I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing. John 15:5
How forgetful we are of that! The preacher goes out to face his audience to whom he has preached so frequently through the years, perhaps often from the very same passage of Scripture. He goes out with self-confidence, forgetting the need of prayer, of being before God for a time of heart searching lest anything, any root of bitterness, might have come up which might hinder the work of the Spirit of God.
He rushes to the platform and delivers his message--but his message had no power because he was not consciously abiding in the living Vine. A young preacher had been called to preach and had much confidence in his own ability. The people were watching him as he entered.
He read his text, but his whole message went from him. He read the text again, and still he could not recall. He tried the third time, "I want to read my text again," hoping his message would come back. But all was blank so far as the message was concerned, and looking at the audience he said, "I am sorry; but I can't speak to you this morning."
Down the stairs he went with bowed head and broken step. At the close an old man came to him and said, "Laddie, if you had gone up the way you came down, you might have come down the way you went up!"
It is so easy to be self-confident and to believe that because we have done it before, of course we can do it again, and so we forget the need of constantly abiding, of ever being before Him in communion. And it is the same in every detail of Christian life.
"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.) Gospel of John - H. A. Ironside
N.J.Hiebert - 9168
April 1
OVERCOMING FAITH
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4
The storms of life come and go. The winter weather is but for a short season. The dark squalls and gusting winds are passing phenomena. When they are gone, the rainbow of God's blessing and reassurance reminds us of His presence. The unique peace which He alone can provide for His people pervades our spirits.
And the rest He promises us endures as our legacy. All of us have winter weather. We face those formidable interludes in life when everything looks dark and depressing.
We all have times when our days are strewn with the apparent wreckage of wrong choices and derelict decisions. The best of men and women know what it is to be stripped down to the bedrock of sheer survival.
Yet amid all such storms what a consolation to know our Father has His strong hand upon us for our own good. What an assurance to recognize that Christ can be counted on to control the final outcome of our apparent calamities. What a strength to see His gracious Spirit bring great glory and beauty out of what to us may have seemed only disastrous! Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller
N.J.Hiebert - 9169
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4
The storms of life come and go. The winter weather is but for a short season. The dark squalls and gusting winds are passing phenomena. When they are gone, the rainbow of God's blessing and reassurance reminds us of His presence. The unique peace which He alone can provide for His people pervades our spirits.
And the rest He promises us endures as our legacy. All of us have winter weather. We face those formidable interludes in life when everything looks dark and depressing.
We all have times when our days are strewn with the apparent wreckage of wrong choices and derelict decisions. The best of men and women know what it is to be stripped down to the bedrock of sheer survival.
Yet amid all such storms what a consolation to know our Father has His strong hand upon us for our own good. What an assurance to recognize that Christ can be counted on to control the final outcome of our apparent calamities. What a strength to see His gracious Spirit bring great glory and beauty out of what to us may have seemed only disastrous! Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller
N.J.Hiebert - 9169
April 2
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according His purpose. Romans 8:28
It is one of the greatest triumphs of God that He has given the knowledge of His perfect goodness to many a frail man, so that the most difficult circumstances, the deepest bereavement of sorrow or suffering, cannot shake His confidence. Even Job said, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him." (Job 13:15)
But we are permitted to go a step further. We know that whatever is brought upon the believer by God is not merely the product of divine goodness, but the positive plannings of divine love. However severe the trial and deep the pain and trying the exercise, it does but the more convince us of that clear, warm love that makes no mistakes.
This love is so deeply concerned that the divine purpose should be worked out in us that it will not shrink from adopting means that may at the moment bring the tear to the eye and make the whole frame wince and quiver. "Nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." (Hebrews 12:11).
Ask that dying saint, racked with pain, lying, it may be, in a damp cottage with no earthly comfort; ask that bereaved one, out of whose life has passed forever with the silence of death the object of deepest affection; and each will answer, with brightening eye and kindling voice "The Lord is good." Nahum 1:7
A. J. Pollock
We cannot always trace the way where Thou our gracious Lord, dost move;
But we can always surely say, that God is love.
When clouds hang o'er our darkened path, We'll check our dread, each doubt reprove; For here each saint sweet comfort hath, that God is love. J. Bowring
N.J.Hiebert - 9170
It is one of the greatest triumphs of God that He has given the knowledge of His perfect goodness to many a frail man, so that the most difficult circumstances, the deepest bereavement of sorrow or suffering, cannot shake His confidence. Even Job said, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him." (Job 13:15)
But we are permitted to go a step further. We know that whatever is brought upon the believer by God is not merely the product of divine goodness, but the positive plannings of divine love. However severe the trial and deep the pain and trying the exercise, it does but the more convince us of that clear, warm love that makes no mistakes.
This love is so deeply concerned that the divine purpose should be worked out in us that it will not shrink from adopting means that may at the moment bring the tear to the eye and make the whole frame wince and quiver. "Nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." (Hebrews 12:11).
Ask that dying saint, racked with pain, lying, it may be, in a damp cottage with no earthly comfort; ask that bereaved one, out of whose life has passed forever with the silence of death the object of deepest affection; and each will answer, with brightening eye and kindling voice "The Lord is good." Nahum 1:7
A. J. Pollock
We cannot always trace the way where Thou our gracious Lord, dost move;
But we can always surely say, that God is love.
When clouds hang o'er our darkened path, We'll check our dread, each doubt reprove; For here each saint sweet comfort hath, that God is love. J. Bowring
N.J.Hiebert - 9170
April 3
Uriah the Hittite is dead.
Then David said unto the messengers...
Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well as the another...
When the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband.
And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son.
But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord."
2 Samuel 11:24-27
The story, instead of ending, only is beginning at this point. At the end of this chapter, so full of corruption and shame, we find a little expression, the only thing David had not thought of and the only one he ought to have remembered. "But the thing that David had done displeased (was evil in the sight of) the Lord." (v.27)
Let us take heed to our ways. It takes only an instant to fall, but to avoid falling we must constantly be on the alert in all that precedes the incident.
Yes, we must watch daily to avoid walking in "any grievous way". Lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:24). In this path all is peace for our souls; this is the path of life that leads to unclouded rejoicing in God's presence: "Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." (Psalm 16:11).
2 Samuel - H. L. Rossier
N.J.Hiebert - 9171
Then David said unto the messengers...
Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth one as well as the another...
When the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband.
And when the mourning was past, David sent and fetched her to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him a son.
But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord."
2 Samuel 11:24-27
The story, instead of ending, only is beginning at this point. At the end of this chapter, so full of corruption and shame, we find a little expression, the only thing David had not thought of and the only one he ought to have remembered. "But the thing that David had done displeased (was evil in the sight of) the Lord." (v.27)
Let us take heed to our ways. It takes only an instant to fall, but to avoid falling we must constantly be on the alert in all that precedes the incident.
Yes, we must watch daily to avoid walking in "any grievous way". Lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:24). In this path all is peace for our souls; this is the path of life that leads to unclouded rejoicing in God's presence: "Thou wilt show me the path of life: in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." (Psalm 16:11).
2 Samuel - H. L. Rossier
N.J.Hiebert - 9171
April 4
IF THE LORD TARRY (delay)
Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get again: ...For what ye ought to say, if the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
(James 4:13,15).
I question the use of the phrase "If the Lord tarry". It seems, however, to have become an expression with many Christians who, I feel assured, desire to speak and act according to the direct teaching of the Holy Scripture.
I would not, for a moment, even seem to weaken in any heart the sense of the nearness of the Lord's coming--that most blessed hope. Far be the thought! That hope abides and in no wise depends on using or not using any form of words.
But, supposing I say, "if the Lord tarry, I mean to go to London next week." I make my going to London dependant upon the Lord's tarrying, whereas, He may tarry and yet it may not be His will that I should go at all. I ought to place all my movements, all my actions, all my plans, under the commanding influence of my Lord's will. Is this not in direct accordance with the Scripture? Scripture gives us, "If the Lord wills."
In conclusion, may I just add that whether we say, "If the Lord tarry," or "if the Lord will," we should ever seek, most earnestly, to be in the present power of the words we use, and thus avoid anything bordering in the most remote degree, upon mere empty phraseology or religious cant. May the Lord make us very real in all our words and ways. C. H. Mackintosh
His wisdom ever waketh, His sight is never dim:
He knows the way He taketh, and I will walk with Him. S. C. G. Küster
N.J.Hiebert - 9172
Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get again: ...For what ye ought to say, if the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
(James 4:13,15).
I question the use of the phrase "If the Lord tarry". It seems, however, to have become an expression with many Christians who, I feel assured, desire to speak and act according to the direct teaching of the Holy Scripture.
I would not, for a moment, even seem to weaken in any heart the sense of the nearness of the Lord's coming--that most blessed hope. Far be the thought! That hope abides and in no wise depends on using or not using any form of words.
But, supposing I say, "if the Lord tarry, I mean to go to London next week." I make my going to London dependant upon the Lord's tarrying, whereas, He may tarry and yet it may not be His will that I should go at all. I ought to place all my movements, all my actions, all my plans, under the commanding influence of my Lord's will. Is this not in direct accordance with the Scripture? Scripture gives us, "If the Lord wills."
In conclusion, may I just add that whether we say, "If the Lord tarry," or "if the Lord will," we should ever seek, most earnestly, to be in the present power of the words we use, and thus avoid anything bordering in the most remote degree, upon mere empty phraseology or religious cant. May the Lord make us very real in all our words and ways. C. H. Mackintosh
His wisdom ever waketh, His sight is never dim:
He knows the way He taketh, and I will walk with Him. S. C. G. Küster
N.J.Hiebert - 9172
April 5
By Myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing . . . in blessing I will bless thee. Genesis 22:16-17
Let us set ourselves to obey God today. Whether the thing He asks of us is great, or so small that we would be ashamed to let anyone know that it cost us anything, let us yield it to Him as obediently as Abraham yielded Isaac.
The way of obedience is the way of joy. It leads to a blessing that is beyond our understanding, even as the blessing of Genesis 22:17-18 was beyond Abraham's. It results in blessing for others as well as ourselves.
Is there any word of my Lord to me which I am refusing to obey? Perhaps I am arguing about it, or trying to smother and forget it, because I do not want to obey. Obey it--then in blessing I will bless thee is His promise.
Whisper of His Power - Amy Carmicael
N.J.Hiebert - 9173
Let us set ourselves to obey God today. Whether the thing He asks of us is great, or so small that we would be ashamed to let anyone know that it cost us anything, let us yield it to Him as obediently as Abraham yielded Isaac.
The way of obedience is the way of joy. It leads to a blessing that is beyond our understanding, even as the blessing of Genesis 22:17-18 was beyond Abraham's. It results in blessing for others as well as ourselves.
Is there any word of my Lord to me which I am refusing to obey? Perhaps I am arguing about it, or trying to smother and forget it, because I do not want to obey. Obey it--then in blessing I will bless thee is His promise.
Whisper of His Power - Amy Carmicael
N.J.Hiebert - 9173
April 6
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen 2 Peter 3:18
In our verse above we have the apostle Peter's closing words to the flock of God. How striking that he exhorts believers to grow in two different ways.
(1) We are to grow in grace. Grace is God providing for us according to His own heart of love. Our hearts are so slow to realize the fullness of the grace of God. We want to still think that we can do something, or must do something for God to accept us. No, we are accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6), and that altogether apart from anything we have done. We need to grow in realizing how great this grace is that saved us, sustains us, restores us--as Peter well knew--and provides for us.
(2) We are also to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. There is a blessed Man (who is also God) at the right hand of God who communicates this grace to us. He is our Lord, which means He has authority over us. We see an illustration of this in Pharaoh setting Joseph over the land of Egypt. Joseph was given absolute authority. He used this authority for blessing (Genesis 41:43-44). In like manner, the Lord Jesus has absolute authority today (Ephesians 1:20-22), but He uses it for the blessing of His people.
Let us obey Him! He is also our Saviour. How much it cost Him to be our Saviour! He suffered the judgment of God for us in those three hours of darkness. This is what we deserved. But He endured it in our place in order to save us. As we contemplate His sufferings, may we gladly submit with responsive hearts to His authority as Lord.
One day He will be honoured publicly in this world. While we wait for that day, may we already give Him glory by growing in grace and in the knowledge of Him! Kevin Quartell
N.J.Hiebert - 9174
In our verse above we have the apostle Peter's closing words to the flock of God. How striking that he exhorts believers to grow in two different ways.
(1) We are to grow in grace. Grace is God providing for us according to His own heart of love. Our hearts are so slow to realize the fullness of the grace of God. We want to still think that we can do something, or must do something for God to accept us. No, we are accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6), and that altogether apart from anything we have done. We need to grow in realizing how great this grace is that saved us, sustains us, restores us--as Peter well knew--and provides for us.
(2) We are also to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. There is a blessed Man (who is also God) at the right hand of God who communicates this grace to us. He is our Lord, which means He has authority over us. We see an illustration of this in Pharaoh setting Joseph over the land of Egypt. Joseph was given absolute authority. He used this authority for blessing (Genesis 41:43-44). In like manner, the Lord Jesus has absolute authority today (Ephesians 1:20-22), but He uses it for the blessing of His people.
Let us obey Him! He is also our Saviour. How much it cost Him to be our Saviour! He suffered the judgment of God for us in those three hours of darkness. This is what we deserved. But He endured it in our place in order to save us. As we contemplate His sufferings, may we gladly submit with responsive hearts to His authority as Lord.
One day He will be honoured publicly in this world. While we wait for that day, may we already give Him glory by growing in grace and in the knowledge of Him! Kevin Quartell
N.J.Hiebert - 9174
April 7
Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
What a gracious word of a gracious Saviour on which the soul may confidingly repose and be at peace forever. This rest of grace is a present rest as well as the rest of glory.
Have you found this blessed repose in the blood and work of Immanuel? Have you been long going about "seeking rest and not finding any"? All other peace is counterfeit, shadowy, unreal.
The eagle spurns the gilded cage as a poor equivalent for his free-born soarings. The soul's immortal aspirations can be satisfied with nothing short of the possession of God's favour and love that is found through Jesus. How unqualified is the invitation! All alike are qualified and welcome. For the weak, the weary, the sin-burdened soul, there is an open door of grace.
Let the sweet cadence of this "word of Jesus" steal on you amid the disquietudes of earth. Sheltered in Him, you are safe for time, safe for eternity. There may be, and will be, temporary tossings and misgivings, but these will only be like the surface heavings of the ocean while underneath there can be a deep settled calm. The person who is saved can sing to God, "Thou wilt keep Him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee." (Isaiah 26:3).
And if the foretaste of this rest be precious, what must be the glorious consummation? We shall awake in immortality's morning with the unique frame of earth past forever. Faith will give way to sight and hope to fruition. There will be no more tendency to sin, no more latent principles of evil to disturb the spirit's everlasting tranquility. The trembling heart will repose where alone it can confidently and permanently rest in the enjoyment of the infinite God.
J. R. Macduff
N.J.Hiebert - 9175
What a gracious word of a gracious Saviour on which the soul may confidingly repose and be at peace forever. This rest of grace is a present rest as well as the rest of glory.
Have you found this blessed repose in the blood and work of Immanuel? Have you been long going about "seeking rest and not finding any"? All other peace is counterfeit, shadowy, unreal.
The eagle spurns the gilded cage as a poor equivalent for his free-born soarings. The soul's immortal aspirations can be satisfied with nothing short of the possession of God's favour and love that is found through Jesus. How unqualified is the invitation! All alike are qualified and welcome. For the weak, the weary, the sin-burdened soul, there is an open door of grace.
Let the sweet cadence of this "word of Jesus" steal on you amid the disquietudes of earth. Sheltered in Him, you are safe for time, safe for eternity. There may be, and will be, temporary tossings and misgivings, but these will only be like the surface heavings of the ocean while underneath there can be a deep settled calm. The person who is saved can sing to God, "Thou wilt keep Him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee." (Isaiah 26:3).
And if the foretaste of this rest be precious, what must be the glorious consummation? We shall awake in immortality's morning with the unique frame of earth past forever. Faith will give way to sight and hope to fruition. There will be no more tendency to sin, no more latent principles of evil to disturb the spirit's everlasting tranquility. The trembling heart will repose where alone it can confidently and permanently rest in the enjoyment of the infinite God.
J. R. Macduff
N.J.Hiebert - 9175
April 8
"To all the saints." Philippians 1:1
The Spirit of God seems to delight to use this little word "all." We find it again and again in this Epistle. I think the Greek word "all" occurs some 34 times. We can think of Lydia and her household; of the jailor and his household. Two sisters who had a quarrel are also included: and many others, whose names are in the Book of Life. And may we not include ourselves also?
If we cannot come in with Lydia or the Jailor, perhaps we can with Euodias and Syntache. I doubt not the Spirit of God has given us this little Book for the express purpose of putting our names, also, into that little word "all." May the sweet and solemn sentences that flow from it, sink down deep into each of our hearts!
But I think there is another lesson for us in these words. How often we forget "all the saints." How often our thoughts and prayers include only the saints in one little group, that is of special interest to us. Let us remember that God's heart, God's thought, goes out to "all the saints." When I was a child, every night and morning my father would pray for "the whole Church of God."
This is as it should be: and if we are walking down here as Christ would have us walk, we will not be content that our hearts should take in any smaller circle than "all the saints." We may not be able to walk with them all, in the paths they have chosen, but we may love them, and pray for them, all. Before the Assembly at Ephesus had left their first love (Revelation 2:4): Paul could write of their "love unto all the saints." (Ephesians 1:15).
And there is another thing that little word "all" makes us think of: Suppose the Postmaster got a letter to deliver, addressed: To, All the saints in Christ Jesus which are in Toronto, or London, or New York, or Hong King. How puzzled he would be to know what to do with it! And yet that is the way this letter was addressed: and that is the way the Lord would still have His people: "That they all may be one." (John 17,11,21,22) G. C. Willis - Philippians
N.J.Hiebert - 9176
The Spirit of God seems to delight to use this little word "all." We find it again and again in this Epistle. I think the Greek word "all" occurs some 34 times. We can think of Lydia and her household; of the jailor and his household. Two sisters who had a quarrel are also included: and many others, whose names are in the Book of Life. And may we not include ourselves also?
If we cannot come in with Lydia or the Jailor, perhaps we can with Euodias and Syntache. I doubt not the Spirit of God has given us this little Book for the express purpose of putting our names, also, into that little word "all." May the sweet and solemn sentences that flow from it, sink down deep into each of our hearts!
But I think there is another lesson for us in these words. How often we forget "all the saints." How often our thoughts and prayers include only the saints in one little group, that is of special interest to us. Let us remember that God's heart, God's thought, goes out to "all the saints." When I was a child, every night and morning my father would pray for "the whole Church of God."
This is as it should be: and if we are walking down here as Christ would have us walk, we will not be content that our hearts should take in any smaller circle than "all the saints." We may not be able to walk with them all, in the paths they have chosen, but we may love them, and pray for them, all. Before the Assembly at Ephesus had left their first love (Revelation 2:4): Paul could write of their "love unto all the saints." (Ephesians 1:15).
And there is another thing that little word "all" makes us think of: Suppose the Postmaster got a letter to deliver, addressed: To, All the saints in Christ Jesus which are in Toronto, or London, or New York, or Hong King. How puzzled he would be to know what to do with it! And yet that is the way this letter was addressed: and that is the way the Lord would still have His people: "That they all may be one." (John 17,11,21,22) G. C. Willis - Philippians
N.J.Hiebert - 9176
April 9
Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. (Ephesians 2:19)
But who is a saint? Lydia (Acts 16: 14-40) was a saint: the jailor was a saint: Euodias was a saint, and also Syntache (Philippian 4:2). A saint means a holy person, a person separated to God. A person who is a saint should live "as becometh saints. (Ephesians 5:3). A saint should live a holy life, and walk in a way that pleases God.
Yet that is not what makes a person a saint in God's eyes, for we find the Spirit of God calls the Corinthians saints, "saints by calling", (1 Corinthians 1:2) and they were behaving very badly indeed, so the Spirit of God spends most of two long Epistles finding fault with them: but He begins by calling them "saints."
What, then, is a saint? Every true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is a saint. Every person bought with His precious blood is a saint: these are all separated from the world, because they are bought with that blood. In Ephesians 2:19 the Spirit writes to men and women who once were without God, separated from God, (That is the meaning), but now they are separated to God; they are "saints."
He calls them "fellow-citizens with the saints"; citizens of heaven: holy men: saints. If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ: if you are washed in His precious blood: if you are born again, and have eternal life: then you are a saint: just as truly a saint as the saints in Philippi, or just as truly as the apostles Peter or Paul themselves.
But the word saint should make us think especially of God's people, separated, or, consecrated, to God: set apart for Him.
Philippians - G. C. Willis
N.J.Hiebert - 9177
But who is a saint? Lydia (Acts 16: 14-40) was a saint: the jailor was a saint: Euodias was a saint, and also Syntache (Philippian 4:2). A saint means a holy person, a person separated to God. A person who is a saint should live "as becometh saints. (Ephesians 5:3). A saint should live a holy life, and walk in a way that pleases God.
Yet that is not what makes a person a saint in God's eyes, for we find the Spirit of God calls the Corinthians saints, "saints by calling", (1 Corinthians 1:2) and they were behaving very badly indeed, so the Spirit of God spends most of two long Epistles finding fault with them: but He begins by calling them "saints."
What, then, is a saint? Every true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is a saint. Every person bought with His precious blood is a saint: these are all separated from the world, because they are bought with that blood. In Ephesians 2:19 the Spirit writes to men and women who once were without God, separated from God, (That is the meaning), but now they are separated to God; they are "saints."
He calls them "fellow-citizens with the saints"; citizens of heaven: holy men: saints. If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ: if you are washed in His precious blood: if you are born again, and have eternal life: then you are a saint: just as truly a saint as the saints in Philippi, or just as truly as the apostles Peter or Paul themselves.
But the word saint should make us think especially of God's people, separated, or, consecrated, to God: set apart for Him.
Philippians - G. C. Willis
N.J.Hiebert - 9177
April 10
SERVANTS AND SERVICE
He that hath My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord. Jeremiah 23:28
Preach the truth. Take heed of giving your own dreams and fancies in God's name. All is chaff except the pure Word of God. O stamp not God's image on your own coin! We live in high-flown times: many people are not content with truths that lie plainly in the Scriptures; and some, to please their wanton palates, have refined their notions so high, that they have flown out of the sight of the Scripture, and unawares run themselves, with others, into dangerous errors.
Make not experiments upon the souls of people, by delivering what is doubtful. Better feed people with sound doctrine though it be a plain meal, than that you should with an outlandish dish, light on a wild gourd, that brings death into their pot. (2 Kings 4:40)
Preach with the fear of God. A little bread, with God's blessing, may make a meal for a multitude, and great provision may soon shrink to nothing, if God help not in the breaking of it. It is not your sermon in your head, or notes in your book, that will enable you to preach, except God open your mouth. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5). The swelling of the heart, as well as of the wall, goes before a fall.
How much may it provoke God, when you go to the pulpit and pass by His door in the way, without calling for His assistance?... not only the preparation of the heart, but the answer of the tongue, both are from the Lord. (Proverbs 16:1) God keeps the key of the mouth as, well of the heart; not a word can be uttered, until God opens the door of the lips to give it a free exit. (Numbers 22:28-31).
The Christian in Complete Armour - W Gurnall (1617-1679)
N.J.Hiebert - 9178
He that hath My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord. Jeremiah 23:28
Preach the truth. Take heed of giving your own dreams and fancies in God's name. All is chaff except the pure Word of God. O stamp not God's image on your own coin! We live in high-flown times: many people are not content with truths that lie plainly in the Scriptures; and some, to please their wanton palates, have refined their notions so high, that they have flown out of the sight of the Scripture, and unawares run themselves, with others, into dangerous errors.
Make not experiments upon the souls of people, by delivering what is doubtful. Better feed people with sound doctrine though it be a plain meal, than that you should with an outlandish dish, light on a wild gourd, that brings death into their pot. (2 Kings 4:40)
Preach with the fear of God. A little bread, with God's blessing, may make a meal for a multitude, and great provision may soon shrink to nothing, if God help not in the breaking of it. It is not your sermon in your head, or notes in your book, that will enable you to preach, except God open your mouth. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5). The swelling of the heart, as well as of the wall, goes before a fall.
How much may it provoke God, when you go to the pulpit and pass by His door in the way, without calling for His assistance?... not only the preparation of the heart, but the answer of the tongue, both are from the Lord. (Proverbs 16:1) God keeps the key of the mouth as, well of the heart; not a word can be uttered, until God opens the door of the lips to give it a free exit. (Numbers 22:28-31).
The Christian in Complete Armour - W Gurnall (1617-1679)
N.J.Hiebert - 9178
April 11
The Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before Me, and be thou perfect." Genesis 17:1
POWER No person in a position of authority and power ever got there without God granting it. People love power. They think it gives them control over the behaviour of others, and many authority figures think they can even control those souls. We do need leaders, but we all want them to be benevolent - a rare combination.
Most leaders believe their personal survival in their position of power depends upon their performance, and therefore, will do anything to secure their position. This is clearly abuse of power, but all too common. Such power-mad people fail to even admit there is a HIGHER POWER, God, who orders everything in this world, even to the extent of letting evil permeate society for a time.
It's easy to identify powerful leaders around the world who have risen up for all the wrong reasons, but there is One who is in such a position for all the right reasons; and that is God's only Son, the Man Christ Jesus. God has anointed Him with power from on high; power over the entire universe and everything in it. The world doesn't see that yet, but it will. Be assured that the day is coming, and soon, when the Lord Jesus will be gloriously displayed to every one on earth as all-powerful. The Bible says in Psalm 72:11, "Yea, all kings shall fall down before Him: all nations shall serve Him".
Where will you be then? The end-time events may start within your lifetime or soon after, but the book of Revelation gives us a picture of what's coming - world-wide judgment and personal judgment.
"As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:27,28) Lorne Perry for Vision 2020
N.J.Hiebert - 9179 (To be continued)
POWER No person in a position of authority and power ever got there without God granting it. People love power. They think it gives them control over the behaviour of others, and many authority figures think they can even control those souls. We do need leaders, but we all want them to be benevolent - a rare combination.
Most leaders believe their personal survival in their position of power depends upon their performance, and therefore, will do anything to secure their position. This is clearly abuse of power, but all too common. Such power-mad people fail to even admit there is a HIGHER POWER, God, who orders everything in this world, even to the extent of letting evil permeate society for a time.
It's easy to identify powerful leaders around the world who have risen up for all the wrong reasons, but there is One who is in such a position for all the right reasons; and that is God's only Son, the Man Christ Jesus. God has anointed Him with power from on high; power over the entire universe and everything in it. The world doesn't see that yet, but it will. Be assured that the day is coming, and soon, when the Lord Jesus will be gloriously displayed to every one on earth as all-powerful. The Bible says in Psalm 72:11, "Yea, all kings shall fall down before Him: all nations shall serve Him".
Where will you be then? The end-time events may start within your lifetime or soon after, but the book of Revelation gives us a picture of what's coming - world-wide judgment and personal judgment.
"As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:27,28) Lorne Perry for Vision 2020
N.J.Hiebert - 9179 (To be continued)
April 12
Where will you be then? (Part 2)
And as It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)
The end-time events may start within your lifetime or soon after, but the book of Revelation gives us a picture of what is coming - world-wide judgment and personal judgment. (Revelation 20:11-12)
Let's face it, everyone's "works" are bad when placed against God's standard of perfection. God gave you a free will, permitting you to obey and worship Him because you chose to. But instead, from Adam and Eve on down we have chosen to follow our own will.
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way." (Isaiah 53:6).
There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 14:12)
Only one rescue plan.
There is just one way to escape the holy judgment of God upon your sins, and that is to lay hold of God's free offer, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and Thou shalt be saved." (Acts 16:31). It's a short step in order to have peace with God, but it means declaring before Him you are guilty and hopeless, believing on Jesus Christ as the only possible Saviour, and trusting completely in all He accomplished at Calvary, when His blood was shed.
Instantly, you will have eternal life. Your sins will all be gone from God's sight - erased from the record books. You will escape the coming judgment, and have an assured place with Jesus in heaven. You are offered this wonderful position only while you are still alive. "Now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2) You dare not put it off! Lorne Perry for Vision in 2020 in 2023.
N.J.Hiebert - 9180
And as It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)
The end-time events may start within your lifetime or soon after, but the book of Revelation gives us a picture of what is coming - world-wide judgment and personal judgment. (Revelation 20:11-12)
Let's face it, everyone's "works" are bad when placed against God's standard of perfection. God gave you a free will, permitting you to obey and worship Him because you chose to. But instead, from Adam and Eve on down we have chosen to follow our own will.
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way." (Isaiah 53:6).
There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 14:12)
Only one rescue plan.
There is just one way to escape the holy judgment of God upon your sins, and that is to lay hold of God's free offer, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and Thou shalt be saved." (Acts 16:31). It's a short step in order to have peace with God, but it means declaring before Him you are guilty and hopeless, believing on Jesus Christ as the only possible Saviour, and trusting completely in all He accomplished at Calvary, when His blood was shed.
Instantly, you will have eternal life. Your sins will all be gone from God's sight - erased from the record books. You will escape the coming judgment, and have an assured place with Jesus in heaven. You are offered this wonderful position only while you are still alive. "Now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2) You dare not put it off! Lorne Perry for Vision in 2020 in 2023.
N.J.Hiebert - 9180
April 13
April 14
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