For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. John 1:17
Charles Finney, the famous American evangelist of the 19th century, was born and raised in a family which never attended church, never talked about God, and never prayed. It was not until the age of 28, during his legal studies, that he was led to purchase a Bible and begin studying it. He did this because the many references in his law books to the Mosaic law and Mosaic code aroused his curiosity to see just what was the source of this law that he was preparing to administer.
His exposure to the Bible heightened his natural inquisitiveness to understand its basic message, and this led him to join one of the major denominational churches of his community. However, the longer he continued there, the more he realized that what was being preached fell short of the truth he was discovering in God's Word.
On October 10, 1821, on his way to the law office, the Lord revealed to him that salvation was by grace alone and not by keeping the law. He then realized that the central message of the Bible was that salvation was only through the shed blood of Christ--the only acceptable payment for sins. As he sat in his office pondering the impact of the gospel in his life, a client arrived for an appointment.
He was startled when Finney told him, "Mr. Barney, I have a retainer from the Lord to plead His cause and I cannot plead yours." Thus began the Spirit-led career of one of America's greatest gospel preachers. At a time when the gospel was largely preached in a stiff, formal manner, his informal persuasive style reached thousands for Christ. Charles Finney, a lawyer trained to interpret the law, was now freed from it to preach the grace and truth of Christ to all who would listen.
L.J. Ondrejack
N.J. Hiebert - 10081
His exposure to the Bible heightened his natural inquisitiveness to understand its basic message, and this led him to join one of the major denominational churches of his community. However, the longer he continued there, the more he realized that what was being preached fell short of the truth he was discovering in God's Word.
On October 10, 1821, on his way to the law office, the Lord revealed to him that salvation was by grace alone and not by keeping the law. He then realized that the central message of the Bible was that salvation was only through the shed blood of Christ--the only acceptable payment for sins. As he sat in his office pondering the impact of the gospel in his life, a client arrived for an appointment.
He was startled when Finney told him, "Mr. Barney, I have a retainer from the Lord to plead His cause and I cannot plead yours." Thus began the Spirit-led career of one of America's greatest gospel preachers. At a time when the gospel was largely preached in a stiff, formal manner, his informal persuasive style reached thousands for Christ. Charles Finney, a lawyer trained to interpret the law, was now freed from it to preach the grace and truth of Christ to all who would listen.
L.J. Ondrejack
N.J. Hiebert - 10081
September 30
But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
What a comfort and encouragement this verse has been to God's people through the years. And while most people think of it in connection with material things (and Paul was thinking of such in the context), the verse applies to "all your need" of every kind. We may need material supply, and "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1)
We may need comfort or encouragement, and we find Him to be "the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort." (2 Corinthians 1:3). We may need help to endure continuing trial or weakness, and we learn that "He giveth more grace," (James 4:6) and that "God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8) We may need guidance, and His promise is that "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye." (Psalm 32:8)
There are times when we need chastening, "for whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth." (Hebrews 12:6) Whatever the need in our lives, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches by glory in Christ Jesus," and "They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing." (Psalm 34:10) The Lord is Near
Be not dismayed whate'er betide, God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.
Through days of toil when heart doth fail, God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail, God will take care of you.
All you may need He will provide, God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will be denied, God will take care of you. C. D. Martin
N.J. Hiebert - 10082
What a comfort and encouragement this verse has been to God's people through the years. And while most people think of it in connection with material things (and Paul was thinking of such in the context), the verse applies to "all your need" of every kind. We may need material supply, and "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1)
We may need comfort or encouragement, and we find Him to be "the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort." (2 Corinthians 1:3). We may need help to endure continuing trial or weakness, and we learn that "He giveth more grace," (James 4:6) and that "God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8) We may need guidance, and His promise is that "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye." (Psalm 32:8)
There are times when we need chastening, "for whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth." (Hebrews 12:6) Whatever the need in our lives, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches by glory in Christ Jesus," and "They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing." (Psalm 34:10) The Lord is Near
Be not dismayed whate'er betide, God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.
Through days of toil when heart doth fail, God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail, God will take care of you.
All you may need He will provide, God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will be denied, God will take care of you. C. D. Martin
N.J. Hiebert - 10082
October 1
The coming of the Lord draweth nigh. James 5:8
It is a good thing to understand prophecy; it is better to have the intended purpose for which it was given. Today more Christians have some idea of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ than two centuries ago. But that does not mean that the hearts of Christians long for Him more than they did then.
Whenever the coming and the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ are mentioned, there is a practical importance attached to it. In John 14 it is so that the disciples' hearts may not be troubled in view of his imminent departure. In Romans 13:12 so that we may cast away the works of darkness and walk becomingly. In 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, so that we may be firm, immovable, and abounding always in the work of the Lord. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Corinthians 5:8 so as to know that the death of the believer is to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. and thus we may not sorrow as others who have no hope. In 2 Timothy 4:6-9, so that we may fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith. In Titus 2:12, so that we may live soberly, justly, and piously. In 1 John 3:2-3 we have this most precious promise that We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is!--a statement that should never cease to fill our hearts with joy and lead us always to worship Him. And, He adds, every one that has this hope in Him purifies himself, even as He is pure.
Finally, Revelation 22:20, we are told this so that our hearts may respond to His saying, Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus. A. M. Behnam
We go to meet the Saviour, His glorious face to see;
What manner of behaviour doth with this hope agree?
May God's illumination guide heart and walk aright,
That so our preparation be pleasing in His sight.
P. Gerhardt
N.J. Hiebert - 10083
It is a good thing to understand prophecy; it is better to have the intended purpose for which it was given. Today more Christians have some idea of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ than two centuries ago. But that does not mean that the hearts of Christians long for Him more than they did then.
Whenever the coming and the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ are mentioned, there is a practical importance attached to it. In John 14 it is so that the disciples' hearts may not be troubled in view of his imminent departure. In Romans 13:12 so that we may cast away the works of darkness and walk becomingly. In 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, so that we may be firm, immovable, and abounding always in the work of the Lord. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Corinthians 5:8 so as to know that the death of the believer is to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. and thus we may not sorrow as others who have no hope. In 2 Timothy 4:6-9, so that we may fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith. In Titus 2:12, so that we may live soberly, justly, and piously. In 1 John 3:2-3 we have this most precious promise that We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is!--a statement that should never cease to fill our hearts with joy and lead us always to worship Him. And, He adds, every one that has this hope in Him purifies himself, even as He is pure.
Finally, Revelation 22:20, we are told this so that our hearts may respond to His saying, Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus. A. M. Behnam
We go to meet the Saviour, His glorious face to see;
What manner of behaviour doth with this hope agree?
May God's illumination guide heart and walk aright,
That so our preparation be pleasing in His sight.
P. Gerhardt
N.J. Hiebert - 10083
October 2
Jesus . . . loved them unto the end. John 13:1
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.
Luke 23:34
If our hearts are full of the love of God, the roughest knocks cannot make us unloving or unpeaceful. But how often, in a moment of impatience, we blame the rough knock! "So-and-so did this; so-and-so said that; my circumstances are difficult. I could be good somewhere else, in some other place or work."
All such excuses are folly. It is not what happens to us but what is in us that settles the matter. How often we have to go to our Saviour for cleansing and pardon, after some hard knock has caused us to "spill" something unloving which was inside us.
But have we not been comforted by the generous wealth of His pardon? Is it not just like Him to assure us again and again that nothing is changed on His side? He loves us as He did before. He wants us as He did before. His tender mercy embrace us on every side.
Such love draws us back to Calvary. As we think of our own newly discovered sin, we see Him, the sinless One, with new eyes. How did we react towards some trivial, trying touch of people or circumstances? How did He react to the torture of the hammer and the nails? Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.
Nothing could surprise anything unloving in Him, for there was nothing in Him but love. Is it not wonderful that such a Lord can care for such as us? Is it not a wonder of wonders that He can want our love?
Amy Carmichael - Whispers of His Love
N.J. Hiebert - 10084
If our hearts are full of the love of God, the roughest knocks cannot make us unloving or unpeaceful. But how often, in a moment of impatience, we blame the rough knock! "So-and-so did this; so-and-so said that; my circumstances are difficult. I could be good somewhere else, in some other place or work."
All such excuses are folly. It is not what happens to us but what is in us that settles the matter. How often we have to go to our Saviour for cleansing and pardon, after some hard knock has caused us to "spill" something unloving which was inside us.
But have we not been comforted by the generous wealth of His pardon? Is it not just like Him to assure us again and again that nothing is changed on His side? He loves us as He did before. He wants us as He did before. His tender mercy embrace us on every side.
Such love draws us back to Calvary. As we think of our own newly discovered sin, we see Him, the sinless One, with new eyes. How did we react towards some trivial, trying touch of people or circumstances? How did He react to the torture of the hammer and the nails? Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.
Nothing could surprise anything unloving in Him, for there was nothing in Him but love. Is it not wonderful that such a Lord can care for such as us? Is it not a wonder of wonders that He can want our love?
Amy Carmichael - Whispers of His Love
N.J. Hiebert - 10084
October 3
Now Jacob's well was there (Samaria)...Jesus wearied with HIs journey sat thus on the well. There cometh a woman to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, give me to drink... Then saith the woman...how is it that Thou, being a Jew, asketh drink of me....Jesus answered...if thou knewest the gift of God...thou would have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto Him...the well is deep. John 4:4-15.
Love and need are face to face, in this touching scene, and therein is always the point of contact between the soul and God--need on my side, love on His.
What a revelation! There are volumes contained in these four words, "The well is deep." They speak of a weary existence. She was tired of life. Her will and her sin had left her heart empty. Despised of all, isolated, and abandoned, she came at a time when the well was very empty. And is not that exactly what every man, passing through this world finds, "the well is deep," and gets deeper every year he lives, and he has to lengthen the rope by which he seeks to draw the water with which he would try to satisfy his heart.
That becomes more difficult as time goes on, and the Lord tells us the reason, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again." (John 4:13) The water from the world's well can never satisfy the soul that drinks thereof, but observe the deeper meaning in the next words, "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well (a fountain) of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14) a divine and ever-springing up fountain of joy.
Life is dependant on external supplies for its sustenance, but here we find a fountain spoken of--a constant, continual source of supply. "The well is deep," if you have not found the Lord. He that had said, "give me to drink," was the One who made the well, and the water therein. He was the Creator Himself. No one can be satisfied without Christ. W. T. P. Wolston - Another Comforter
N.J. Hiebert - 10085
Love and need are face to face, in this touching scene, and therein is always the point of contact between the soul and God--need on my side, love on His.
What a revelation! There are volumes contained in these four words, "The well is deep." They speak of a weary existence. She was tired of life. Her will and her sin had left her heart empty. Despised of all, isolated, and abandoned, she came at a time when the well was very empty. And is not that exactly what every man, passing through this world finds, "the well is deep," and gets deeper every year he lives, and he has to lengthen the rope by which he seeks to draw the water with which he would try to satisfy his heart.
That becomes more difficult as time goes on, and the Lord tells us the reason, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again." (John 4:13) The water from the world's well can never satisfy the soul that drinks thereof, but observe the deeper meaning in the next words, "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well (a fountain) of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14) a divine and ever-springing up fountain of joy.
Life is dependant on external supplies for its sustenance, but here we find a fountain spoken of--a constant, continual source of supply. "The well is deep," if you have not found the Lord. He that had said, "give me to drink," was the One who made the well, and the water therein. He was the Creator Himself. No one can be satisfied without Christ. W. T. P. Wolston - Another Comforter
N.J. Hiebert - 10085
October 4
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
There was a hero once who, when an overwhelming force was in full pursuit, and all his followers were urging him to a more rapid flight, cooly dismounted to repair a flaw in his horse's harness. While busied with the broken buckle, the distant cloud swept down in nearer thunder; but just as the prancing hoofs and eager spears were ready to dash upon him, the flaw was mended, and like a swooping falcon he had vanished from their view. The broken buckle would have left him on the field a dismounted and inglorious prisoner; the timely delay sent him in safety back to his bustling companions.
There is in daily life the same unfortunate precipitance and the same profitable delay. The youth who from his prayerless awakening bounces into the hours of the day, however good his talents and great his diligence, is only galloping upon a steed harnessed with a broken buckle, and must not marvel if, in his hottest haste or most hazardous leap, he be left inglorious in the dust; and though it may occasion some little delay beforehand, his neighbour is wiser who sets all in order before the march begins.
We cannot rush through a chapter of the Bible and come out of it laden with the Word. That is the reward of patient and leisurely movement. Dr. Joseph Parker advised a young minister never to "gallop" through the Scriptures. "Go slowly, and look around."
What do motorists see of the wayside flowers when they are racing along at fifty or sixty miles an hour? And what do they hear of the song of birds, and what do they see of the movements of the sky, graceful things which only venture out when everything is quiet and still? The beauty of the Word is the reward which is given to the soul which moves with reverent and unhasty steps. If we rush along we shall miss it! Mountain Trailways for Youth
N.J. Hiebert - 10086
There was a hero once who, when an overwhelming force was in full pursuit, and all his followers were urging him to a more rapid flight, cooly dismounted to repair a flaw in his horse's harness. While busied with the broken buckle, the distant cloud swept down in nearer thunder; but just as the prancing hoofs and eager spears were ready to dash upon him, the flaw was mended, and like a swooping falcon he had vanished from their view. The broken buckle would have left him on the field a dismounted and inglorious prisoner; the timely delay sent him in safety back to his bustling companions.
There is in daily life the same unfortunate precipitance and the same profitable delay. The youth who from his prayerless awakening bounces into the hours of the day, however good his talents and great his diligence, is only galloping upon a steed harnessed with a broken buckle, and must not marvel if, in his hottest haste or most hazardous leap, he be left inglorious in the dust; and though it may occasion some little delay beforehand, his neighbour is wiser who sets all in order before the march begins.
We cannot rush through a chapter of the Bible and come out of it laden with the Word. That is the reward of patient and leisurely movement. Dr. Joseph Parker advised a young minister never to "gallop" through the Scriptures. "Go slowly, and look around."
What do motorists see of the wayside flowers when they are racing along at fifty or sixty miles an hour? And what do they hear of the song of birds, and what do they see of the movements of the sky, graceful things which only venture out when everything is quiet and still? The beauty of the Word is the reward which is given to the soul which moves with reverent and unhasty steps. If we rush along we shall miss it! Mountain Trailways for Youth
N.J. Hiebert - 10086
October 5
RETURN TRIP
And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem. . . .
Luke 24:33
The Emmaus disciples had already walked seven miles home from Jerusalem, sad and discouraged, although it was the very day our Lord had said He would rise from the dead.
When He made Himself known, they rose up the same hour and retraced their steps, no longer sad or weary. It must have been the most exciting seven miles they ever traveled. Seven miles of sighing became seven miles of singing!
What a host of weary pilgrims need today is a contact with the living Christ, true to the Scriptures, warming their hearts, showing up at home, and making happy witnesses of them all. All the Days - Vance Havner
How many times discouraged, we sink beside the way ;
About us all is darkness, we hardly dare to pray;
Then from the mists and shadows, the sweetest voice e'er known,
Says, "Child, am I not with thee, never to leave thee alone?"
O soul, hast thou forgotten, the tender word and sweet,
Of Him who left behind Him the print of bleeding feet?
"I never will forsake thee, O child so weary grown;
Remember, I have promised never to leave thee alone."
Take courage, weary pilgrim, tho' mists and shadows hide
The face of Him thou lovest, He's ever at thy side;
Reach out thy hand and find Him, and lo, the clouds have flown;
He smiles on thee Who promised, never to leave thee alone. (Anon)
N.J. Hiebert - 10087
And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem. . . .
Luke 24:33
The Emmaus disciples had already walked seven miles home from Jerusalem, sad and discouraged, although it was the very day our Lord had said He would rise from the dead.
When He made Himself known, they rose up the same hour and retraced their steps, no longer sad or weary. It must have been the most exciting seven miles they ever traveled. Seven miles of sighing became seven miles of singing!
What a host of weary pilgrims need today is a contact with the living Christ, true to the Scriptures, warming their hearts, showing up at home, and making happy witnesses of them all. All the Days - Vance Havner
How many times discouraged, we sink beside the way ;
About us all is darkness, we hardly dare to pray;
Then from the mists and shadows, the sweetest voice e'er known,
Says, "Child, am I not with thee, never to leave thee alone?"
O soul, hast thou forgotten, the tender word and sweet,
Of Him who left behind Him the print of bleeding feet?
"I never will forsake thee, O child so weary grown;
Remember, I have promised never to leave thee alone."
Take courage, weary pilgrim, tho' mists and shadows hide
The face of Him thou lovest, He's ever at thy side;
Reach out thy hand and find Him, and lo, the clouds have flown;
He smiles on thee Who promised, never to leave thee alone. (Anon)
N.J. Hiebert - 10087
October 6
Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2
Pray much and speak little. Oh, let me particularly recommend to you that sacred, gentle, and peaceful silence which God and all his saints love so much! The spirit of loquacity (talkativeness) is the bane of all religious society, the extinction of devotions, occasions confusion of mind, is an abuse of time, and a denial of the divine presence.
Love, obedience, courtesy, or necessity must influence the tongue to speak; else it should continue silent.
Edify one another more by a holy walk than by a multitude of words. God dwells only in the peaceful souls, and the tongue must be at peace also.
Behold the fruit of sacred silence! It gives time, strength, collectedness, prayer, liberty, wisdom, the society of God, and a blessed state of mind.
Learn to grapple with souls,
Aim at the conscience, exalt Christ,
Use a sharp knife with yourself.
Say little, serve all, pass on.
This is true greatness--to serve
Unnoticed, and work unseen.
Oh, the joy of having nothing and being nothing,
Seeing nothing but a living Christ in glory,
And being careful for nothing but His interests down here. J. N. Darby
N.J. Hiebert - 10088
Pray much and speak little. Oh, let me particularly recommend to you that sacred, gentle, and peaceful silence which God and all his saints love so much! The spirit of loquacity (talkativeness) is the bane of all religious society, the extinction of devotions, occasions confusion of mind, is an abuse of time, and a denial of the divine presence.
Love, obedience, courtesy, or necessity must influence the tongue to speak; else it should continue silent.
Edify one another more by a holy walk than by a multitude of words. God dwells only in the peaceful souls, and the tongue must be at peace also.
Behold the fruit of sacred silence! It gives time, strength, collectedness, prayer, liberty, wisdom, the society of God, and a blessed state of mind.
Learn to grapple with souls,
Aim at the conscience, exalt Christ,
Use a sharp knife with yourself.
Say little, serve all, pass on.
This is true greatness--to serve
Unnoticed, and work unseen.
Oh, the joy of having nothing and being nothing,
Seeing nothing but a living Christ in glory,
And being careful for nothing but His interests down here. J. N. Darby
N.J. Hiebert - 10088
October 7
Lord . . . Thou hast the words of eternal life. John 6:68
One is immediately reminded of the ugly reality that existed at the time of Jesus' death and of how His few words changed His seemingly senseless death into something rich and strange. His words are indeed words of eternal life; they are cherished by the millions whose lives have been remade by the work His final words express.
He said (Mark 15:34; John 19:28-30; Luke 23:46, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?...I thirst...It is finished...Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit." "And having said thus, He gave up the Ghost"
What brought forth that awful cry, "Why hast Thou forsaken Me?" Banishment from the presence of God--the penalty for sin, our sin. We see Him saying, "I thirst" fulfilling Scripture--doing God's will, though forsaken by Him! How consoling are those words, "It is finished." All of the sin-bearing work is done, leaving no penalty for us. A. H. Crosby
The cross! the cross, oh that's our gain,
Because on that the Lamb was slain:
'Twas there the Lord was crucified,
'Twas there for us the Saviour died.
What wondrous cause could move Thy heart,
To take on Thee our curse and smart,
Well knowing we should ever be
So cold, so negligent of Thee?
The cause was love--we sink with shame
Before our blessèd Jesu's name,
That He should bleed and suffer thus,
Because He loved and pitied us. (Miss C. Taylor - 1742)
N.J. Hiebert - 10089
One is immediately reminded of the ugly reality that existed at the time of Jesus' death and of how His few words changed His seemingly senseless death into something rich and strange. His words are indeed words of eternal life; they are cherished by the millions whose lives have been remade by the work His final words express.
He said (Mark 15:34; John 19:28-30; Luke 23:46, "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?...I thirst...It is finished...Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit." "And having said thus, He gave up the Ghost"
What brought forth that awful cry, "Why hast Thou forsaken Me?" Banishment from the presence of God--the penalty for sin, our sin. We see Him saying, "I thirst" fulfilling Scripture--doing God's will, though forsaken by Him! How consoling are those words, "It is finished." All of the sin-bearing work is done, leaving no penalty for us. A. H. Crosby
The cross! the cross, oh that's our gain,
Because on that the Lamb was slain:
'Twas there the Lord was crucified,
'Twas there for us the Saviour died.
What wondrous cause could move Thy heart,
To take on Thee our curse and smart,
Well knowing we should ever be
So cold, so negligent of Thee?
The cause was love--we sink with shame
Before our blessèd Jesu's name,
That He should bleed and suffer thus,
Because He loved and pitied us. (Miss C. Taylor - 1742)
N.J. Hiebert - 10089
October 8
"For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant". Isaiah 53:2
That plant was not tender in that it was likely to perish in the cold of this foreign world, but tender like an exotic that feels the change of the climate from which it came.
This is how He grew up before the Lord. Not a day, not a moment in Nazareth that God did not look down from heaven with delight upon Him. No husbandman ever watched a rare and lovely plant as God did His delightful Son. There was death and corruption all around; but there was life and holiness in Him. The world was full of striving, lusting men and women, crushing and climbing to excel; here was One who took the lowest place and grew unknown but to God alone.
That Babe in the manger was God manifest in the flesh. The One His virgin mother held at her breast was the Mighty One who upholds all things. The shining glory was hidden, but the glory of grace and truth was beautifully revealed.
How wonderful that a lad in a peasant home in Nazareth, eating common food, sleeping on a hard bed, working with His hands as soon as He was able, that that One should be the very Son of God! "The only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). This was the way of God. These were the ways of Christ. Pure and fragrant like a lily among the thorns; rare beauty for only God to appreciate; growing up before the Lord as a tender plant. To Israel "He was a root out of a dry ground. He hath no form nor comeliness" to them. (Isaiah 53:2)
A PLANT OF RENOWN - Leonard Sheldrake
N.J. Hiebert - 10090
That plant was not tender in that it was likely to perish in the cold of this foreign world, but tender like an exotic that feels the change of the climate from which it came.
This is how He grew up before the Lord. Not a day, not a moment in Nazareth that God did not look down from heaven with delight upon Him. No husbandman ever watched a rare and lovely plant as God did His delightful Son. There was death and corruption all around; but there was life and holiness in Him. The world was full of striving, lusting men and women, crushing and climbing to excel; here was One who took the lowest place and grew unknown but to God alone.
That Babe in the manger was God manifest in the flesh. The One His virgin mother held at her breast was the Mighty One who upholds all things. The shining glory was hidden, but the glory of grace and truth was beautifully revealed.
How wonderful that a lad in a peasant home in Nazareth, eating common food, sleeping on a hard bed, working with His hands as soon as He was able, that that One should be the very Son of God! "The only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). This was the way of God. These were the ways of Christ. Pure and fragrant like a lily among the thorns; rare beauty for only God to appreciate; growing up before the Lord as a tender plant. To Israel "He was a root out of a dry ground. He hath no form nor comeliness" to them. (Isaiah 53:2)
A PLANT OF RENOWN - Leonard Sheldrake
N.J. Hiebert - 10090
October 9
And God saw their (Nineveh's) works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that He had said that He would do unto them; and He did it not. But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and He was very angry. Jonah 3:10;4:1.
What a condition for a prophet of Jehovah, one who had just been the instrument in the hand of Jehovah for such a mighty work! With whom was he so exceedingly displeased? With whom was he very angry? Sad, sad to say, it was with Jehovah himself. Why was he so displeased and so angry? It was because Jehovah had not destroyed the city of Nineveh, because Jehovah had shown grace and mercy to these repenting sinners.
If ever a man had needed the grace and mercy of Jehovah it was Jonah himself, down in the belly of the great fish. He had been shown that grace and mercy, but now he was unwilling that others should receive what he himself had so mightily needed, and had so freely been given.
It reminds us of the elder son in Luke 15:28 "He was angry and would not go in." Angry with whom? Angry with his father. Why was he so angry with his father? Because he had received back his repentant brother, and not said a word about his sins--he had shown grace and mercy, instead of judgment. So the elder brother was angry and would not go in. He may have meant to insult his brother, but in reality it was his father whom he insulted. The whole scene is so sad and so strange, and yet when we look at our own hearts, we know very well that this sad fourth chapter of Jonah is absolutely true to life.
Jonah felt that his reputation as a prophet was gone. He had foretold that in forty days Nineveh would be overthrown, and now God had repented of the evil that He said He would do, and He did it not, and Jonah's word had not come true. How often have we been displeased and angry and sulky (just like Jonah), over something that God Himself has allowed in our lives, which we feel has affected our reputation? With my eyes on myself, away from God, how very large "I" becomes in my own sight. G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 10091
What a condition for a prophet of Jehovah, one who had just been the instrument in the hand of Jehovah for such a mighty work! With whom was he so exceedingly displeased? With whom was he very angry? Sad, sad to say, it was with Jehovah himself. Why was he so displeased and so angry? It was because Jehovah had not destroyed the city of Nineveh, because Jehovah had shown grace and mercy to these repenting sinners.
If ever a man had needed the grace and mercy of Jehovah it was Jonah himself, down in the belly of the great fish. He had been shown that grace and mercy, but now he was unwilling that others should receive what he himself had so mightily needed, and had so freely been given.
It reminds us of the elder son in Luke 15:28 "He was angry and would not go in." Angry with whom? Angry with his father. Why was he so angry with his father? Because he had received back his repentant brother, and not said a word about his sins--he had shown grace and mercy, instead of judgment. So the elder brother was angry and would not go in. He may have meant to insult his brother, but in reality it was his father whom he insulted. The whole scene is so sad and so strange, and yet when we look at our own hearts, we know very well that this sad fourth chapter of Jonah is absolutely true to life.
Jonah felt that his reputation as a prophet was gone. He had foretold that in forty days Nineveh would be overthrown, and now God had repented of the evil that He said He would do, and He did it not, and Jonah's word had not come true. How often have we been displeased and angry and sulky (just like Jonah), over something that God Himself has allowed in our lives, which we feel has affected our reputation? With my eyes on myself, away from God, how very large "I" becomes in my own sight. G. C. Willis
N.J. Hiebert - 10091
October 10
A JOYOUS INHERITANCE
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5
The meek individual has found the place of peace. He no longer struggles and fights and pushes to become top man on the totem pole of society. The threat of being pushed off his little pinnacle of prestige no longer haunts him.
He is not caught up in the pettiness of the so-called "pecking order." Content to quietly serve others, he has no fear of falling. There is no need to try so desperately to impress others. His main concern is to do whatever he does to the very best of his ability to satisfy the Master and thus bring Him honour.
"Let your moderation (yieldingness) be know unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 5:5-7)
Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller.
Living for Jesus through earth's little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile,
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.
Thomas O. Chisholm
N.J. Hiebert - 10092
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5
The meek individual has found the place of peace. He no longer struggles and fights and pushes to become top man on the totem pole of society. The threat of being pushed off his little pinnacle of prestige no longer haunts him.
He is not caught up in the pettiness of the so-called "pecking order." Content to quietly serve others, he has no fear of falling. There is no need to try so desperately to impress others. His main concern is to do whatever he does to the very best of his ability to satisfy the Master and thus bring Him honour.
"Let your moderation (yieldingness) be know unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 5:5-7)
Songs of My Soul - W. Phillip Keller.
Living for Jesus through earth's little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile,
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.
Thomas O. Chisholm
N.J. Hiebert - 10092
October 11
A Walking Anatomy Lesson
Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorify Me"
Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorify Me"
Psalm 50:15
The story is told of a missionary to Mongolia many, many years ago, who, during a conflict in that area was asked to treat some wounded soldiers. The missionary was not a doctor but had some knowledge of first aid. Feeling that he should not refuse the request for medical help he worked on the wounds of two of the men and successfully treated their injuries.
The third injured soldier had a thigh bone that was obviously badly broken. The missionary had no idea what to do or how to go about treating such a bad injury--but he did know where he could get help. Kneeling beside the injured man, the missionary prayed, asking the Lord for help. Rising from prayer, he had no idea how God would answer his prayers, but he was confident that his desperate need would surely be met by the Lord.
He went to the library of the primitive hospital where he was tending the wounded, but could find no books that described the appropriate way to treat such an injury. During that time, no doctor arrived at the hospital to care for the sick and wounded. A further complication appeared in the form of a crowd of beggars who came to the missionary asking him for money. Though deeply concerned for his badly injured patient, his heart went out to that group of ragged, hungry paupers. Quickly he gave them each a small gift of money--enough for each to buy a little food--and with a few words of encouragement and hope from God's Word, sent them away.
That is, all but one. The missionary was greatly surprised just a few moments later to find that one very old, weary beggar had, for some reason, remained behind. The poor half-starved beggar was hardly more than a living skeleton! It was then the missionary realized that the Lord had brought to him a living, walking lesson in anatomy!
He asked the elderly man if he might examine him. He carefully traced the femur [leg] bone with his fingers, learning the proper position to set the soldier's broken leg. With the Lord's help, though he had never set such a fracture before, the missionary returned to the patient and successfully set his broken leg. Later, looking for the old beggar in order to thank him, the missionary found he was gone. The Christian Shepherd - Nov. - 2012
N.J. Hiebert - 10093
The third injured soldier had a thigh bone that was obviously badly broken. The missionary had no idea what to do or how to go about treating such a bad injury--but he did know where he could get help. Kneeling beside the injured man, the missionary prayed, asking the Lord for help. Rising from prayer, he had no idea how God would answer his prayers, but he was confident that his desperate need would surely be met by the Lord.
He went to the library of the primitive hospital where he was tending the wounded, but could find no books that described the appropriate way to treat such an injury. During that time, no doctor arrived at the hospital to care for the sick and wounded. A further complication appeared in the form of a crowd of beggars who came to the missionary asking him for money. Though deeply concerned for his badly injured patient, his heart went out to that group of ragged, hungry paupers. Quickly he gave them each a small gift of money--enough for each to buy a little food--and with a few words of encouragement and hope from God's Word, sent them away.
That is, all but one. The missionary was greatly surprised just a few moments later to find that one very old, weary beggar had, for some reason, remained behind. The poor half-starved beggar was hardly more than a living skeleton! It was then the missionary realized that the Lord had brought to him a living, walking lesson in anatomy!
He asked the elderly man if he might examine him. He carefully traced the femur [leg] bone with his fingers, learning the proper position to set the soldier's broken leg. With the Lord's help, though he had never set such a fracture before, the missionary returned to the patient and successfully set his broken leg. Later, looking for the old beggar in order to thank him, the missionary found he was gone. The Christian Shepherd - Nov. - 2012
N.J. Hiebert - 10093
October 12
He hath made every thing beautiful in His time: also He hath set the world (eternity) in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11
Does this verse meet the eyes of some tried and discouraged saint? Have you been overwhelmed at times by a nameless dread as though God had utterly forgotten you, and you were cast off forever? Have you wearied yourself devising one human expedient after another, in the vain hope of averting threatened disaster by the arm of flesh? Learn, then, from God's dealings with His servant (Mordecai) of old (Esther 2:11) that His heart and hand are for you still.
And "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:21) He has heard every sigh; noted, and stored in His bottle, every tear; (Psalm 56:8) taken account of every cry of anguish; heard every confiding prayer. His arm is in no wise shortened; His ear is in no sense deaf to your cry. At the appointed time He will awake in your behalf, and you shall know that it is "the God of all grace" with whom you have to do.
Only look up: be not cast down, for you are ever on His heart; and if you just leave all with Him, He will make your affairs His care. "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you." (1 Peter 5:11). How sweet the words! He careth. He, the most high God: yea, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ careth. He is no indifferent spectator--no callous, unconcerned looker-on; but, as no one else can, He careth for you. Assured of this, may not we well cry, "I will trust, and not be afraid"? (Isaiah 12:2)
H. A. Ironside - Notes on the Esther
N.J. Hiebert - 10094
Does this verse meet the eyes of some tried and discouraged saint? Have you been overwhelmed at times by a nameless dread as though God had utterly forgotten you, and you were cast off forever? Have you wearied yourself devising one human expedient after another, in the vain hope of averting threatened disaster by the arm of flesh? Learn, then, from God's dealings with His servant (Mordecai) of old (Esther 2:11) that His heart and hand are for you still.
And "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:21) He has heard every sigh; noted, and stored in His bottle, every tear; (Psalm 56:8) taken account of every cry of anguish; heard every confiding prayer. His arm is in no wise shortened; His ear is in no sense deaf to your cry. At the appointed time He will awake in your behalf, and you shall know that it is "the God of all grace" with whom you have to do.
Only look up: be not cast down, for you are ever on His heart; and if you just leave all with Him, He will make your affairs His care. "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you." (1 Peter 5:11). How sweet the words! He careth. He, the most high God: yea, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ careth. He is no indifferent spectator--no callous, unconcerned looker-on; but, as no one else can, He careth for you. Assured of this, may not we well cry, "I will trust, and not be afraid"? (Isaiah 12:2)
H. A. Ironside - Notes on the Esther
N.J. Hiebert - 10094
