Lift up your heads, O ye gates . . . and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Psalm 24:9-10.
It is told of Mr. Hyde of India that one day he was traveling to a distant village with a beloved Pujabi evangelist and his two children. The men were speaking sadly about the village,--how long the Gospel had been preached there, and how little interest the people showed.
The children had no such sad thoughts: they were so happy that they sang, and went on singing Psalms and Hymns one after another, till the two men were constrained to join in. They were so carried away with the spirit of praise that they continued singing till they reached the village. Imagine their amazement when they found the people full of interest, and eager to confess Christ and follow Him. Over a dozen showed such a living faith, that they were baptized before they left. This was the first Gospel triumph in that village, heralded and brought about by the spirit of praise from the children.
In another village they were so discouraged, they decided to leave early next morning, but that night someone suggested that they should all go to the village and sing the Gospel in it. This they did, and sang on and on, till after midnight. Next morning they were preparing to leave, when a young man came running from the village, to beg them not to go, for not one, he told them, had gone to work that morning, but were even then considering if they should not at once decide for Christ.
They waited, and found some fifteen men, mostly heads of family, quite ready to be baptized. The young man who brought the message said to Mr. Hyde: This is the result of your singing last night. You sang--
"Lift up your heads, O ye gates,
And let the King of Glory enter in !"
Has He not entered in this morning? Philippians - G.Christopher Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 9818
The children had no such sad thoughts: they were so happy that they sang, and went on singing Psalms and Hymns one after another, till the two men were constrained to join in. They were so carried away with the spirit of praise that they continued singing till they reached the village. Imagine their amazement when they found the people full of interest, and eager to confess Christ and follow Him. Over a dozen showed such a living faith, that they were baptized before they left. This was the first Gospel triumph in that village, heralded and brought about by the spirit of praise from the children.
In another village they were so discouraged, they decided to leave early next morning, but that night someone suggested that they should all go to the village and sing the Gospel in it. This they did, and sang on and on, till after midnight. Next morning they were preparing to leave, when a young man came running from the village, to beg them not to go, for not one, he told them, had gone to work that morning, but were even then considering if they should not at once decide for Christ.
They waited, and found some fifteen men, mostly heads of family, quite ready to be baptized. The young man who brought the message said to Mr. Hyde: This is the result of your singing last night. You sang--
"Lift up your heads, O ye gates,
And let the King of Glory enter in !"
Has He not entered in this morning? Philippians - G.Christopher Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 9818
January 10
CAPTIVE THOUGHTS
Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5
Are there any tyrants more harassing than our own thoughts? Control of deeds and words seems a small thing in comparison; but have we not been apt to fancy that we really can't help our thoughts? Instead of our dominating them, they have dominated us; and we have not expected, or even thought it possible, to be set free from the manifold tyranny of vain thoughts, and still less of wandering thoughts. Yet, all the time, here has been God's word about this hopeless, helpless matter, only where has been our faith?
Must it not be glorious rest to have every thought of day and night brought into sweet, quiet, complete captivity to Jesus. We say, "of course, it stands to reason it could not be!" To reason perhaps, but not to faith; for words cannot be plainer than these in which Paul sets forth this marvellous privilege of all God's children, if they are only willing and simply believing in the matter. For while "the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus" is the measure of the fullness of His promises, "according to your faith" is the appointed measure of their reception and benefit by ourselves. "Lord, increase our faith." (Matthew 9:29)
But there is an order in their effectual working, and we must not begin at the wrong end. Before this triumph-leading of every thought can take place, there is the "casting down imaginations" (2 Corinthians 10:5), or, "reasonings". As long as we are reasoning about a promise, we never know its reality. It is not God's way. It is "the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. (Psalm 34:2) Has it not always been, that we had to lay down our arms and accept God's thought and God's way instead of our own ideas, and be willing that He should "speak the word only," and believe it as little children believe our promises? Then He will "keep (garrison) your hearts with the peace of God which passeth all understanding". Frances Ridley Havergal
N.J. Hiebert - 9819
Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5
Are there any tyrants more harassing than our own thoughts? Control of deeds and words seems a small thing in comparison; but have we not been apt to fancy that we really can't help our thoughts? Instead of our dominating them, they have dominated us; and we have not expected, or even thought it possible, to be set free from the manifold tyranny of vain thoughts, and still less of wandering thoughts. Yet, all the time, here has been God's word about this hopeless, helpless matter, only where has been our faith?
Must it not be glorious rest to have every thought of day and night brought into sweet, quiet, complete captivity to Jesus. We say, "of course, it stands to reason it could not be!" To reason perhaps, but not to faith; for words cannot be plainer than these in which Paul sets forth this marvellous privilege of all God's children, if they are only willing and simply believing in the matter. For while "the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus" is the measure of the fullness of His promises, "according to your faith" is the appointed measure of their reception and benefit by ourselves. "Lord, increase our faith." (Matthew 9:29)
But there is an order in their effectual working, and we must not begin at the wrong end. Before this triumph-leading of every thought can take place, there is the "casting down imaginations" (2 Corinthians 10:5), or, "reasonings". As long as we are reasoning about a promise, we never know its reality. It is not God's way. It is "the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. (Psalm 34:2) Has it not always been, that we had to lay down our arms and accept God's thought and God's way instead of our own ideas, and be willing that He should "speak the word only," and believe it as little children believe our promises? Then He will "keep (garrison) your hearts with the peace of God which passeth all understanding". Frances Ridley Havergal
N.J. Hiebert - 9819
January 11
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 15:13
For Thou art my hope, O Lord God: Thou art my trust from my youth.
Psalm 71:5
Hope is the handkerchief that God puts into His people's hands, to wipe the tears from their eyes, which their present troubles, and long stay of expected mercies, draw from them: "Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord . . . and there is hope in thine end." Jeremiah 31:16-17
"The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ" (2 Thessalonians 3:5). It is a way you will never find, a work you will never be able to do of yourselves thus to wait patiently till Christ come, "The Lord," therefore, "direct your hearts" into it. Love Him, and you will wait for Him. "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Jude 21
The Christian in Complete Armour - William Gurnall.
O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home!
O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come;
Be Thou our guide while troubles last, and our eternal home.
Isaac Watts
N.J. Hiebert - 9820
Romans 15:13
For Thou art my hope, O Lord God: Thou art my trust from my youth.
Psalm 71:5
Hope is the handkerchief that God puts into His people's hands, to wipe the tears from their eyes, which their present troubles, and long stay of expected mercies, draw from them: "Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord . . . and there is hope in thine end." Jeremiah 31:16-17
"The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ" (2 Thessalonians 3:5). It is a way you will never find, a work you will never be able to do of yourselves thus to wait patiently till Christ come, "The Lord," therefore, "direct your hearts" into it. Love Him, and you will wait for Him. "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Jude 21
The Christian in Complete Armour - William Gurnall.
O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home!
O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come;
Be Thou our guide while troubles last, and our eternal home.
Isaac Watts
N.J. Hiebert - 9820
January 12
Thou art my hiding place; Thou shalt preserve me from trouble; Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. Psalm 32:7
Some years ago, as I was passing along one of our streets one afternoon, I heard a fluttering of birds over my head and, looking up, saw a little bird flying wildly about in circles, chased by a hawk!
The bird flew down lower and lower, and then darted into my bosom, under my coat. I cannot express to you, the feeling which filled my heart at that moment--the little bird, chased by an enemy, had come to me for refuge, trusting me in time of danger.
I laid my hand over the bird, which nestled as quietly and confidently under my coat, as a baby would in a mother's bosom.
I carried the little thing along for several blocks until I thought the way was clear of danger, and then let it out. It flew away into the air again, but showed no fear of me. Ever since that experience, I have understood better what it is to fly into the bosom of Christ for refuge and safety in time of danger, or in time of distress.
Anonymous - With thanks to Dan Hopkins
Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high:
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide, till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last.
Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, oh, leave me not alone, still support and comfort me,
All my trust on Thee is stayed, all my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenceless head with the shadow of Thy wing.
Charles Wesley
N.J. Hiebert - 9821
Some years ago, as I was passing along one of our streets one afternoon, I heard a fluttering of birds over my head and, looking up, saw a little bird flying wildly about in circles, chased by a hawk!
The bird flew down lower and lower, and then darted into my bosom, under my coat. I cannot express to you, the feeling which filled my heart at that moment--the little bird, chased by an enemy, had come to me for refuge, trusting me in time of danger.
I laid my hand over the bird, which nestled as quietly and confidently under my coat, as a baby would in a mother's bosom.
I carried the little thing along for several blocks until I thought the way was clear of danger, and then let it out. It flew away into the air again, but showed no fear of me. Ever since that experience, I have understood better what it is to fly into the bosom of Christ for refuge and safety in time of danger, or in time of distress.
Anonymous - With thanks to Dan Hopkins
Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high:
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide, till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last.
Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, oh, leave me not alone, still support and comfort me,
All my trust on Thee is stayed, all my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenceless head with the shadow of Thy wing.
Charles Wesley
N.J. Hiebert - 9821
January 13
I know their sorrows! Exodus 3:7
Man cannot say so. There are many sensitive fibres in the soul, which the best and most tender human sympathy cannot touch. But the Man of Sorrows, He who led the way in the path of sorrow, "Knows our frame." (Psalm 103:14). When crushing bereavement lies like ice on the heart, when the dearest earthly friend cannot enter into the peculiarities of our grief--Jesus can, Jesus does! He who once bore my sins--also carried my sorrows. That eye, now on the throne, was once dim with weeping! I can think in all my afflictions--"He was afflicted;" in all my tears "Jesus wept" (John 11:35).
'I know their sorrows!" He may seem at times thus to forget and forsake us; leaving us to utter the plaintive cry, "Has God forgotten to be gracious?" when all the while He is bending over us in the most tender love! He often allows our needs to attain their extremity, that He may stretch forth His succouring hand, and reveal the plentitude of His grace! "The Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy" (James 5:11).
Knowing our sorrows, is a guarantee that none will be sent--but only what He sees to be needful. All that He sends is precisely meted out--wisely apportioned. There is nothing accidental--no unneeded thorn; no superfluous pang. He "puts our tears in a bottle" (Psalm 56:8). Each one is counted, drop by drop, tear by tear--they are sacred things among the treasures of God!
Suffering believer, the iron may have entered deeply into your soul. Jesus--a sorrowing, sympathizing Jesus--"knows" your aching pangs and burning tears, and He will "come down to deliver you! " Exodus 3:8
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15) Thanks R. Lucas
N.J. Hiebert - 9822
Man cannot say so. There are many sensitive fibres in the soul, which the best and most tender human sympathy cannot touch. But the Man of Sorrows, He who led the way in the path of sorrow, "Knows our frame." (Psalm 103:14). When crushing bereavement lies like ice on the heart, when the dearest earthly friend cannot enter into the peculiarities of our grief--Jesus can, Jesus does! He who once bore my sins--also carried my sorrows. That eye, now on the throne, was once dim with weeping! I can think in all my afflictions--"He was afflicted;" in all my tears "Jesus wept" (John 11:35).
'I know their sorrows!" He may seem at times thus to forget and forsake us; leaving us to utter the plaintive cry, "Has God forgotten to be gracious?" when all the while He is bending over us in the most tender love! He often allows our needs to attain their extremity, that He may stretch forth His succouring hand, and reveal the plentitude of His grace! "The Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy" (James 5:11).
Knowing our sorrows, is a guarantee that none will be sent--but only what He sees to be needful. All that He sends is precisely meted out--wisely apportioned. There is nothing accidental--no unneeded thorn; no superfluous pang. He "puts our tears in a bottle" (Psalm 56:8). Each one is counted, drop by drop, tear by tear--they are sacred things among the treasures of God!
Suffering believer, the iron may have entered deeply into your soul. Jesus--a sorrowing, sympathizing Jesus--"knows" your aching pangs and burning tears, and He will "come down to deliver you! " Exodus 3:8
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15) Thanks R. Lucas
N.J. Hiebert - 9822
January 14
THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, peace be unto you. And when He had so said, He showed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you. John 20:19-21
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread . . . Acts 20:7
Remembering Thee! how blessed so to be:
With every alien though aside the mind and memory occupied
Alone with Thee.
Whilst thus we meet in holy, calm retreat
Not only see we Wine and Bread -- our risen Lord, our living Head,
With Thee we meet. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
Yes, Thou art here. We know, we feel Thee near.
As surely as of old Thou didst appear, peace-speaking, in the midst,
The Lord is here! (Matthew 18:20)
Thy hands, Thy side, O Christ, the Crucified,
Once more let us in spirit view, and draw our melted hearts anew,
Close to Thy side.
There would we rest; yea, even on Thy breast:
To prove the sweetness of Thy grace the heart-beats of Thy love to trace --
Supremely Blest James M. S. Tait
N.J. Hiebert - 9823
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, peace be unto you. And when He had so said, He showed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you. John 20:19-21
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread . . . Acts 20:7
Remembering Thee! how blessed so to be:
With every alien though aside the mind and memory occupied
Alone with Thee.
Whilst thus we meet in holy, calm retreat
Not only see we Wine and Bread -- our risen Lord, our living Head,
With Thee we meet. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
Yes, Thou art here. We know, we feel Thee near.
As surely as of old Thou didst appear, peace-speaking, in the midst,
The Lord is here! (Matthew 18:20)
Thy hands, Thy side, O Christ, the Crucified,
Once more let us in spirit view, and draw our melted hearts anew,
Close to Thy side.
There would we rest; yea, even on Thy breast:
To prove the sweetness of Thy grace the heart-beats of Thy love to trace --
Supremely Blest James M. S. Tait
N.J. Hiebert - 9823
January 15
Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to take Peter also. Acts 12:1-3
Herod judged that he had made a grand step when he took Peter, and he put sixteen soldiers to guard one solitary man! Peter had escaped from prison once before, and no one knew how he got out (Acts 5). But Peter knew, and that is why here he went to sleep so quietly, for he knew the Lord could take him out again, if He so willed.
It is a grand thing to know God, and an awful thing not to know Him. Peter knew God, and slept peacefully. Of these soldiers two were changed to him, one stationed at the door of the dungeon, and one a little farther off, at the prison door outside. Herod's excessive precautions were evidently designed to make a second escape impossible. But Herod was leaving God out of his reckoning. What availed all his bolts, bars, sentinels, and "two chains" upon his prisoner, if God stepped in?
Peter had unbound his sandals, loosed his girdle, cast off his garment and lay down to sleep. All this spoke sweet confidence in the Lord, an easy conscience, and a restful heart. An angel of the Lord entered the cell of a soundly sleeping Peter. "And, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison." Aroused by the angel's touch, he obeys the call to rise, his chains fell off from his hands. "Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals, cast thy garment about thee and follow me." is the next command.
The first and second guards are safely passed without interruption, "they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord; and they went out, and the angel departed from him."
When God sets Himself to unlock man's fetters how noiseless, rapid, and effectual is the work. Simon Peter - W. T. P. Wolston
N.J. Hiebert - 9824
Herod judged that he had made a grand step when he took Peter, and he put sixteen soldiers to guard one solitary man! Peter had escaped from prison once before, and no one knew how he got out (Acts 5). But Peter knew, and that is why here he went to sleep so quietly, for he knew the Lord could take him out again, if He so willed.
It is a grand thing to know God, and an awful thing not to know Him. Peter knew God, and slept peacefully. Of these soldiers two were changed to him, one stationed at the door of the dungeon, and one a little farther off, at the prison door outside. Herod's excessive precautions were evidently designed to make a second escape impossible. But Herod was leaving God out of his reckoning. What availed all his bolts, bars, sentinels, and "two chains" upon his prisoner, if God stepped in?
Peter had unbound his sandals, loosed his girdle, cast off his garment and lay down to sleep. All this spoke sweet confidence in the Lord, an easy conscience, and a restful heart. An angel of the Lord entered the cell of a soundly sleeping Peter. "And, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison." Aroused by the angel's touch, he obeys the call to rise, his chains fell off from his hands. "Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals, cast thy garment about thee and follow me." is the next command.
The first and second guards are safely passed without interruption, "they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord; and they went out, and the angel departed from him."
When God sets Himself to unlock man's fetters how noiseless, rapid, and effectual is the work. Simon Peter - W. T. P. Wolston
N.J. Hiebert - 9824
January 16
Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. Acts 12:5
God has ever been the help of His people. The case seemed very hopeless. "Many were gathered together praying." (v.12). The prayer of faith on earth, had moved the hand of God on high, and the time was now come for Him to step in, and do His will.
Peter had lain down only expecting to wake and go forth to die, and then to see and hear an angel bidding him--chained man that the was--to arise, clothe himself, and walk out of prison and suddenly to find himself on the pavement of a well-known street, a free man, might well be accompanied by considerable bewilderment. "When he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary, where many were together praying." (v.12)
The deep earnestness of the saints in prayer is strikingly marked, their being thus before God at the untimely hour of Peter's arrival on the scene. Alas! faith and fervour are not always combined. "Thou art mad" was the first response that the supplicants at the throne of grace made to the messenger (Rhoda) who simply told them that their prayers were heard, and answered by God. "And when they had opened the door, and saw Peter, they were astonished."
"But Peter, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of prison." (v.17)
That is the moral that adorns this striking tale of human plans, and Divine intervention while the lesson it teaches us, as to the efficacy, and all prevailing power of prayer, is most blessed. It should indeed encourage us to wait on God in united, persevering, believing prayer. No case could seem more hopeless. God sufficed for it. Is He changed? Not one whit. What we want is more faith in Him. "Lord teach us to pray." Simon Peter - W. T. P. Wolston
N.J. Hiebert - 9825
God has ever been the help of His people. The case seemed very hopeless. "Many were gathered together praying." (v.12). The prayer of faith on earth, had moved the hand of God on high, and the time was now come for Him to step in, and do His will.
Peter had lain down only expecting to wake and go forth to die, and then to see and hear an angel bidding him--chained man that the was--to arise, clothe himself, and walk out of prison and suddenly to find himself on the pavement of a well-known street, a free man, might well be accompanied by considerable bewilderment. "When he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary, where many were together praying." (v.12)
The deep earnestness of the saints in prayer is strikingly marked, their being thus before God at the untimely hour of Peter's arrival on the scene. Alas! faith and fervour are not always combined. "Thou art mad" was the first response that the supplicants at the throne of grace made to the messenger (Rhoda) who simply told them that their prayers were heard, and answered by God. "And when they had opened the door, and saw Peter, they were astonished."
"But Peter, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of prison." (v.17)
That is the moral that adorns this striking tale of human plans, and Divine intervention while the lesson it teaches us, as to the efficacy, and all prevailing power of prayer, is most blessed. It should indeed encourage us to wait on God in united, persevering, believing prayer. No case could seem more hopeless. God sufficed for it. Is He changed? Not one whit. What we want is more faith in Him. "Lord teach us to pray." Simon Peter - W. T. P. Wolston
N.J. Hiebert - 9825
January 17
He said unto them, come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while. Mark 6:31
There is no music in a rest, but there is the making of music in it. In our whole life-melody the music is broken off here and there by "rests," and we foolishly think we have come to the end of the tune.
God sends a time of forced leisure, sickness, disappointed plans, frustrated efforts, and, makes a sudden pause in the choral hymn of our lives. We lament that our voices must be silent, and our part missing in the music which ever goes up to the ear of the Creator. How does the musician read the "rest"? See him beat the time with unvarying count, and catch up the next note true and steady, as if no breaking place had come between.
Not without design does God write the music of our lives. Be it ours to learn the tune, and not be dismayed at the "rests." They are not to be slurred over, not to be omitted, not to destroy the melody, not to change the keynote. If we look up, God Himself will beat the time for us. With the eye on Him, we shall strike the next note full and clear.
If we sadly say to ourselves, "There is no music in a "rest," let us not forget "there is the making of music in it." The making of music is often a slow and painful process in this life. How patiently God works to teach us! How long He waits for us to learn the lesson. -- Ruskin
"Called aside--Oh, restful thought--He doeth all things well;
Oh, blessed sense, with Christ alone to dwell;
So in the shadow of Thy cross to hide,
We thank Thee, Lord, to have been called aside."
N.J. Hiebert - 9826
There is no music in a rest, but there is the making of music in it. In our whole life-melody the music is broken off here and there by "rests," and we foolishly think we have come to the end of the tune.
God sends a time of forced leisure, sickness, disappointed plans, frustrated efforts, and, makes a sudden pause in the choral hymn of our lives. We lament that our voices must be silent, and our part missing in the music which ever goes up to the ear of the Creator. How does the musician read the "rest"? See him beat the time with unvarying count, and catch up the next note true and steady, as if no breaking place had come between.
Not without design does God write the music of our lives. Be it ours to learn the tune, and not be dismayed at the "rests." They are not to be slurred over, not to be omitted, not to destroy the melody, not to change the keynote. If we look up, God Himself will beat the time for us. With the eye on Him, we shall strike the next note full and clear.
If we sadly say to ourselves, "There is no music in a "rest," let us not forget "there is the making of music in it." The making of music is often a slow and painful process in this life. How patiently God works to teach us! How long He waits for us to learn the lesson. -- Ruskin
"Called aside--Oh, restful thought--He doeth all things well;
Oh, blessed sense, with Christ alone to dwell;
So in the shadow of Thy cross to hide,
We thank Thee, Lord, to have been called aside."
N.J. Hiebert - 9826
January 18
" . . . He [Jesus]. . .Himself. . . through death. . . might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. Hebrews 2:14.
A traveler in South America witnessed a curious but deadly battle between a peccary and a snake. The snake was much larger than the peccary which is the size of a small pig. The little animal seemed no match for the huge reptile that threatened to destroy it. However, the peccary was guarding her nest where her new born babies were hidden. The snake had found her home and intended to have a good meal. It was not prepared what happened next.
The brave little peccary suddenly rushed upon the huge reptile, striking with several fierce and surprisingly powerful blows. The snake, though obviously injured and momentarily surprised by the attack, still had been able to strike a deep and seemingly fatal wound with its fangs which angrily flashed and sunk deep into the flesh of the smaller animal.
Just when it seemed as though all was over for the brave little peccary, it turned and ran back to its home. There it quickly ate some leaves from a nearby plantain tree. Apparently reinvigorated from these leaves it once again rushed back and began again to attack its huge adversary.
Over and over this strange scene was repeated. The snake, although showing signs of great exhaustion, continued its ferocious attack, again and again striking and wounding its little enemy--so much so that the observer was convinced the brave little peccary could not survive much longer. But after each vicious battle, the severely wounded peccary ran to the plantain tree, ate more leaves and rushed back with renewed energy and determination to continue its deadly struggle with the huge snake. The traveler witnessed this remorseless battle to the death between the peccary and the snake for over an hour. Then came the moment when the final battle was waged and the deadly combat came to an end. The huge snake lay still and dead no longer a danger to the peccary and her young. The peccary, though displaying a variety of wounds, appeared surprisingly healthy as she energetically made her way back to the midst of her little ones.
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me Philippians 4:
The Christian Shepherd - February 2010
N.J. Hiebert 9827
A traveler in South America witnessed a curious but deadly battle between a peccary and a snake. The snake was much larger than the peccary which is the size of a small pig. The little animal seemed no match for the huge reptile that threatened to destroy it. However, the peccary was guarding her nest where her new born babies were hidden. The snake had found her home and intended to have a good meal. It was not prepared what happened next.
The brave little peccary suddenly rushed upon the huge reptile, striking with several fierce and surprisingly powerful blows. The snake, though obviously injured and momentarily surprised by the attack, still had been able to strike a deep and seemingly fatal wound with its fangs which angrily flashed and sunk deep into the flesh of the smaller animal.
Just when it seemed as though all was over for the brave little peccary, it turned and ran back to its home. There it quickly ate some leaves from a nearby plantain tree. Apparently reinvigorated from these leaves it once again rushed back and began again to attack its huge adversary.
Over and over this strange scene was repeated. The snake, although showing signs of great exhaustion, continued its ferocious attack, again and again striking and wounding its little enemy--so much so that the observer was convinced the brave little peccary could not survive much longer. But after each vicious battle, the severely wounded peccary ran to the plantain tree, ate more leaves and rushed back with renewed energy and determination to continue its deadly struggle with the huge snake. The traveler witnessed this remorseless battle to the death between the peccary and the snake for over an hour. Then came the moment when the final battle was waged and the deadly combat came to an end. The huge snake lay still and dead no longer a danger to the peccary and her young. The peccary, though displaying a variety of wounds, appeared surprisingly healthy as she energetically made her way back to the midst of her little ones.
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me Philippians 4:
The Christian Shepherd - February 2010
N.J. Hiebert 9827
January 19
And this is Life Eternal that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent. John 17:3
No, it is not some special grace, reserved for certain special people, that they should "know Him." (Philippians 3:10) All who have Eternal Life "know Him," they know God, and Jesus Christ, whom God hath sent,-- Yes, even the babes know Him: and yet Paul who knew Him best, could cry,-- Oh, "To know Him!" It is like the child, who had always lived in an inland town, when first he went to the seaside: he kept telling all his friends on his return "I have seen the sea!" And it was true, even though he had seen only a few miles of it; and of all the length and breadth and depth of it; he knew little or nothing. And so the babe in Christ can say with truth: "I know Him!"
Down here that craving will never be satisfied: the better we know Him, the more we long to know Him better still. For while in the body down here, it must ever be: "Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." 1 Corinthians 13:12. Lord, haste the day!
However remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God; "No man knoweth the Son, but the Father." (Matthew 11:27) The finite can never fathom the Infinite: and so there are ways in which "no man knoweth the Son, but the Father." I suppose no one on earth knows the Queen as Prince Charles knows her: for he knows her as "mother". And no one knows Prince Charles as Her Majesty knows him, for she knows him as "son". This is a very feeble illustration, but it will perhaps help us to understand that it is perfectly true when we say, "I know Christ, the Son of God," and it is also true that "no man knoweth the Son, but the Father." Let us humbly, reverently bow before Him without seeking to pry into those relationships which are beyond us.
G. C. Willis - Philippians
N.J. Hiebert - 9828
No, it is not some special grace, reserved for certain special people, that they should "know Him." (Philippians 3:10) All who have Eternal Life "know Him," they know God, and Jesus Christ, whom God hath sent,-- Yes, even the babes know Him: and yet Paul who knew Him best, could cry,-- Oh, "To know Him!" It is like the child, who had always lived in an inland town, when first he went to the seaside: he kept telling all his friends on his return "I have seen the sea!" And it was true, even though he had seen only a few miles of it; and of all the length and breadth and depth of it; he knew little or nothing. And so the babe in Christ can say with truth: "I know Him!"
Down here that craving will never be satisfied: the better we know Him, the more we long to know Him better still. For while in the body down here, it must ever be: "Now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." 1 Corinthians 13:12. Lord, haste the day!
However remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God; "No man knoweth the Son, but the Father." (Matthew 11:27) The finite can never fathom the Infinite: and so there are ways in which "no man knoweth the Son, but the Father." I suppose no one on earth knows the Queen as Prince Charles knows her: for he knows her as "mother". And no one knows Prince Charles as Her Majesty knows him, for she knows him as "son". This is a very feeble illustration, but it will perhaps help us to understand that it is perfectly true when we say, "I know Christ, the Son of God," and it is also true that "no man knoweth the Son, but the Father." Let us humbly, reverently bow before Him without seeking to pry into those relationships which are beyond us.
G. C. Willis - Philippians
N.J. Hiebert - 9828
January 20
I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. Psalm 57:2
A simple-hearted man was once asked how he managed to live in such a state of constant tranquility even though surrounded by circumstances anything but pleasant.
His answer was as profound as it was simple: "I have learned to cooperate with the inevitable!"
The idea here set forth is so wise and practical that it is hard to see how we Christians have managed to overlook it so completely in our everyday living. That we do overlook it is shown by our conduct and conversation. Some of us "kick against the pricks" (Acts 9:5) for a lifetime, all the while believing, that we are surrendered to the will of God.
What wicked men do should not disturb the good man's tranquility. The inner world consists of our thoughts and emotions, presided over by our will. While we cannot determine circumstances we can determine our reaction to them. And that is where the battle is to be fought and victory won!
This is not to teach fatalism or to deny the freedom of the human will. Quite the contrary, it is to assert that freedom unequivocally.
Though we cannot control the universe, we can determine our attitude toward it. We can accept God's will wherever it is expressed. If my will is to do God's will, then there will be no controversy with anything that comes in the course of my daily walk. Let God make the alterations as He may see fit, either by His own sovereign providence or in answer to believing prayer!
Renewed Day by Day - A. W. Tozer
N.J. Hiebert - 9829
A simple-hearted man was once asked how he managed to live in such a state of constant tranquility even though surrounded by circumstances anything but pleasant.
His answer was as profound as it was simple: "I have learned to cooperate with the inevitable!"
The idea here set forth is so wise and practical that it is hard to see how we Christians have managed to overlook it so completely in our everyday living. That we do overlook it is shown by our conduct and conversation. Some of us "kick against the pricks" (Acts 9:5) for a lifetime, all the while believing, that we are surrendered to the will of God.
What wicked men do should not disturb the good man's tranquility. The inner world consists of our thoughts and emotions, presided over by our will. While we cannot determine circumstances we can determine our reaction to them. And that is where the battle is to be fought and victory won!
This is not to teach fatalism or to deny the freedom of the human will. Quite the contrary, it is to assert that freedom unequivocally.
Though we cannot control the universe, we can determine our attitude toward it. We can accept God's will wherever it is expressed. If my will is to do God's will, then there will be no controversy with anything that comes in the course of my daily walk. Let God make the alterations as He may see fit, either by His own sovereign providence or in answer to believing prayer!
Renewed Day by Day - A. W. Tozer
N.J. Hiebert - 9829
January 21
Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it. Ephesians 5:25
The spring here is, not our love to Him, feeble at best, but His--"He first loved us." (1 John 4:19). Nor does this divine spring of love have its source in time. He did not begin to love the Church after he came to earth. "Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor" (2 Corinthians 8:9).
He was rich in glory, the glory He had with the Father before the world was, and we trace to its eternal source the love that was in the Lord's heart for His church. How amazing, how sweetly solemn is this truth. Let our souls drink it in that we may realize more fully that which "passeth knowledge." (Ephesians 3:19). A love that had its source in heaven and in eternity cannot rest till it has its objects with itself in heaven for all eternity.
"He gave Himself for us." He delivered Himself up. It was no martyr's death, but it stands out in its unique, solemn and divine fullness--the death of the cross. Here He bore all the guilt, entered into all the distance, endured all the wrath of God's forsaking.
Mingled with the groans of Gethsemane, the "strong crying and tears," with the sweat falling in great blood-drops to the ground; accompanying the meek relinquishment to the arrest by the betrayer's treachery, arrayed in mockery and royal robes, smitten, spit upon and crowned with thorns; nailed to the cursed tree, mocked, railed upon and blasphemed; we hear the breathings of divine, eternal love; "Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it." S. Ridout
Oh my Saviour crucified, near Thy cross would I abide,
Gazing with adoring eye on Thy dying agony.
Yet in sight of Calvary, contrite should my spirit be,
Rest and holiness there find, fashioned like my Saviour's mind, R. Chapman
N.J. Hiebert - 9830
The spring here is, not our love to Him, feeble at best, but His--"He first loved us." (1 John 4:19). Nor does this divine spring of love have its source in time. He did not begin to love the Church after he came to earth. "Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor" (2 Corinthians 8:9).
He was rich in glory, the glory He had with the Father before the world was, and we trace to its eternal source the love that was in the Lord's heart for His church. How amazing, how sweetly solemn is this truth. Let our souls drink it in that we may realize more fully that which "passeth knowledge." (Ephesians 3:19). A love that had its source in heaven and in eternity cannot rest till it has its objects with itself in heaven for all eternity.
"He gave Himself for us." He delivered Himself up. It was no martyr's death, but it stands out in its unique, solemn and divine fullness--the death of the cross. Here He bore all the guilt, entered into all the distance, endured all the wrath of God's forsaking.
Mingled with the groans of Gethsemane, the "strong crying and tears," with the sweat falling in great blood-drops to the ground; accompanying the meek relinquishment to the arrest by the betrayer's treachery, arrayed in mockery and royal robes, smitten, spit upon and crowned with thorns; nailed to the cursed tree, mocked, railed upon and blasphemed; we hear the breathings of divine, eternal love; "Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it." S. Ridout
Oh my Saviour crucified, near Thy cross would I abide,
Gazing with adoring eye on Thy dying agony.
Yet in sight of Calvary, contrite should my spirit be,
Rest and holiness there find, fashioned like my Saviour's mind, R. Chapman
N.J. Hiebert - 9830
January 22
And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: And If we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him. 1 John 5:14,15
Prayer is as various as life. There is a prayer that is swift, brief--a look, a thought; there is the long-drawn prayer of long tension; the prayer whose instant first answer is peace; the prayer that is just the pouring out of the heart-- "Lord, all my desire is before Thee" (Psalm 38:9). And as to that desire, love does not need to explain itself to Love.
But there is the kind of prayer that sooner or later we must learn to pray for one another. We must learn to pray far more for spiritual victory than for protection from battle-wounds, relief from their havoc, rest from their pain.
We must reach the place where we bend all our prayers that way, or our chief prayers. Love cannot be without longing to shield and to relieve, and love is of God, so we may be at rest about this inseparable instinct and quality of love, for Love understands.
Looking back, we often put the lesser first in our prayers for our beloveds. We see now that we cannot enter into the fullness of the confidence of 1 John 5:14,15 and say without any shade of metal reservation, we know that we have, unless our prayer is for God's greatest gift--spiritual triumph. This triumph is not deliverance from, but victory in, trial, and that not intermittent but perpetual. Amy Carmichael
"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. . . that He would grant you. . . to be strengthened with might by His Spirt. . . That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love... and know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19
N.J. Hiebert - 9831
Prayer is as various as life. There is a prayer that is swift, brief--a look, a thought; there is the long-drawn prayer of long tension; the prayer whose instant first answer is peace; the prayer that is just the pouring out of the heart-- "Lord, all my desire is before Thee" (Psalm 38:9). And as to that desire, love does not need to explain itself to Love.
But there is the kind of prayer that sooner or later we must learn to pray for one another. We must learn to pray far more for spiritual victory than for protection from battle-wounds, relief from their havoc, rest from their pain.
We must reach the place where we bend all our prayers that way, or our chief prayers. Love cannot be without longing to shield and to relieve, and love is of God, so we may be at rest about this inseparable instinct and quality of love, for Love understands.
Looking back, we often put the lesser first in our prayers for our beloveds. We see now that we cannot enter into the fullness of the confidence of 1 John 5:14,15 and say without any shade of metal reservation, we know that we have, unless our prayer is for God's greatest gift--spiritual triumph. This triumph is not deliverance from, but victory in, trial, and that not intermittent but perpetual. Amy Carmichael
"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. . . that He would grant you. . . to be strengthened with might by His Spirt. . . That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love... and know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19
N.J. Hiebert - 9831
January 23
January 24
