“…whatsoever things are pure ..." (Philippians 4:8)
Our school motto was: "Beati Mundo Corde:" the Latin for, "Blessed are the pure in heart." It would be hard to find a more suitable, or a more beautiful, motto for a boy's school. How did we measure up to it, bearing in mind that purity begins with our thoughts? How do we today measure up to it, when we think of it in this way? As we look around on all the filth about us in this filthy world, through which we must pass, we might be utterly discouraged, and say that God had set before us an impossible standard, that He does not expect us to meet. Let not such a thought find lodgment with us.
In the days of old there were various creatures which the people of Israel might not eat, for they were unclean: there were others that were clean. There were two marks by which a clean fish was known: it must have both fins and scales. The fins let it swim against the stream. There is a spot on the Columbia River where you may stand and watch the great fish leap up rapids, or small falls, several feet high.
Similarly God has provided a power whereby you and I may "swim against the stream." But there are times when a fish must swim through filthy water: and to protect it, God has given it scales: which I suppose are “shut up together as with a close seal. One is so near another, that no air can come between them. They are joined one to another, they stick together that they cannot be sundered.” (Job 41:15-17). And, fitted with this armour, the fish can pass in safety through the filth. So God has provided a way for His own to pass unscathed through all the filth around us: as well as the power to go against the stream. (G. Christopher Willis - Sacrifices of Joy)
N.J.Hiebert — 9564
“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently (agonizing) for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis."
(Colossians 4:12,13)
Such was Epaphras! Would there were hundreds like him in this our dayl We are thankful for preachers, thankful for writers, thankful for travelers in the cause of Christ, but we want men of prayer, men of the closet, men like Epaphras. We are happy to see men on their feet preaching Christ; happy to see them able to ply the pen of a ready writer in the noble cause; happy to see them making their way, in the true evangelistic sprit, into "the regions beyond;" happy to see them, in the true pastoral spirit, going again and again to visit their brethren in every city.
God forbid that we should undervalue or speak disparagingly of such honourable services; yea, we prize them more highly than words could convey. But then, at the back of all we want a spirit of prayer - fervent, agonizing, persevering prayer. Without this, nothing can prosper.
- A prayerless man is a sapless man.
- A prayerless preacher is a profitless preacher.
- A prayerless writer will send forth barren pages.
- A prayerless evangelist will do but little good.
- A prayerless pastor will have but little food for the flock.
We want men of prayer, men like Epaphras, men whose closet walls witness their agonizing labours. These are, unquestionably, the men for the present moment.
(C.H. Mackintosh — Miscellaneous Writings - Vol. 4)
N.J.Hiebert — 9565
"Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh
to Me shall never hunger." (John 6:35)
Field Marshal William Slim was leading the British forces during the Burma campaign of World War 2. Concerned about the men under his command, he learned that one soldier was extremely despondent over bad news from home. So the commander asked his senior chaplain to have a member of his staff talk to the soldier.
Shortly afterward, the field marshal sent for the senior chaplain. Keenly dissatisfied and upset, he said, "One of your chaplains went to see the man. He was very nice and they drank a cup of tea together, but he never showed the soldier what he needed to see." "And what was that?" the surprised chaplain asked. Field Marshal Slim answered, "The Man on the cross."
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35). When we interact with needy people, it's important to remember that Jesus is the answer to their loneliness, depression, and heartache. It's true that we must be pleasant and sociable, but
we must also point them to the Man on the cross, the sin-bearing Saviour in whom there is forgiveness, strength, grace, and hope.
Yes, Jesus is the only answer to our basic need. (VCG)
I need Jesus, my need I now confess,
No friend like Him in times of deep distress;
I need Jesus, the need I gladly own.
Though some may bear their load alone,
Yet I need Jesus. (Webster)
ONLY CHRIST THE BREAD OF LIFE CAN SATISFY OUR SPIRITUAL HUNGER.
Our Daily Bread, RBC Ministries, Copyright (1999), Grand Rapids, MI.
Reprinted permission.
N.J.Hiebert — 9566
"Give attendance to reading, to exhortation,
to doctrine….meditate upon these things."
(1 Timothy 4:13 - 15)
MEDITATION is to the sermon what the harrow is to the seed, it covers those truths which else might have been picked or washed away.
An affectionate hearer will not be a forgetful hearer. Love helps the memory: Can a woman forget her child, or a maid her ornaments, or a bride her attire? No, they love them too well; were the truths of God thus precious to you, you would with David think of them day and night.
Even when the Christian, through weakness of memory, cannot remember the very words he hears, to repeat them; yea, then he keeps the power and savour of them in his spirit, … when meat is eaten and digested, it is not to be found as it was received, but the man is cheered and strengthened by it, more able to walk and work than before, by which you may know it is not lost: so you may taste the truths the Christian heard, in his spirit, see them in his life. William Gurnall - 1665)
N.J.Hiebert — 9567
“these things have I WRITTEN unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that yo may KNOW that ye have eternal life, and that ye may BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God." (1 John 5: 13)
(THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS WRITTEN ON THE BACK OF A ONE POUND BANK OF IRELAND NOTE.)
This piece of paper in your hand,
Declares to you that on demand,
You twenty shillings shall receive:
This simple promise you believe,
It sets your mind as much at rest,
As though the money you possessed.
So Christ who died but now doth live,
Doth unto you this promise give:
That if on Him you will believe,
Eternal life you shall receive.
Upon the first you calmly rest:
Which is the safer? Which the best?
The Bank may break, Heaven never can;
‘Tis safer trusting God than man.
(In Pastures Green - George Henderson)
N.J.Hiebert — 9568
"Put on the whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to stand
against the wiles* of the devil." (Ephesians 6:11)
(*A "wile" is something that looks fair and innocent.)
Throughout the ages the saints have needed the armour of God, but in these closing days when "the darkness of this world" deepens "the wiles of the devil" increase, and Christendom is returning to paganism and philosophy, how deeply important it is to put on the whole armour of God to "withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand.”
Let us then stand:
Having our loins girt about with truth, and thus be kept inwardly right in thought and affection;
Having on the breastplate of righteousness, so that we are consistent in all our practice;
Having our feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace, so that we walk in peace in the midst of a world of discord, strife and confusion.
Taking the shield of faith, so that we walk in daily confidence in God;
Taking the helmet of salvation, and thus realizing that God is making all things work together for our good and salvation;
Taking the sword of the Spirit, whereby we can meet every subtle attack of the enemy;
Lastly, "praying always", so that we can use the armour in the spirit of constant dependence upon God.
(Hamilton Smith - The Epistle to the Ephesians)
N.J.Hiebert — 9569
“And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And He (Jesus) was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake Him, and say unto Him, Master, carest Thou not that we perish?" (Mark 4:37,38)
If a storm arise, and if Christ appear asleep, and insensible to the danger - though "He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep"- as disciples we are in the same boat with Him. The Lord give us to rest on that with undivided, undistracted hearts, for Christ is in the boat as well as the water. (J.N. Darby)
N.J.Hiebert — 9570
"But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him ... Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands." (Exodus 17:12)
"Bear ye one another's burdens ..." (Galatians 6:2)
Moses was the key figure in this battle with Amalek. Aaron and Hur were role players, yet if they would have been more interested in their own comfort, schedule and recreation, the battle would have been lost, for on this particular day Moses was not able to bear all the burden himself.
Look around. Do you know someone who is struggling under a burden? "Then lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees" (Hebrews 12:12), because they may be in a serious battle and you could make the difference.
(Charlie Tempest - Choice Gleanings)
O may we feel each brother's sigh, and with him bear a part:
May sorrows flow from eye to eye, and joy from heart to heart.
N.J.Hiebert — 9571
“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee.” (Isaiah 43:2)
Wendall Moore was wheeling his wife Florence to the surgical unit of a hospital when the nurse said. "You can't go in there; she must go in alone.”
He answered calmly, "She will not be alone, for the Lord will be there.” It is true. He is with us in sickness; He tenderly healed so many. He is with us in sadness; behold His tears at the tomb of Lazarus. He is with us in solitude; Paul could say, "All men forsook me; notwithstanding the Lord stood by me." And He will be with you in whatever sorrow you have today. (Neil Dougal)
N.J.Hiebert — 9572
"The light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of
Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6)
The disfigured face of Jesus Christ radiated forth the essential glories of a God whose very essence is love and grace. Men spat upon that face (Matthew 26:67). Men struck that face (Luke 22:64). Men tore the beard from that face (Isaiah 50:6).
Their abuse only made the glory glisten brighter.
Some day in heaven we are going to gaze on that face and fall down in wonder and worship. What a prospect is ours! It could be today. If it is not, may we, through the eyes of faith, see that face and worship Him in spirit and truth. (John M. Clegg)
N.J.Hiebert — 9573
"Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me.
(John 7:16)
It is a very serious thing to attach undue importance or give an undue place to men, how much they may be used in the Lord's work. We have seen the work marred and workmen morally ruined by this very thing. It is a fatal mistake. Men are taken out of the place in which God has put them. They are lauded, lionized, and gazed at as a sort of phenomenon. In this way, they are lifted into an entirely false position, like a person walking on stilts, and then some terrible fall comes, to bring them to their senses, and recall them to their true place.
See how the blessed Master ever retired from human applause and human excitement. When men wondered at His teaching, He said, "My doctrine is not Mine but His that sent me." Oh, to drink more of His spirit and walk in His footsteps! To be well content to be a nothing and a nobody, so that Christ may be magnified! (C.H Mackintosh)
N.J.Hiebert — 9574
"To will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good
I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil
which I would not, that I do." (Romans 7:18,19)
If souls would be honest, many would confess that this has been their condition for years - a condition which brings no glory to God and no happiness to themselves. What is the cause? Simply the mistake of thinking that all depends upon their own efforts instead of accepting the truth that they are utterly without strength, and that, therefore, everything depends upon God.
(Edward Dennett)
N.J.Hiebert — 9575
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