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
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
Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring Him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in Him. . . Behold the man! . . .Behold your King! John 19:4-5,14.
Little did the pagan Roman Governor know that he was not only quoting scripture, but was actually fulfilling it. Three times he calls attention to the Saviour and uses almost the exact words of the prophet.
Zechariah (3:8; 6:12; 9:9) The hearts of all men are in the hands of the sovereign Lord and He uses whom He will to fulfil His purpose. Jim Flanigan
God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines of never-failing skill,
He treasures up His bright designs, and works His sovereign will.
[Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, the clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace:
Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.]
His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err, and scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter, and He will make it plain. (William Cowper, 1779)
N.J.Hiebert - 9181
Little did the pagan Roman Governor know that he was not only quoting scripture, but was actually fulfilling it. Three times he calls attention to the Saviour and uses almost the exact words of the prophet.
Zechariah (3:8; 6:12; 9:9) The hearts of all men are in the hands of the sovereign Lord and He uses whom He will to fulfil His purpose. Jim Flanigan
God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines of never-failing skill,
He treasures up His bright designs, and works His sovereign will.
[Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, the clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace:
Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.]
His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err, and scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter, and He will make it plain. (William Cowper, 1779)
N.J.Hiebert - 9181
April 14
WITHOUT ME -- NOTHING
"Without Me ye can do nothing." John 15:5
The starting point to "all things" is to learn that we are nothing. "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing" (Romans 7:18). "For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." (Galatians 6:3). What a self-deceived generation, then is ours!
"It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." (Jeremiah 10:23). We do not have what it takes. Start with your nothingness-- "Just as I am, without one plea"-- (Charlotte Elliott) and you are on your way to His "all things."
Let our debts be what they may, however great or small;
As soon as we have naught to pay, our Lord forgives us all.
'Tis perfect poverty alone that sets the soul at large;
While we can call one mite our own, we have no full discharge. (Joseph Hart)
We can never be blessed until we learn that we can bring nothing to Christ but our need. "All the fitness He requireth is to feel your need of Him." (Joseph Hart)
Day by Day with Vance Havner
N.J.Hiebert - 9182
"Without Me ye can do nothing." John 15:5
The starting point to "all things" is to learn that we are nothing. "For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing" (Romans 7:18). "For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." (Galatians 6:3). What a self-deceived generation, then is ours!
"It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." (Jeremiah 10:23). We do not have what it takes. Start with your nothingness-- "Just as I am, without one plea"-- (Charlotte Elliott) and you are on your way to His "all things."
Let our debts be what they may, however great or small;
As soon as we have naught to pay, our Lord forgives us all.
'Tis perfect poverty alone that sets the soul at large;
While we can call one mite our own, we have no full discharge. (Joseph Hart)
We can never be blessed until we learn that we can bring nothing to Christ but our need. "All the fitness He requireth is to feel your need of Him." (Joseph Hart)
Day by Day with Vance Havner
N.J.Hiebert - 9182
April 15
"Charity (Love) suffereth long, and is kind...doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth." 1 Corinthians 13:4-6
These indicate that love never bears any malice. An outstanding illustration of this occurred in England many years ago. When William Ewart Gladstone was Chancellor of the Exchequer, he sent down to the Treasury for certain statistics upon which to base his budget proposals.
The statistician made a mistake. But Gladstone was so sure of this man's accuracy that he did not take time to verify his figures. He went before the Hose of Commons and made his speech, basing his appeal on the incorrect figures that had been given him. His speech was no sooner published than the newspapers exposed its glaring inaccuracies.
Mr Gladstone was naturally overwhelmed with embarrassment. He went to his office and sent at once for the statistician who was responsible for his humiliating situation. The man came full of fear and shame, certain that he was going to lose his position. But, instead, Gladstone said: "I know how much you must be disturbed over what has happened, and I have sent for you to put you at your ease.
For a long time you have been engaged in handling the intricacies of the national accounts, and this is the first mistake that you have made. I want to congratulate you, and express to you my keen appreciation."
It took a big man to do that, big with the bigness of the truly merciful. The worst of men do not so much need our forgiveness, as the best of men need the forgiveness of God; and one would have thought that the wonderful mercy shown to us by our gracious Father, would make the forgiving of our brother man for any injury he may have done to us, a very simple matter. Winsome Christianity - Henry Durbanville
These indicate that love never bears any malice. An outstanding illustration of this occurred in England many years ago. When William Ewart Gladstone was Chancellor of the Exchequer, he sent down to the Treasury for certain statistics upon which to base his budget proposals.
The statistician made a mistake. But Gladstone was so sure of this man's accuracy that he did not take time to verify his figures. He went before the Hose of Commons and made his speech, basing his appeal on the incorrect figures that had been given him. His speech was no sooner published than the newspapers exposed its glaring inaccuracies.
Mr Gladstone was naturally overwhelmed with embarrassment. He went to his office and sent at once for the statistician who was responsible for his humiliating situation. The man came full of fear and shame, certain that he was going to lose his position. But, instead, Gladstone said: "I know how much you must be disturbed over what has happened, and I have sent for you to put you at your ease.
For a long time you have been engaged in handling the intricacies of the national accounts, and this is the first mistake that you have made. I want to congratulate you, and express to you my keen appreciation."
It took a big man to do that, big with the bigness of the truly merciful. The worst of men do not so much need our forgiveness, as the best of men need the forgiveness of God; and one would have thought that the wonderful mercy shown to us by our gracious Father, would make the forgiving of our brother man for any injury he may have done to us, a very simple matter. Winsome Christianity - Henry Durbanville
N.J.Hiebert - 9183
April 16
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4
It has been said that the Bible is the Holy Spirit's chief "medicine" for healing broken hearts. The world tells us to "pull up our own socks" or to "hang in there!" But simple cliches like these do not have the power to encourage our hearts. It is the Word of God that has power to lift up our spirits and encourage us to go on. When we read, meditate, and depend on the Bible, it gives us enlightenment, endurance, and encouragement.
People today are looking for something to give them hope and to help them go forward in life. It is easy to fall into the snare of telling people what we think they want to hear. It is equally easy to share stories or personal experiences that might for the moment seem to give help.
But it is only the Word of God that is "quick and powerful" [living and operative - margin] (Hebrews 4:12) and has power to change lives. Even the apostle Paul, was told "if ye have any word of exhortation [encouragement] for the people, say on." (Acts 13:15).
It is important for us to know that no matter how sincere or how loving our words may be we do not have the power to penetrate the heart as the words that are [God-breathed] (2 Timothy 3:16). If we want to be an encouragement to God's people, we must saturate ourselves with the Word of God so that we may be able to bring out verses that will be a help in the time of need!
Paul told the assembly at Thessalonica, "to comfort one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Paul also told Timothy, to "Preach the Word." (2 Timothy 4:2). This is what we need if we are going to be an encouragement to the Lord's people today! The Lord is near - T. P. Hadley
N.J.Hiebert - 9184
It has been said that the Bible is the Holy Spirit's chief "medicine" for healing broken hearts. The world tells us to "pull up our own socks" or to "hang in there!" But simple cliches like these do not have the power to encourage our hearts. It is the Word of God that has power to lift up our spirits and encourage us to go on. When we read, meditate, and depend on the Bible, it gives us enlightenment, endurance, and encouragement.
People today are looking for something to give them hope and to help them go forward in life. It is easy to fall into the snare of telling people what we think they want to hear. It is equally easy to share stories or personal experiences that might for the moment seem to give help.
But it is only the Word of God that is "quick and powerful" [living and operative - margin] (Hebrews 4:12) and has power to change lives. Even the apostle Paul, was told "if ye have any word of exhortation [encouragement] for the people, say on." (Acts 13:15).
It is important for us to know that no matter how sincere or how loving our words may be we do not have the power to penetrate the heart as the words that are [God-breathed] (2 Timothy 3:16). If we want to be an encouragement to God's people, we must saturate ourselves with the Word of God so that we may be able to bring out verses that will be a help in the time of need!
Paul told the assembly at Thessalonica, "to comfort one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Paul also told Timothy, to "Preach the Word." (2 Timothy 4:2). This is what we need if we are going to be an encouragement to the Lord's people today! The Lord is near - T. P. Hadley
N.J.Hiebert - 9184
April 17
And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show to you today. Exodus 14:13
Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. How difficult it is to focus our vision clearly and distinctly when we are busy running here and there, overly concerned about our personal welfare. The people of Israel were not on the move here but were encamped by the sea.
Yet at this very point Moses has to say to them: "Stand still." Why? Though not on the march, their hearts were troubled, agitated like the troubled sea before which they were encamped. They were emotionally in turmoil.
With the sea in front of them, hemmed in on ether side by mountains, and with the formidable chariots of the army of Egypt pursuing them, they figured it was better to serve Egypt (a type of the world), with all its bondage and hard labour, than to die in the wilderness.
Would it not be better to die in the wilderness, separated unto Christ, than to serve this world's system which is under Satan's influence?
But notice, God does not want us to serve the world or die in the wilderness. We must learn to stand still so that we can properly focus our vision on our great God, the supreme, all-powerful One. There come those moments in our lives when we have to realize our utter helplessness to do anything about the circumstances that are beyond our control. God allows them.
He had directed Israel to camp at this very spot. When we are where He wants us to be, He would have us stand still so that we may better see His overall plan, so as to get our eyes above the things of this world with its strife and turmoil.
Stand still! God would have us emotionally calm so that we might better see the working out of His salvation which is of His providing. P. E. Hall
N.J.Hiebert - 9185
Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. How difficult it is to focus our vision clearly and distinctly when we are busy running here and there, overly concerned about our personal welfare. The people of Israel were not on the move here but were encamped by the sea.
Yet at this very point Moses has to say to them: "Stand still." Why? Though not on the march, their hearts were troubled, agitated like the troubled sea before which they were encamped. They were emotionally in turmoil.
With the sea in front of them, hemmed in on ether side by mountains, and with the formidable chariots of the army of Egypt pursuing them, they figured it was better to serve Egypt (a type of the world), with all its bondage and hard labour, than to die in the wilderness.
Would it not be better to die in the wilderness, separated unto Christ, than to serve this world's system which is under Satan's influence?
But notice, God does not want us to serve the world or die in the wilderness. We must learn to stand still so that we can properly focus our vision on our great God, the supreme, all-powerful One. There come those moments in our lives when we have to realize our utter helplessness to do anything about the circumstances that are beyond our control. God allows them.
He had directed Israel to camp at this very spot. When we are where He wants us to be, He would have us stand still so that we may better see His overall plan, so as to get our eyes above the things of this world with its strife and turmoil.
Stand still! God would have us emotionally calm so that we might better see the working out of His salvation which is of His providing. P. E. Hall
N.J.Hiebert - 9185
April 18
If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth. Ecclesiastes 11:3
Why, then, do we dread the clouds which now darken our sky? True, for a while they hide the sun, but the sun is not quenched; it will be out again before long. Meanwhile those black clouds are filled with rain; and the blacker they are, the more likely they will yield plentiful showers.
How can we have rain without clouds? Our troubles have always brought us blessings, and they always will. They are the dark chariots of bright grace. These clouds will empty themselves before long, and every tender herb will be gladder for the shower. Our God may drench us with grief, but He will refresh us with mercy.
Our Lord's love-letters often come to us in black-edged envelopes. His wagons rumble, but they are loaded with benefits. His rod blossoms with sweet flowers and nourishing fruits. Let us not worry about the clouds, but sing because May flowers are brought to us through the April clouds and showers.
O Lord, the clouds are the dust of Thy feet! How near Thou art in the cloudy and dark day! Love beholds Thee, and is glad. Faith sees the clouds emptying themselves and making the little hills rejoice on every side. C. H. Spurgeon
"What seems so dark to thy dim sight may be a shadow, seen aright
Making some brightness doubly bright.
The flash that struck thy tree--no more to shelter thee--lets heaven's
blue floor shine where it never shone before.
The cry wrung from thy spirit's pain may echo on some far-off plain,
and guide a wanderer home again."
"The blue of heaven is larger than the clouds."
N.J.Hiebert - 9186
Why, then, do we dread the clouds which now darken our sky? True, for a while they hide the sun, but the sun is not quenched; it will be out again before long. Meanwhile those black clouds are filled with rain; and the blacker they are, the more likely they will yield plentiful showers.
How can we have rain without clouds? Our troubles have always brought us blessings, and they always will. They are the dark chariots of bright grace. These clouds will empty themselves before long, and every tender herb will be gladder for the shower. Our God may drench us with grief, but He will refresh us with mercy.
Our Lord's love-letters often come to us in black-edged envelopes. His wagons rumble, but they are loaded with benefits. His rod blossoms with sweet flowers and nourishing fruits. Let us not worry about the clouds, but sing because May flowers are brought to us through the April clouds and showers.
O Lord, the clouds are the dust of Thy feet! How near Thou art in the cloudy and dark day! Love beholds Thee, and is glad. Faith sees the clouds emptying themselves and making the little hills rejoice on every side. C. H. Spurgeon
"What seems so dark to thy dim sight may be a shadow, seen aright
Making some brightness doubly bright.
The flash that struck thy tree--no more to shelter thee--lets heaven's
blue floor shine where it never shone before.
The cry wrung from thy spirit's pain may echo on some far-off plain,
and guide a wanderer home again."
"The blue of heaven is larger than the clouds."
N.J.Hiebert - 9186
April 19
Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright...afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. Hebrews 12:16,17
The natural heart places no value on the things of God. To it, God's promise is a vague, valueless, powerless thing, simply because God is not known. Hence it is that present things carry such weight and influence in man's estimation. Anything that man can see, he values, because he is governed by sight and not by faith. To him, the present is everything; the future is a mere un-influential thing--a matter of the merest uncertainty.
Thus it was with Esau. Hear his flawed reasoning,--"Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?" (Genesis 25:32) What strange reasoning!--The present is slipping from beneath my feet, I will therefore despise and entirely let go the future!--Time is fading from my view, I will therefore abandon all interest in eternity!
"Thus Esau despised his birthright:" "thus Israel despised the pleasant land (Psalm 106:24); thus they despised Christ (Zechariah 11:13): those who were bidden to the marriage despised the invitation (Matthew 22:5). Man has no heart for the things of God. The present is everything to him. A mess of pottage is better than a title to Canaan.
Hence, the very reason why Esau made light of the birthright was the very reason why he ought to have grasped it with the greater intensity. The more clearly I see the vanity of man's present, the more I shall cleave to God's future. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hastening unto the coming of the day of God..." (2 Peter 3:11-13) Genesis - C. H. Mackintosh
N.J.Hiebert - 9187
The natural heart places no value on the things of God. To it, God's promise is a vague, valueless, powerless thing, simply because God is not known. Hence it is that present things carry such weight and influence in man's estimation. Anything that man can see, he values, because he is governed by sight and not by faith. To him, the present is everything; the future is a mere un-influential thing--a matter of the merest uncertainty.
Thus it was with Esau. Hear his flawed reasoning,--"Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?" (Genesis 25:32) What strange reasoning!--The present is slipping from beneath my feet, I will therefore despise and entirely let go the future!--Time is fading from my view, I will therefore abandon all interest in eternity!
"Thus Esau despised his birthright:" "thus Israel despised the pleasant land (Psalm 106:24); thus they despised Christ (Zechariah 11:13): those who were bidden to the marriage despised the invitation (Matthew 22:5). Man has no heart for the things of God. The present is everything to him. A mess of pottage is better than a title to Canaan.
Hence, the very reason why Esau made light of the birthright was the very reason why he ought to have grasped it with the greater intensity. The more clearly I see the vanity of man's present, the more I shall cleave to God's future. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hastening unto the coming of the day of God..." (2 Peter 3:11-13) Genesis - C. H. Mackintosh
N.J.Hiebert - 9187
April 20
And, behold, there talked with Him two men, which were Moses and Elias: who appeared in glory, and spake of His decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem. (Luke 9:30,31)
They talked of His decease which He was to accomplish: three precious and important words. They tell us of the intimacy, the personal intimacy, that there is between the Lord and the elect in the realms of glory. As it was in the Garden of Eden at the beginning, and then among the patriarchs, and then with the disciples and their divine Master, so will it be in the ages of glory. There will be personal intimacy between the Lord and His people, as signified by the word talk.
But we have also the subject of their conversation; it was His decease--a theme most worthy to engage the glorified hosts. We may well speak of it on every Lord's Day in the light of the resurrection, since the ransomed in the heavens speak of it in the light of the glory. For that great fact or mystery will be celebrated forever, as it is the great fact that is to prove itself the pillars of eternity, the pillars of the creation of God.
And again, they will let us learn a very weighty matter connected with this subject--it was a decease that was to to be accomplished--a word which suggests the full, finished, perfected character of the way in which that great mystery, the death of the Lamb of God at Jerusalem, was to be conducted. All due solemnity was to mark it, that nothing might be left unaffected, un-produced, or unsecured, which it was purposed to do.
And what a comfort to us sinners! The sacrifice of the Lamb of God was the precious eternal secret that was to give us blessed eternal peace. J. G. Bellett
N.J.Hiebert - 9188
They talked of His decease which He was to accomplish: three precious and important words. They tell us of the intimacy, the personal intimacy, that there is between the Lord and the elect in the realms of glory. As it was in the Garden of Eden at the beginning, and then among the patriarchs, and then with the disciples and their divine Master, so will it be in the ages of glory. There will be personal intimacy between the Lord and His people, as signified by the word talk.
But we have also the subject of their conversation; it was His decease--a theme most worthy to engage the glorified hosts. We may well speak of it on every Lord's Day in the light of the resurrection, since the ransomed in the heavens speak of it in the light of the glory. For that great fact or mystery will be celebrated forever, as it is the great fact that is to prove itself the pillars of eternity, the pillars of the creation of God.
And again, they will let us learn a very weighty matter connected with this subject--it was a decease that was to to be accomplished--a word which suggests the full, finished, perfected character of the way in which that great mystery, the death of the Lamb of God at Jerusalem, was to be conducted. All due solemnity was to mark it, that nothing might be left unaffected, un-produced, or unsecured, which it was purposed to do.
And what a comfort to us sinners! The sacrifice of the Lamb of God was the precious eternal secret that was to give us blessed eternal peace. J. G. Bellett
N.J.Hiebert - 9188
April 21
NO, NOT ONE!
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends. . . . (John 15:15)
- He became poor that we might become rich (James 2:5).
- He was born that we might be born again (John 1:14).
- He became a servant that we might become sons (Galatians 4:4-5).
- He had no home that we might have a home in heaven (Matthew 8:20).
- He was made sin that we might be made righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21).
- He died that we might live (John 5:24-25).
There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus, No, not one! no, not one!
None else could heal all your soul's diseases, No, not one! no, not one!
No friend like Him is so high and holy, No, not one! no, not one!
And yet no friend is so meek and lowly, No, not one! no, not one!
There's not an hour that He is not near us, No, not one! no, not one!
No night so dark but His love can cheer us, No, not one! no, not one!
Did ever saint find this Friend forsake him? No, not one! no, not one!
Or sinner find that He would not take him? No, not one! no, not one!
Was e'er a gift like the Saviour given? No, not one! No, not one!
Will He refuse us a home in heaven? No, not one! No, not one!
Chorus:
Jesus knows all about our struggles, He will guide till the day is done.
There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus, No, not one! no, not one!
George C. Huggs, 1848-1907
N.J.Hiebert - 9189
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends. . . . (John 15:15)
- He became poor that we might become rich (James 2:5).
- He was born that we might be born again (John 1:14).
- He became a servant that we might become sons (Galatians 4:4-5).
- He had no home that we might have a home in heaven (Matthew 8:20).
- He was made sin that we might be made righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21).
- He died that we might live (John 5:24-25).
There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus, No, not one! no, not one!
None else could heal all your soul's diseases, No, not one! no, not one!
No friend like Him is so high and holy, No, not one! no, not one!
And yet no friend is so meek and lowly, No, not one! no, not one!
There's not an hour that He is not near us, No, not one! no, not one!
No night so dark but His love can cheer us, No, not one! no, not one!
Did ever saint find this Friend forsake him? No, not one! no, not one!
Or sinner find that He would not take him? No, not one! no, not one!
Was e'er a gift like the Saviour given? No, not one! No, not one!
Will He refuse us a home in heaven? No, not one! No, not one!
Chorus:
Jesus knows all about our struggles, He will guide till the day is done.
There's not a friend like the lowly Jesus, No, not one! no, not one!
George C. Huggs, 1848-1907
N.J.Hiebert - 9189
April 22
But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, (saved) ye endured a great fight of of afflictions.
Hebrews 10:32.
Have you ever wondered how it is that just after you have been "illuminated" in some way, perhaps specially comforted or strengthened, "a great fight of afflictions" has followed? We are not told why this is so, but the words tell us that we are not the first to experience this test of faith.
This morning these words came to me with piercing power: "That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto." (1 Thessalonians 3:3) I think that we are often inclined to be surprised when things are difficult or painful.
We entirely forget that we "are appointed thereunto." Let us lay hold on these words appointed thereunto, and we shall not expect the way of the Cross to be like a lovely forest path. But remember this: these afflictions, temptations, trials of the flesh or spirit . . . "the sufferings of this present time, are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18). Take courage. Thou Givest...They Gather - Amy Carmichael
N.J.Hiebert - 9190
Hebrews 10:32.
Have you ever wondered how it is that just after you have been "illuminated" in some way, perhaps specially comforted or strengthened, "a great fight of afflictions" has followed? We are not told why this is so, but the words tell us that we are not the first to experience this test of faith.
This morning these words came to me with piercing power: "That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto." (1 Thessalonians 3:3) I think that we are often inclined to be surprised when things are difficult or painful.
We entirely forget that we "are appointed thereunto." Let us lay hold on these words appointed thereunto, and we shall not expect the way of the Cross to be like a lovely forest path. But remember this: these afflictions, temptations, trials of the flesh or spirit . . . "the sufferings of this present time, are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18). Take courage. Thou Givest...They Gather - Amy Carmichael
N.J.Hiebert - 9190
April 23
