true gentleman does not make life hard for anyone. "So long as I have been here," said Lincoln, after his second election, "I have not willingly planted a thorn in any man's bosom". Someone has defined a gentleman as "one who never puts his feelings before the rights of others; or his rights before their feelings".
4. He has a touch of kindly humour - God made both tears and laughter, and both for kind purposes. For, as laughter enables mirth and surprise to breathe freely, so tears enable sorrow to vent itself patiently. Tears hinder sorrow from becoming despair and madness; and laughter is one of the privileges of reason, being confined to the human species. Winsome Christianity
N.J. Hiebert - 8761
February 19
God . . . who giveth songs in the night" Job 35:10
We make our songs in the day of our gladness,
When life is all laughter and joy and delight,
When never a shadow has clouded our sunshine;
But God giveth songs in the night.
He giveth songs in the night of our sorrow,
When tears are our drink and when grief is our meat,
Till we silence our weeping and still our repining
To list to those cadences sweet.
He giveth songs in the night of affliction,
When earth has no sun and the heavens no star;
Like a comforting touch in the desolate darkness
His voice stealeth in from afar.
He giveth songs--and His music is sweeter
Than earth's greatest voices and gladdest refrains;
Our loveliest melodies shade to the minor,
But His keep their full major strains.
He giveth songs when our music is over,
When our voices falter and our tongues are mute;
When trembling hands drop from the lute and the harp strings,
And hushed are the viol and flute.
Give us Thy songs, O Thou Maker of music!
Teach us to sing, O Thou Bringer of joy!
Till nothing can silence the notes of our triumph
And naught our rejoicing destroy. Annie Johnson Flint
N.J. Hiebert - 8762
We make our songs in the day of our gladness,
When life is all laughter and joy and delight,
When never a shadow has clouded our sunshine;
But God giveth songs in the night.
He giveth songs in the night of our sorrow,
When tears are our drink and when grief is our meat,
Till we silence our weeping and still our repining
To list to those cadences sweet.
He giveth songs in the night of affliction,
When earth has no sun and the heavens no star;
Like a comforting touch in the desolate darkness
His voice stealeth in from afar.
He giveth songs--and His music is sweeter
Than earth's greatest voices and gladdest refrains;
Our loveliest melodies shade to the minor,
But His keep their full major strains.
He giveth songs when our music is over,
When our voices falter and our tongues are mute;
When trembling hands drop from the lute and the harp strings,
And hushed are the viol and flute.
Give us Thy songs, O Thou Maker of music!
Teach us to sing, O Thou Bringer of joy!
Till nothing can silence the notes of our triumph
And naught our rejoicing destroy. Annie Johnson Flint
N.J. Hiebert - 8762
Feburary 20
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2
Nebuchadnezzar gave instruction to Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, that he should select certain capable young men from among the exiles for a career in the Civil Service of Babylon, and he defined the criteria to be used in the selection process. He stipulated that they must be of the royal line, handsome in appearance, and that they must have an outstanding academic record.
Quite clearly, this meant a process of elimination, so that only the best entered the king's service. When the selection process was finished, Daniel and his three companions were marked out as the best that had come from Judah. This was quite an honour, because Babylon was a great empire, boasting a sophisticated system of government and education.
How flattered Daniel and his companions could have felt to have been chosen for the best treatment that Babylon could give, and the promise of a bright career, with many opportunities for advancement. This attention could easily have gone to their heads, and made them clay in the hands of the Babylonian authorities.
This situation is not so far from what we face today. Amidst the chaos and confusion and the increasing violence of society, the world system is prepared to make attractive proposals to those who impress them with their personal ability and personality. The world has plans for people like this, and will make every attempt to mould these lives to suit that plan, with the promise that the relationship will be mutually beneficial. The system will get what it wants, and those willing to go along with it will realize the benefits of a secure career, a good salary, and desirable perks.
What could be more appealing than being singled out from the masses as outstanding, and being groomed in a special way for a bright career? But the sting is in the tail of this attractive situation, in that it can involve compromise in the area of faith, and the embracing of idolatry. We appeal to young men and women especially, along with those already in the world system of business, to be aware of what is going on, and to be prepared, like Daniel and his companions, to resist the attempts of the system to press you into its mould. Daniel - William Burnett
N.J. Hiebert - 8763
Nebuchadnezzar gave instruction to Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, that he should select certain capable young men from among the exiles for a career in the Civil Service of Babylon, and he defined the criteria to be used in the selection process. He stipulated that they must be of the royal line, handsome in appearance, and that they must have an outstanding academic record.
Quite clearly, this meant a process of elimination, so that only the best entered the king's service. When the selection process was finished, Daniel and his three companions were marked out as the best that had come from Judah. This was quite an honour, because Babylon was a great empire, boasting a sophisticated system of government and education.
How flattered Daniel and his companions could have felt to have been chosen for the best treatment that Babylon could give, and the promise of a bright career, with many opportunities for advancement. This attention could easily have gone to their heads, and made them clay in the hands of the Babylonian authorities.
This situation is not so far from what we face today. Amidst the chaos and confusion and the increasing violence of society, the world system is prepared to make attractive proposals to those who impress them with their personal ability and personality. The world has plans for people like this, and will make every attempt to mould these lives to suit that plan, with the promise that the relationship will be mutually beneficial. The system will get what it wants, and those willing to go along with it will realize the benefits of a secure career, a good salary, and desirable perks.
What could be more appealing than being singled out from the masses as outstanding, and being groomed in a special way for a bright career? But the sting is in the tail of this attractive situation, in that it can involve compromise in the area of faith, and the embracing of idolatry. We appeal to young men and women especially, along with those already in the world system of business, to be aware of what is going on, and to be prepared, like Daniel and his companions, to resist the attempts of the system to press you into its mould. Daniel - William Burnett
N.J. Hiebert - 8763
February 21
His heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. Psalm 112:7
Whatever throws you upon God is an immense gain to the soul. It is well for us all when we are grounded upon what has been termed the impregnable rock of scripture. Resting on this foundation opinions may come and opinions may go, but they will never be able to disturb the divine certainty of the soul that is able to say, "Thus it is written." We may always trust in the tenderness of the Lord, and fail as we may we may trust Him.
"Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus." (John 11:5) In this very chapter Martha does nothing save to blunder, and exhibit her blindness to the glory of the Person of her Lord, and yet the chapter is prefaced by the statement that Jesus loved her. It touched me deeply as I saw a little of the significance of the statement, and it taught me that the Lord's love to us rises above all our failures, and that, therefore, we may count upon it and rest in it at all times.
His way is ever perfect, and it only needs that, with the knowledge of His love, we should repose in Him with unshaken confidence in all circumstances. It is ever a fatal mistake when we measure the difficulties of service by what we are. The question is what God is; and the difficulties that appear as mountains, looming through the mists of our unbelief, are nothing to Him but the occasion for the display of His omnipotent power.
There is nothing so destructive of confidence in God as a questioning mind. Footprints for Pilgrims - Edward Dennett
In heavenly love abiding, no change my heart shall fear,
And safe is such confiding, for nothing changes here.
The storm may roar without me, my heart may low be laid,
But God is round about me, and can I be dismayed? A. Waring
N.J. Hiebert - 8764
Whatever throws you upon God is an immense gain to the soul. It is well for us all when we are grounded upon what has been termed the impregnable rock of scripture. Resting on this foundation opinions may come and opinions may go, but they will never be able to disturb the divine certainty of the soul that is able to say, "Thus it is written." We may always trust in the tenderness of the Lord, and fail as we may we may trust Him.
"Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus." (John 11:5) In this very chapter Martha does nothing save to blunder, and exhibit her blindness to the glory of the Person of her Lord, and yet the chapter is prefaced by the statement that Jesus loved her. It touched me deeply as I saw a little of the significance of the statement, and it taught me that the Lord's love to us rises above all our failures, and that, therefore, we may count upon it and rest in it at all times.
His way is ever perfect, and it only needs that, with the knowledge of His love, we should repose in Him with unshaken confidence in all circumstances. It is ever a fatal mistake when we measure the difficulties of service by what we are. The question is what God is; and the difficulties that appear as mountains, looming through the mists of our unbelief, are nothing to Him but the occasion for the display of His omnipotent power.
There is nothing so destructive of confidence in God as a questioning mind. Footprints for Pilgrims - Edward Dennett
In heavenly love abiding, no change my heart shall fear,
And safe is such confiding, for nothing changes here.
The storm may roar without me, my heart may low be laid,
But God is round about me, and can I be dismayed? A. Waring
N.J. Hiebert - 8764
February 22
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord . . . as he journeyed, he came near Damascus; and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: and he fell to the earth and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. . . . Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands; on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. Acts 9:1-20
Now Saul is a Christian. Everybody was amazed, and God's power was with him, so that he confounded the Jews in Damascus, proving that Jesus truly is the Christ, the Messiah. They tried to kill him, as they had killed the Christ. He went away from the crowds of men into the deserts of Arabia. "Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia . . ." (Galatians 1:17)
I am sure Saul of Tarsus went to Arabia to be alone with God. I can well understand that Saul felt he must have quiet, and time to be alone, and to hear God speak to him. This is a lesson you and I need. We know nothing of this visit to Arabia, but we can well understand it. It is just what we would have expected. I do not doubt he took with him his Bible, (Old Testament, for there was no New Testament then), and that there alone with God, the Holy Spirit made this book shine with a new light and glory, as He showed him JESUS on every page.
I do not doubt the Holy Spirit taught him many such things during this time in Arabia. Christian reader, if we are to serve God acceptably, we also must have our time in Arabia. We also must get time alone with God. With most of us, we have only to follow our Master when He rose up a great while before day, and we will be alone with God. May you and I learn the depth of meaning there is in those few words, "I went away into Arabia." Meditations on Galatians - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8765
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands; on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. Acts 9:1-20
Now Saul is a Christian. Everybody was amazed, and God's power was with him, so that he confounded the Jews in Damascus, proving that Jesus truly is the Christ, the Messiah. They tried to kill him, as they had killed the Christ. He went away from the crowds of men into the deserts of Arabia. "Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia . . ." (Galatians 1:17)
I am sure Saul of Tarsus went to Arabia to be alone with God. I can well understand that Saul felt he must have quiet, and time to be alone, and to hear God speak to him. This is a lesson you and I need. We know nothing of this visit to Arabia, but we can well understand it. It is just what we would have expected. I do not doubt he took with him his Bible, (Old Testament, for there was no New Testament then), and that there alone with God, the Holy Spirit made this book shine with a new light and glory, as He showed him JESUS on every page.
I do not doubt the Holy Spirit taught him many such things during this time in Arabia. Christian reader, if we are to serve God acceptably, we also must have our time in Arabia. We also must get time alone with God. With most of us, we have only to follow our Master when He rose up a great while before day, and we will be alone with God. May you and I learn the depth of meaning there is in those few words, "I went away into Arabia." Meditations on Galatians - G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 8765
February 23
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