I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
Once we overheard a conversation that passed between two Christians we shall not easily forget. One was aged, and had been prosperous, but in the decline of life misfortune overtook him through the dishonesty of another. We can see him now as he stood in the doorway, his shining face set off by an abundance of white hair.
As they parted his friend said to him quoting Psalm 34:6. "Well, remember, 'this poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.' " "Ah," he said (and they were the last words we ever heard him utter), "He has done a greater thing for me than that: He has delivered me from all my fears" (v.4)
Yes, it is surely a greater thing to be delivered from all our fears than saved out of all our troubles. It is those fears that cast such a dark cloud over many a life. And yet how often they are groundless fears!
But if trouble actually does come, and the trial is upon us, then let us remember the words of the Psalm already quoted: "This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles." He cried just as if he had fallen into some pit, or was being washed out to sea. And this is just how we must cry to God in our trouble.
In this connection there are three verses we might do well to keep in mind.
- "What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee."
- "I will trust and not be afraid."
- "Trust in Him at all times.
"Angels in White - Russell Elliott
N.J.Hiebert - 9249
June 21
And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: There is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul will despair of me to seek me any more within all the limits of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand"
(1 Samuel 27:1)
Isn't it surprising to see David's weakness here after so many striking marks of divine protection? Just yesterday he had said, full of confidence: "let my life be highly esteemed in the eyes of Jehovah, that He may deliver me out of all distress!" (ch. 26:24). Today his courage is gone and he says: "I shall now one day perish by the hand of Saul." We must often experience that a great victory is apt to be followed by a great despondency.
When God was with us, did we not happen to attribute something to ourselves? When David said to Saul: "Jehovah will render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness" (ch 26:23), God alone knows whether or not there was some self-satisfaction in these words. Therefore God leaves us to ourselves (I am not saying, of course, that He forsakes us) in order to show us that we cannot have any confidence in the flesh.
Thus we learn to probe "the division of soul and spirit" which is so subtle that in the fight of faith we are often unaware of the mixture of the two, and that gold which has been refined, or which appears to have been refined, still needs the crucible to be purified from every alloy. This clearly explains the weakness of believers at the very time when their faith has been shining so splendidly.
1 Samuel - Dr. Henri L. Rossier
N.J.Hiebert - 9250
(1 Samuel 27:1)
Isn't it surprising to see David's weakness here after so many striking marks of divine protection? Just yesterday he had said, full of confidence: "let my life be highly esteemed in the eyes of Jehovah, that He may deliver me out of all distress!" (ch. 26:24). Today his courage is gone and he says: "I shall now one day perish by the hand of Saul." We must often experience that a great victory is apt to be followed by a great despondency.
When God was with us, did we not happen to attribute something to ourselves? When David said to Saul: "Jehovah will render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness" (ch 26:23), God alone knows whether or not there was some self-satisfaction in these words. Therefore God leaves us to ourselves (I am not saying, of course, that He forsakes us) in order to show us that we cannot have any confidence in the flesh.
Thus we learn to probe "the division of soul and spirit" which is so subtle that in the fight of faith we are often unaware of the mixture of the two, and that gold which has been refined, or which appears to have been refined, still needs the crucible to be purified from every alloy. This clearly explains the weakness of believers at the very time when their faith has been shining so splendidly.
1 Samuel - Dr. Henri L. Rossier
N.J.Hiebert - 9250
June 22
There they made Him a supper. John 12:2
While the king sitteth at His table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof. Song of Solomon 1:12
It was not often in this sad world that anyone made a supper for the Lord. There at last they spread a feast for Him who spread a feast for all the world. There the king sat at His table, and there the spikenard of the bride sent forth its fragrance. It had been blessed to sit at His feet as a learner and hear His word, but Mary's spikenard sent forth no fragrance there. It was blessed to fall at His feet in the day of sorrow and receive the comfort of His tears, but it drew no fragrant spikenard from Mary's broken heart.
But when the king sat at His table in the midst of His own, no longer sustaining them in the pathway, comforting them in their sorrows, dealing with their weakness or correcting their mistakes, but now resting in His love in holy communion and intimacy with His own, then indeed the suited moment had come to bring forth the alabaster box and pour out the precious spikenard upon the King, and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment (John 12:3).
It is the presence of the King at His table that calls forth the worship of His own. Only a heart set free from its sorrows, and its exercises, and busy service, can worship in the presence of the King. To learn at His feet is good, but learning is not worship. To be comforted by His tears of sympathy is sweet, But comfort is not is not worship.
But when we spread a feast for Christ--when the King sits at His table--it is no time for instruction or comfort. There we leave our sorrows, our ignorance, our daily cares behind, and at His supper, He alone engrosses the mind and holds the affections; and when the heart is filled with Christ, we worship--our spikenard "sends forth its fragrance." Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 9251
While the king sitteth at His table, my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof. Song of Solomon 1:12
It was not often in this sad world that anyone made a supper for the Lord. There at last they spread a feast for Him who spread a feast for all the world. There the king sat at His table, and there the spikenard of the bride sent forth its fragrance. It had been blessed to sit at His feet as a learner and hear His word, but Mary's spikenard sent forth no fragrance there. It was blessed to fall at His feet in the day of sorrow and receive the comfort of His tears, but it drew no fragrant spikenard from Mary's broken heart.
But when the king sat at His table in the midst of His own, no longer sustaining them in the pathway, comforting them in their sorrows, dealing with their weakness or correcting their mistakes, but now resting in His love in holy communion and intimacy with His own, then indeed the suited moment had come to bring forth the alabaster box and pour out the precious spikenard upon the King, and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment (John 12:3).
It is the presence of the King at His table that calls forth the worship of His own. Only a heart set free from its sorrows, and its exercises, and busy service, can worship in the presence of the King. To learn at His feet is good, but learning is not worship. To be comforted by His tears of sympathy is sweet, But comfort is not is not worship.
But when we spread a feast for Christ--when the King sits at His table--it is no time for instruction or comfort. There we leave our sorrows, our ignorance, our daily cares behind, and at His supper, He alone engrosses the mind and holds the affections; and when the heart is filled with Christ, we worship--our spikenard "sends forth its fragrance." Hamilton Smith
N.J. Hiebert - 9251
June 23
Be ye thankful. Colossians 3:15
A well known, successful and popular professor of literature at a prestigious East Coast University spent some time reflecting on people who had helped him during his childhood and early, formative years--those who had nurtured, inspired, or cared enough about him to have made a real impact and lasting positive impression on him.
One specially came to mind. She was an English teacher he had during high school. He had not thought of nor heard of her in many years. He specially remembered how she had spent much time with him, quietly working and going out of her way to instill a love of literature and poetry in him. The result had been that he developed a lifelong love of literature which further developed into a successful career. He decided that though long out of contact, he would write a letter of thanks to her for what she had done.
It was not long before he received back a reply from his former teacher. It was a handwritten note penned in the rather shaky, hard to read scrawl of a very elderly person. The letter began "My dear Johnny". The middle aged professor was delighted to read that name for he did not think there was a person left in the world who still remembered his 'pet' name, "Johnny".
"My dear Johnny, I cannot tell you how much your note meant to me. I am in my eighties, living alone in a small room, still cooking my own meals, lonely and, like the last leaf of autumn, still lingering behind. You will be interested to know that I taught school for over 50 years and yet, yours is the first note of appreciation I have ever received. It came to me on a rather gray, cold, depressing morning and cheered me as little else has done these past few years."
What grief must the heart of the beloved Apostle Paul felt when he penned these words to Timothy shortly before his martyrdom: "This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me" (2 Timothy 1:15). Earlier Paul had written to the Corinthians that he would gladly spend and be spent for them. How the beloved apostle loved his dear Corinthian children! (and how little he was loved) How have we responded to those who, over the years, have been used in blessing in our lives? Doug Nicolet - The Christian Shepherd - April 2008
N.J.Hiebert - 9252
A well known, successful and popular professor of literature at a prestigious East Coast University spent some time reflecting on people who had helped him during his childhood and early, formative years--those who had nurtured, inspired, or cared enough about him to have made a real impact and lasting positive impression on him.
One specially came to mind. She was an English teacher he had during high school. He had not thought of nor heard of her in many years. He specially remembered how she had spent much time with him, quietly working and going out of her way to instill a love of literature and poetry in him. The result had been that he developed a lifelong love of literature which further developed into a successful career. He decided that though long out of contact, he would write a letter of thanks to her for what she had done.
It was not long before he received back a reply from his former teacher. It was a handwritten note penned in the rather shaky, hard to read scrawl of a very elderly person. The letter began "My dear Johnny". The middle aged professor was delighted to read that name for he did not think there was a person left in the world who still remembered his 'pet' name, "Johnny".
"My dear Johnny, I cannot tell you how much your note meant to me. I am in my eighties, living alone in a small room, still cooking my own meals, lonely and, like the last leaf of autumn, still lingering behind. You will be interested to know that I taught school for over 50 years and yet, yours is the first note of appreciation I have ever received. It came to me on a rather gray, cold, depressing morning and cheered me as little else has done these past few years."
What grief must the heart of the beloved Apostle Paul felt when he penned these words to Timothy shortly before his martyrdom: "This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me" (2 Timothy 1:15). Earlier Paul had written to the Corinthians that he would gladly spend and be spent for them. How the beloved apostle loved his dear Corinthian children! (and how little he was loved) How have we responded to those who, over the years, have been used in blessing in our lives? Doug Nicolet - The Christian Shepherd - April 2008
N.J.Hiebert - 9252
June 24
Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Luke 13:24
WHAT IS THE STRAIT GATE?
There could have been no way of escape for sinners from the wrath to come, had not Jesus died upon the cross. "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit."(John 12:24). It is the cross of Christ that speaks to us of sin put away, redemption accomplished, and of the sinner's only way to God. Christ crucified, then, is the "strait gate."
Jesus lifted up on the cross is the door of access. "I am the door," said He: "by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved." The cross of Christ, therefore, becomes the point of separation between the saved and lost.
Not to enter into God's presence through this gate is still to tarry in the place of death and judgment; but to enter into the Father's presence through the atoning work of His dear Son is present peace and eternal salvation.
The gospel thus presents to us a door of escape, and it is still wide open; it welcomes all guilty sinners that "enter in" by faith, thus sheltering them for ever from the wrath of God, and shutting them into the peace-speaking presence of the Father of mercies, and God of all comfort. Streams of Refreshing - H. H. Snell
N.J.Hiebert - 9253
WHAT IS THE STRAIT GATE?
There could have been no way of escape for sinners from the wrath to come, had not Jesus died upon the cross. "Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit."(John 12:24). It is the cross of Christ that speaks to us of sin put away, redemption accomplished, and of the sinner's only way to God. Christ crucified, then, is the "strait gate."
Jesus lifted up on the cross is the door of access. "I am the door," said He: "by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved." The cross of Christ, therefore, becomes the point of separation between the saved and lost.
Not to enter into God's presence through this gate is still to tarry in the place of death and judgment; but to enter into the Father's presence through the atoning work of His dear Son is present peace and eternal salvation.
The gospel thus presents to us a door of escape, and it is still wide open; it welcomes all guilty sinners that "enter in" by faith, thus sheltering them for ever from the wrath of God, and shutting them into the peace-speaking presence of the Father of mercies, and God of all comfort. Streams of Refreshing - H. H. Snell
N.J.Hiebert - 9253
June 25
God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians10:13
In clearing a flower bed the other day to make room for some fruit trees I learned a beneficial lesson. The most difficult to pull up were the rose bushes, because they were more covered with thorns than any of the others.
At the same time the rose was the sweetest flower that bloomed in the bed. There was a combination of the most thorns and the sweetest scent.
Ah! thought I, how like many a Christian. With some it is quite easy to be pleasant and amiable, and pleasantness and amiability may be mistaken for the graces of Christ. But when a rough, uncouth man is transformed into a gentle, lowly follower of Jesus, this is indeed grace. When a miserly person is generous and open-handed, this is indeed a triumph. And of all the bushes and plants I rooted up the thorny rose was the one I was most careful to find a new place for.
May this little illustration be an encouragement to some of the Lord's people, who find it difficult to be pleasant and gracious, to think that if grace works in their hearts, the Lord may find His sweetest roses upon the His thorniest bushes.
We are apt to judge superficially, and see much grace where there is little, and little where there is much. God reads aright, and values the flowers of His own cultivation. Comforted of God - A. J. Pollock
N.J.Hiebert - 9254
In clearing a flower bed the other day to make room for some fruit trees I learned a beneficial lesson. The most difficult to pull up were the rose bushes, because they were more covered with thorns than any of the others.
At the same time the rose was the sweetest flower that bloomed in the bed. There was a combination of the most thorns and the sweetest scent.
Ah! thought I, how like many a Christian. With some it is quite easy to be pleasant and amiable, and pleasantness and amiability may be mistaken for the graces of Christ. But when a rough, uncouth man is transformed into a gentle, lowly follower of Jesus, this is indeed grace. When a miserly person is generous and open-handed, this is indeed a triumph. And of all the bushes and plants I rooted up the thorny rose was the one I was most careful to find a new place for.
May this little illustration be an encouragement to some of the Lord's people, who find it difficult to be pleasant and gracious, to think that if grace works in their hearts, the Lord may find His sweetest roses upon the His thorniest bushes.
We are apt to judge superficially, and see much grace where there is little, and little where there is much. God reads aright, and values the flowers of His own cultivation. Comforted of God - A. J. Pollock
N.J.Hiebert - 9254
June 26
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2
Grace means "Free, undeserved favour." And, Thanks be to God, that is just what God has shown us; and this is the message with which this lovely Epistle begins. But let us remember it is Grace, not from pity, but from Love. I write in Hong Kong, surrounded by tens of thousands of refugees in the most desperate poverty, misery, and squalor: daily I see the children in their rags and wretchedness, and my heart is moved with pity, and I seek to do what little I can to remove their misery.
In a measure I show them Grace, for they do nothing to deserve help. But it is Grace moved by pity. But there are a few whom I dearly love, what a difference that makes! A few days ago a dear child we have known and loved for several years, showed me the soles of her shoes, without saying a word: both had great holes right through to her bare feet.
I got her new shoes, and at the same time a pretty new dress, for I think she had only the shabby one she had on: I paid about ninety cents for it. When I gave them to her, she climbed on my knee, buried her head on my shoulder, her heart too full for words: and then at last she looked up with wonder, saying: "Mr. Lee, you must have paid a great deal for it!"
It was grace, but grace moved by Love, and who can say whose pleasure was greater, the Child's, or mine? Let us ponder the Love behind the words: "GRACE TO YOU," and let us remember always the unfathomable cost. May our hearts respond, not with any formal thanks, but like the Child, may our hearts burst forth: THANKS BE UTO GOD FOR HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT!!!
(2 Corinthians 9:15). Philippians - G. Christopher Willis
N.J.Hiebert - 9255
Grace means "Free, undeserved favour." And, Thanks be to God, that is just what God has shown us; and this is the message with which this lovely Epistle begins. But let us remember it is Grace, not from pity, but from Love. I write in Hong Kong, surrounded by tens of thousands of refugees in the most desperate poverty, misery, and squalor: daily I see the children in their rags and wretchedness, and my heart is moved with pity, and I seek to do what little I can to remove their misery.
In a measure I show them Grace, for they do nothing to deserve help. But it is Grace moved by pity. But there are a few whom I dearly love, what a difference that makes! A few days ago a dear child we have known and loved for several years, showed me the soles of her shoes, without saying a word: both had great holes right through to her bare feet.
I got her new shoes, and at the same time a pretty new dress, for I think she had only the shabby one she had on: I paid about ninety cents for it. When I gave them to her, she climbed on my knee, buried her head on my shoulder, her heart too full for words: and then at last she looked up with wonder, saying: "Mr. Lee, you must have paid a great deal for it!"
It was grace, but grace moved by Love, and who can say whose pleasure was greater, the Child's, or mine? Let us ponder the Love behind the words: "GRACE TO YOU," and let us remember always the unfathomable cost. May our hearts respond, not with any formal thanks, but like the Child, may our hearts burst forth: THANKS BE UTO GOD FOR HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT!!!
(2 Corinthians 9:15). Philippians - G. Christopher Willis
N.J.Hiebert - 9255
June 27
ABOUNDING PROVISION
I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
These words are firmly linked to the clause which precedes them, as consequence is to cause. With the Shepherd leading on in front of him, and "goodness and mercy", like two faithful sheep-dogs, following hard behind them, David was as certain that he would not want anything here, as he was that he would dwell in the house of the Lord hereafter (compare John 10:4; Psalm 23:1 and 6).
Now, if for a moment we regard Psalm 23 as a sweet toned instrument, and faith as the hand which plays upon it, we shall find that it yields to that touch, music of the most exquisite sweetness. What is it that "I shall not want"? The hand of faith runs over the key-board and brings out twelve distinct notes. Listen to them:
- I shall not want REST, for He maketh me to lie down.
- I shall not want REFRESHMENT, for He leads me by still waters.
- I shall not want PRESERVATION, for He restoreth my soul.
- I shall not want GUIDANCE, for He leadeth me.
- I shall not want PEACE, for I will fear no evil.
- I shall not want COMPANIONSHIP, for Thou art with me.
- I shall not want COMFORT, for Thy rod and staff comfort me.
- I shall not want SUSTENANCE, for Thou preparest a table.
- I shall not want JOY, for Thou anointest my head.
- I shall not want ANYTHING, for my cup runneth over.
- I shall not want HAPPINESS now, for goodness and mercy follow me.
- I shall not want GLORY hereafter, for I shall dwell in the house
of the Lord forever. THE PEARL OF PSALMS - George Henderon
N.J.Hiebert - 9256
I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
These words are firmly linked to the clause which precedes them, as consequence is to cause. With the Shepherd leading on in front of him, and "goodness and mercy", like two faithful sheep-dogs, following hard behind them, David was as certain that he would not want anything here, as he was that he would dwell in the house of the Lord hereafter (compare John 10:4; Psalm 23:1 and 6).
Now, if for a moment we regard Psalm 23 as a sweet toned instrument, and faith as the hand which plays upon it, we shall find that it yields to that touch, music of the most exquisite sweetness. What is it that "I shall not want"? The hand of faith runs over the key-board and brings out twelve distinct notes. Listen to them:
- I shall not want REST, for He maketh me to lie down.
- I shall not want REFRESHMENT, for He leads me by still waters.
- I shall not want PRESERVATION, for He restoreth my soul.
- I shall not want GUIDANCE, for He leadeth me.
- I shall not want PEACE, for I will fear no evil.
- I shall not want COMPANIONSHIP, for Thou art with me.
- I shall not want COMFORT, for Thy rod and staff comfort me.
- I shall not want SUSTENANCE, for Thou preparest a table.
- I shall not want JOY, for Thou anointest my head.
- I shall not want ANYTHING, for my cup runneth over.
- I shall not want HAPPINESS now, for goodness and mercy follow me.
- I shall not want GLORY hereafter, for I shall dwell in the house
of the Lord forever. THE PEARL OF PSALMS - George Henderon
N.J.Hiebert - 9256
June 28
And that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them and rose again.
2 Corinthians 5:15
OH, the bitter shame and sorrow, that a time could ever be,
When I let the Saviour's pity plead in vain, and proudly answered:
All of self, and none of Thee.
Yet He found me: I beheld Him bleeding on the accursed tree,
Heard Him pray: "Forgive them, Father"; And my wistful heart said faintly:
Some of self and some of Thee.
Day by day His tender mercy, healing, helping, full and free,
Sweet and strong, and ah! so patient, brought me lower, while I whispered: Less of self, and more of Thee.
Higher than the highest heaven, deeper than the deepest sea,
LORD, Thy love at last hath conquered; Grant me now my supplication:
None of self, and all of Thee. Theodore Monod, 1874
N.J.Hiebert - 9257
OH, the bitter shame and sorrow, that a time could ever be,
When I let the Saviour's pity plead in vain, and proudly answered:
All of self, and none of Thee.
Yet He found me: I beheld Him bleeding on the accursed tree,
Heard Him pray: "Forgive them, Father"; And my wistful heart said faintly:
Some of self and some of Thee.
Day by day His tender mercy, healing, helping, full and free,
Sweet and strong, and ah! so patient, brought me lower, while I whispered: Less of self, and more of Thee.
Higher than the highest heaven, deeper than the deepest sea,
LORD, Thy love at last hath conquered; Grant me now my supplication:
None of self, and all of Thee. Theodore Monod, 1874
N.J.Hiebert - 9257
June 29
Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:17.
Though thy way be long and dreary,
Eagle strength He'll still renew;
Garments fresh and foot unweary
Tell how God hath brought thee through. J.N.D.
Ah! it is blessed to be at the feet of Jesus in our sorrows, for there divine light shines upon them, and though we may suffer, and even be oppressed with our trials, we shall not, while there, doubt His love. "Jesus wept." All know that the verses of our Bible are merely a human arrangement, and yet who can doubt that the Spirit of God controlled the one who made it in putting these two words into one verse?
They indeed should stand alone, inasmuch as they afford such an an inlet into the recesses of the Lord's heart. They have been the comfort of mourners in all ages, and they will continue to minister consolation to His people until God Himself shall wipe away all tears from their faces.
"Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 Footprints for Pilgrims
N.J.Hiebert - 9258
Though thy way be long and dreary,
Eagle strength He'll still renew;
Garments fresh and foot unweary
Tell how God hath brought thee through. J.N.D.
Ah! it is blessed to be at the feet of Jesus in our sorrows, for there divine light shines upon them, and though we may suffer, and even be oppressed with our trials, we shall not, while there, doubt His love. "Jesus wept." All know that the verses of our Bible are merely a human arrangement, and yet who can doubt that the Spirit of God controlled the one who made it in putting these two words into one verse?
They indeed should stand alone, inasmuch as they afford such an an inlet into the recesses of the Lord's heart. They have been the comfort of mourners in all ages, and they will continue to minister consolation to His people until God Himself shall wipe away all tears from their faces.
"Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 Footprints for Pilgrims
N.J.Hiebert - 9258
June 30
"The words of the wise are as goads." Ecclesiastes 12:11
"Pray." But how? "Without ceasing."
"Rejoice." But when? "Evermore."
"Give thanks." For what? "In Everything." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
The Christian in Complete Armour - William Gurnall
N.J.Hiebert - 9259
"Pray." But how? "Without ceasing."
"Rejoice." But when? "Evermore."
"Give thanks." For what? "In Everything." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
The Christian in Complete Armour - William Gurnall
N.J.Hiebert - 9259
July 1
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. Galatians 5:9
Once there was a farmer who desired the use of a piece of ground that lay conveniently near his own, but the owner refused to sell. After much persuasion he was content to lease it.
The farmer covenanted only to farm it for one crop. Now his bargain sealed, he planted his field with with acorns-- a crop that lasted not one year but three hundred!
So Satan seeks to to get possession of our souls by asking us to permit some small sin to enter, some one wrong that seems of no great account. But when once he has entered and planted the seeds and beginnings of evil, he holds his ground, and sins and evils amazingly multiply.
The dangerous thing about a little sin is that it won't stay little.
Each sin has its door of entrance.
Keep--that--door--closed!
Bolt it tight!
Just outside, the wild beast crouches
In the night.
Pin the bolt with a prayer,
God will fix it there. -- Mountain Trailways for Youth
N.J.Hiebert - 9260
Once there was a farmer who desired the use of a piece of ground that lay conveniently near his own, but the owner refused to sell. After much persuasion he was content to lease it.
The farmer covenanted only to farm it for one crop. Now his bargain sealed, he planted his field with with acorns-- a crop that lasted not one year but three hundred!
So Satan seeks to to get possession of our souls by asking us to permit some small sin to enter, some one wrong that seems of no great account. But when once he has entered and planted the seeds and beginnings of evil, he holds his ground, and sins and evils amazingly multiply.
The dangerous thing about a little sin is that it won't stay little.
Each sin has its door of entrance.
Keep--that--door--closed!
Bolt it tight!
Just outside, the wild beast crouches
In the night.
Pin the bolt with a prayer,
God will fix it there. -- Mountain Trailways for Youth
N.J.Hiebert - 9260
July 2
Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; for as much as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Daniel 6:3,4
Daniel is coming under fire. His fame in the workplace had aroused some enemies, and they hatched a political plot to bring Daniel down. They engineered a situation whereby the king was made to sign a document which would place Daniel in an impossible situation, without the king being aware of what was being done either to him or to Daniel.
After the document was signed, Daniel was identified to the king as a non-conformist, as one who persisted in holding views and engaging in practices that were contrary to what the king had legislated. The king realized that he himself had been trapped and that he could do nothing about it, but to cast Daniel upon the mercy of God in the den of lions.
The Christian also runs the gauntlet of political intrigue in the business environment. Because the techniques and manoeuvrings employed by others are not available to him, he appears vulnerable. Let us never be tempted to retaliate in kind in such situations. Let us cast ourselves upon the mercy of God, and He will show that He is well able to take care of us in situations that seem impossible. Daniel - William Burnett
N.J. Hiebert - 9261
Daniel is coming under fire. His fame in the workplace had aroused some enemies, and they hatched a political plot to bring Daniel down. They engineered a situation whereby the king was made to sign a document which would place Daniel in an impossible situation, without the king being aware of what was being done either to him or to Daniel.
After the document was signed, Daniel was identified to the king as a non-conformist, as one who persisted in holding views and engaging in practices that were contrary to what the king had legislated. The king realized that he himself had been trapped and that he could do nothing about it, but to cast Daniel upon the mercy of God in the den of lions.
The Christian also runs the gauntlet of political intrigue in the business environment. Because the techniques and manoeuvrings employed by others are not available to him, he appears vulnerable. Let us never be tempted to retaliate in kind in such situations. Let us cast ourselves upon the mercy of God, and He will show that He is well able to take care of us in situations that seem impossible. Daniel - William Burnett
N.J. Hiebert - 9261
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