January 27

"And whatsoever ye do, do it HEARTILY, as to the Lord, and not unto men."
(Colossians 3:23)

Integrity is more than not being deceitful or slipshod.  It means doing everything "heartily as unto the Lord."

A year or so ago, a picture appeared in a magazine of the Statue of Liberty . . . taken from a helicopter and it showed the top of the statue's head.  I was amazed at the detail there.  The sculptor had done a painstaking job with the lady's coiffure, and yet he must have been pretty sure that the only eyes that would ever see this detail would be the uncritical eyes of seagulls.  He could not have dreamt that any man would ever fly over this head.  He was artist enough, however, to finish off this part of the statue with as much care as he had devoted to her face and her arms and the torch and everything that people can see as they sail up the bay. . . .  When you are creating a work of art, or any other kind of work, finish the job off perfectly.  You never know when a helicopter, or some other instrument not at the moment invented, may come along and find you out.  (TCNL - March / April 1992)

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January 28

" . . . ye have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus; that ye put off concerning the former . . . put on the the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." 
(Ephesians 4:21-24)

Nothing is more blessed than to have sympathy with Christ in His thoughts - to be able to say, "I know what Christ cares about, and that which is the care of His heart shall be the care of my heart."  He is caring about a testimony on earth for God; and if I am only little enough in my own eyes, He will say, "I can bring out a ray in you, and place you exactly where it can shine."  Christ has present thoughts about His sheep, - if rays of light shine on them, it is that they may shine from them.  You may have very little light, but the glimmer of a glow-worm shines out brightly in a dark night.  (Gleanings From the Teaching of G.V. Wigram)

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January 29

" . . . about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country; and sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms." 
(Acts 27:27,28) 

Those on board the ship, now having regained some hope after their seemingly hopeless ordeal, begin to show an interest in their progress.  This ought to be found in the life of one who is restored.  That is, there will be an increasing interest in where I am in my life - a concern as to whether I am making real spiritual progress.  Where before, there was only a desire for freedom and liberty to do my own will, real desire to make progress in my Christian life will be evident.  (The Journey of Life - Reflections on Acts 27 - DN)

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January 30

"The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment."
(Proverbs 12:19)

Truth cannot be killed with the sword nor abolished by the law.

****

"The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
(Psalm 34:18)

God listens to our hearts rather than to our lips.
(Selected)

N.J. Hiebert - 3965

January 31 

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
(Matthew 11:29)

The godly Macarius of Optino was once told that his spiritual counsel had been helpful.

"This cannot be," Macarius wrote in reply.  "Only the mistakes are mine.  All good advice is the advice of the Spirit of God; His advice that I happen to have heard rightly and to have passed on without distorting it."

There is an excellent lesson here which we must not allow to go unregarded.  It is the sweet humility of the man of God who was enabled to say, "only the mistakes are mine."

He was fully convinced that his own efforts could result only in mistakes and that any good that came of his advice must be the work of the Holy Spirit operating within him.

Apparently this was more than a sudden impulse of self-deprecation, which the proudest of men may at times feel; it was rather a settled conviction that gave set and direction to his entire life.  His long and humble ministry which brought spiritual aid to many reveals this clearly enough.

It is our belief that the evangelical movement will continue to drift farther and farther  from the New Testament position unless its leadership passes from the modern religious star to the self-effacing saint who asks for no praise and seeks no place, happy only when the glory is attributed to God and himself forgotten!  (A.W. Tozer - Renewed Bay By Day)

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February 1

"When He had given thanks, He broke it (bread), and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me."
(1 Corinthians 11:24)

Doing is an active thing.  Symbols are only representations.  So at the Lord's Supper, the Lord Jesus graciously emphasized the doing.  The symbols, though precious, are not the essence of the matter.  Why then, "This do"?  It is to help us to remember Him.  The Lord realized that our minds, though now willing and loving, are apt to be feeble and forgetful and so He instituted the precious feast, not as an end in itself, but to help us to remember Him in His death on the cross.  Do you love the remembrance feast as you should?  (Choice Gleanings - Mark Fenn)

Only bread, and only wine, but to faith the solemn sign;
Of the heavenly and divine.  We give Thee thanks O Lord!
(Horatius Bonar)

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February 2

"Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)

This is what is wrought in a soul when it is converted: there is a new life given, even Christ.  Hence there is much more than a change.  That would be very far short of the truth as to a Christian.  Of course the Christian is a changed man; but then the change is because of something still deeper.  A Christian is a man born again, possessing a life now, that he possessed not before.  I do not mean merely that he lives after a new sort, but that he has a new life given to him which he had not before.  It is in this way that he becomes a little child.  Then this new life has to be cultivated and strengthened.  Our natural life as men develops, or it may be checked and hindered by various circumstances.  So it is with the spiritual life.  (William Kelly - Lectures on the Gospel of Matthew)

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January 17

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."
(Colossians 3:23)

With God

To talk with God no breath is lost; - Talk on!
To walk with God no strength is lost; - Walk on!
To toil with God no time is lost; - Toil on!
Little is much, if God is in it;
Man's busiest day not worth God's minute:
Much is little every where,
If God the business doth not share.
So, work with God, - then nothing's lost;
Who works with Him does well and most.
(Submitted by a reader)

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January 18

"I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep."
(John 10:11)

It is not enough when I wring my heart when I see Christ the Son of God becoming Son of man to bear all that He bore down here?  And then He went back to God.  Can I see Him here and see Him there, and not fall down and worship?  Oh, what a revelation of God in the Nazarene!  Can I know Christ and not know God?  Impossible!  And that Christ is my life, and the keeper of it.  He is my anointed Saviour.  I belong to Him.  Is it in the sheep to keep itself?  No, but in the Shepherd.  (Gleanings From the Teaching of G.V. Wigram)

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January 19

"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the the Word of God."
(Romans 10:17)

If we act upon the Word, and nothing else, we shall find God with us.  It will be called bigotry; but this is part of the reproach of Christ.  Faith will always appear proud to those who have none;  but it will be proved in the day of the Lord to be the only humility, and that everything which is not faith is pride, or no better.  Faith admits that he who has it is nothing - that he has no power nor wisdom of his own, and he looks to God.  May we be strong in faith, giving glory to Him!  (William Kelly)

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January 20

"Let your life so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
(Matthew 5:16)

Norman Angell once introduced a friend in this way. 

"This is Harold.  He doesn't do anything.  He just is."

We shall be remembered more for what we are than for anything we do.  Deeds are always the product of our nature, and accurately reflect what is in us.  When we are judged by our deeds, it will be because the deeds wrongly done reveal the lack of Christian content in ourselves and not because of the deeds themselves.  In a very real sense what we do is an indication of what we are.
(Traveling Toward Sunrise)

A Christian never is - he is becoming.

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January 21

"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think . . ." (Ephesians 3:20)

God - Thou hast made the world so beautiful!
A flock of birds on pinions fleet and strong,
Then - though it were not yet enough to soar -
Gave to them a song.
God - Thou hast made the world so beautiful;
A bower of June with roses gay abloom,
Then - though it were not yet enough to grow -
Gave them perfume.
God - Thou hast made the world so beautiful;
A million beings, soul their priceless gem,
Then - though it were not yet enough to live -
Gave love to them.
(Theodosia Pearce)

All the wealth brought to earth from heaven above is yours as the gift of Christ's love.

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January 22

"He . . . carried them all the days . . ."
(Isaiah 63:9)

The picture of Jesus with the little ones in His arms is very beautiful.  Jesus takes a child in His arms is very beautiful.  Jesus takes a child in His arms; there is love, tenderness, protection.  The bosom is the place of warmth, of affection, of intimacy, of confidence.  The encircling arms imply safety, support, shelter.  He lifted up a child and held it in His arms; so he carries His people through this world.  He does not merely tell them how to go, but He takes them on His shoulders, carrying not their burdens only, but themselves.  Thus He bears them on through life and through death.  (J.R. Miller)

Instead of trying to escape from our problems, let us try encompassing them with God.

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January 23

"I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand."
(1 Corinthians 15:1)

Some time ago a poor weaver in Scotland preached a brief sermon on three texts:

- (1) "The Blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin."  He said: "That's ma sin awa."

- (2) "Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God.  Ye are of more value than many sparrows."  "That's ma cares awa."

- (3) "We shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air."  "That's masel' awa." 
(Heaven's Cure for Earth's Care - George Henderson)

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January 24

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
(Matthew 5:16)

Annie Johnson Flint had no sympathy with those who made great profession of believing the whole Bible and yet were constantly manifesting a spirit contrary to all its deepest teaching.  Her thought of the Bible was to have it transfered into the life that it transfigures.  In one of her poems on "The World's Bible", she says,

We are the only Bible
The careless world will read,
We are the sinner's gospel,
We are the scoffer's creed,
We are the Lord's last message,
Given in deed and word.
What if the type is crooked?
What if the print be blurred?
(Annie Johnson Flint)

N.J. Hiebert - 3959

My apologies for the advertising pop-up ads recently added to this blog site.  Additional Bible gems archived monthly back to 2003 can be found on a separate web site without any advertising.

You can read these Bible gems at http://biblegems.blogspot.com

January 11

January 12

January 13

January 14

January 15

January 16

January 6

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
(2 Timothy 2:15)

George Mueller was asked what was the secret of his service? There was a day when I died, utterly died: Died to George Mueller, his opinions, preferences, tastes and will, died to the approval or blame even of my brethren and friends, and since then I have studied only to show myself approved to God!

May we be able to say:

The service of Christ is the business of my life.
The will of Christ is the law of my life.
The presence of Christ is the joy of my life.
The glory of Christ is the crown of my life.
(Selected)

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January 7

"Behold I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book."
(Revelation 22:7)

The first thing that His near return should effect in our hearts is renewed obedience to His precious Word. How sad it would be if when the Lord returns in the clouds to rapture His redeemed, they were found walking in sin and disobedience to His precious Word. He told His disciples (and tells all believers) in John 14:15; "If ye love Me, keep My commandments". Thus our Lord's first promise to come quickly is connected with our obedience to Himself through His Word.

We should expect Him to come at any moment. What a wonderful motive for obedience. Oh! that when He comes He will find His beloved saints walking obediently. "Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee" (Psalm 119:11). (TCS)

N.J. Hiebert - 3942

January 8

"Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high."
(Hebrews 1:3)

All power in heaven and in earth is His, but the way He manifests that power is by His word. For instance, when He came up to the tomb of Lazarus - Lazarus had been lying there corrupting for four days. As the Son of God (Jesus) approaches that tomb, the power is all there, but it is the word that makes it effective. The word that said, "Lazarus, come forth," was in itself that which gave that carcass to be suddenly transformed into life - real, pulsating, human life - and come forth into light and life and joy, and association with the best that this world had - back to his loved ones, back to his home, and back to the side of the Son of God.

It was the power manifested by the word. Is that not wonderful? Someday that same power is going to be manifested on behalf of every one of us who knows the Saviour. Oh, yes, it is going to work in you mightily, and when it works in you it is going to take you right up into the glory of God (heaven); and you will inhabit that place for ever and ever with him. (C.H. Brown - 1944)

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January 9

"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."
(Galatians 6:14)

A born again Christian need never be disappointed by this world. Do you ask, How? Never expect anything from it. Always remember that it is the same world - even the polite and amiable part of it — that crucified your Saviour. The Apostle Paul was never disappointed by it. He said, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." (P.Wilson)

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January 10

"I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you."
(1 Corinthians 15:1)

Did you ever notice how quickly things get old or outdated?

I thought about this the other day as I taught my class at a Christian college. They're on the cutting edge by providing a laptop computer for each student. It wasn't too long ago when it was innovative for a college to have computers for students in the library. Then it was cutting edge to provide them for dorm rooms. But someday even personal laptops will become obsolete as well.

Everything man creates will eventually go out of date. Everything, that is, but the gospel. The gospel is over 2,000 years old. . . . the gospel is still as relevant today as it was when it was written.

The gospel is this: (1 Corinthians 15:1)
- Jesus Christ came to earth.
- Jesus Christ lived a perfect life.
- Jesus Christ gave up His life by being sacrificed on a cross.
- Jesus Christ was buried in a borrowed tomb.
- Jesus Christ was raised from the dead 3 days later.

Because He took our punishment for sin on Himself, He can forgive our sins and make us children of God if we put our faith and trust in Him (Acts 13:38-39).

Let the greatest story ever told make you brand-new - forever. It's the story that never grows old. (Adapted)

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December 29

"Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men."
(Luke 2:14)

The introduction of the cross changes the aspect of things entirely. 

- There I find God dealing with sin in such a manner as to glorify Himself infinitely.
- I see the magnificent display and perfect harmony of all the divine attributes. 
- I see love, and such love as captivates and assures my heart, and weans it, in proportion as I realize it, from every other object. 
- I see wisdom, and such wisdom as baffles devils and astonishes angels. 
- I see power, and such power as bears down all opposition. 
- I see holiness, and such holiness as repulses sin to the very furthest point of the moral universe, and gives the most intense expression of God's abhorrence thereof that could possibly be given. 
- I see grace, and such grace as sets the sinner in the very presence of God - yea, puts him into His bosom. 

Where could I see all these things but in the cross? 
Nowhere else.  Look where you please, and you cannot find
aught that so blessedly combines those two great points, namely,
"glory to God in the highest," and "on earth peace." 
(C.H. MACKINTOSH)

N.J. Hiebert - 3933

December 30

"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase."
(1 Corinthians 3:6)
"He that watereth shall be watered also himself."
(Proverbs 11:25)

Paul planted the gospel seed.  Apollos watered the new believers by teaching the Word.  Water is a picture of the Word of God (Ephesians 5:26).  Christ gives the living water (John 4:10) that out of the believer may flow rivers of living water (John 7:38-39).  Today we need people like Apollos who will water God's people with His Word.  Even a cup of cold water will not be forgotten (Matthew 10:42)  (R. E. HARLOW)

Blest river of salvation,
Pursue thy onward way;
Flow thou to every thirsty soul,
O bless Thy Word today!
(S. F. SMITH)

N.J. Hiebert - 3934

December 31

"Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. "
(John 15:2)

Without union there could be no living branch; without pruning there would be very little fruit.  The chief tool of the vinedresser is his knife.  Pruning looks merciless and wasteful, but it is done scientifically; there is no random cutting; nothing is cut away but what it is a gain to lose.  Let us note carefully that it is the fruitful branch that is pruned, just as it is the one whom God loves, that He chastens.  " For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth. "  (Hebrews 12:6)

Pruning is thus the perfect philosophy of Christians suffering.  Is there not an explanation here of many things in our lives difficult to understand?  The spiritual meaning of it came home to Lord Cecil on one occasion with comforting power.  In deep dejection of spirit, because of painful heart wounds, he was pacing to and fro in a botanic garden at Oxford, when he observed a fine specimen of the pomegranate, almost cut through the stem.  On asking the gardener for the reason, he received the following answer:  " Sir, this tree used to shoot so strong that it bore nothing but leaves.  I was therefore obliged to cut it in this manner; and when it was almost cut through, then it began to bear plenty of fruit."

Let us ever remember that the One with Whom we have to do - infinite in holy wisdom, as well as boundless in compassionate love - orders our stops as well as our steps.  "He breaks plans, quenches hopes, cuts off ambitions, denies comforts; nevertheless, every surgery, every mutilation of the living bough, is a deliberate design for richer, riper, clusters of holiness."  That is the end to which all is directed.  (HIS LAST WORDS by Henry Durbanville)

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January 1

Something New Tomorrow

"Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."
(2 Peter 3:13)

The year ends with a world in turmoil, sudden destruction possible.  Peter tells us of a coming catastrophe that sounds like an atomic holocaust.  How up-to-date,  ". . . the elements shall melt with fervent heat . . ." (2 Peter 3:10)!  But the Christian is looking not just for a new year but a new age - new heavens and earth where righteousness dwells.  "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be.  . . . diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless" (2 Peter 3:11,14).  While the world drinks and dances into the New Year to spend tomorrow with a hangover, let the Christian meet it on his keens and meet tomorrow with a hallelujah!  (All the Days by Vance Havner)

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January 2

"His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night." 
(Psalm 1:2)

Many of our New Year's resolutions may actually accelerate our pace of life instead of helping us to slow down.  In our quest for greater productivity and efficiency, we over schedule our days, then rush through meals, drive impatiently, and wonder why the joy of living eludes us.

Slowing down can positively affect our lives at work and at home.  Rushing can cloud our judgment and cause us to overlook important things and valuable people.  We should slow down and even consider the radicle idea of welcoming red traffic lights and using the waiting time to meditate.

In Psalm 1, there is no hint of a frenzied pace.  It describes a person who enjoys the blessing of God.  Instead of thinking and acting like those who rarely consider spiritual matters, "His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night." (v.2)  The result is a fruitful life and a well-nourished soul (v.3).

Isaiah wrote, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusted in Thee." (Isaiah 26:3).  Just for today, try thinking about that verse whenever you have to wait.  Isn't it time for all of us to slow down and live?  (Adapted)

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January 3

"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."
(1 Corinthians 10:12)

Be bold in what you stand for - and be careful for what you fall for.

***

"For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again."
(Proverbs 24:16)

If you fall seven times stand up eight.

***

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."
(Hebrews 12:1)

Running with patience is perseverance in the long run.
(Selected)

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January 4

"And He touched his ear, and healed him."
(Luke 22:51)
"Ye are complete in Him."
(Colossians 2:10)

In a moment of passion, Peter had drawn his sword and cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest.  We are sure that the Jewish authorities would have loved to have arrested and charged Peter as well as the Lord.  However, they lacked evidence.  Doctor Luke tells us that the high priest's servant's ear was restored to pristine condition - not even a scar to indict Peter.  Spiritually, we have been healed and forgiven completely through the same wonderful Physician.  God sees no evidence of our scars when we are seen in Christ.  What a salvation! What a Saviour!   (Brian Russell)

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January 5

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."
(John 3:36)

I have often had people come to me and say, "Oh, I do long for the assurance of my salvation.  I have come to Christ, I have asked God to save me.  I do believe that Jesus died for me.  But I am so miserable about my sins.  I have no assurance, I have no peace, I have no realization that God has accepted me."  I say to people like that, "Don't you fear, dear friend; no natural man seeks after God.  The fact that you are going through all these exercises is, in itself, a proof of your regeneration."

Take a corpse lying here and put 500 pounds of lead upon the breast of that corpse.  There is not a sign of distress.  Why?  Because the man is dead.  But if you put the 500 pounds upon a living man, what then do you have?  Groans of anguish, crying for deliverance.  Why?  Because there is life there. 

That is why people are so troubled about their sins.  Because there is life there, divine life.  God has already begun to work.  Therefore, if that is your case, thank God that His Spirit has begun to work in your soul, and be persuaded that, "He that hath begun a good work in you will perform it unto the day of Jesus Christ." 

Now take God at His word, believe what He has said about His blessed Son, and receive the peace that is rightfully yours.  No natural man receives the testimony of God, but "He that hath received His testimony hath set to his seal that God is true."  That is faith - nothing more nor less than believing that God means what He says.    (Gospel of John - H.A. Ironside)

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December 22

December 23

December 24

December 25

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December 26

December 27

 

“And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” Hebrews 10:17

December 28

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December 29

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December 20

"And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto Him, Lord, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head."
(Luke 9:57,58)

Christ puts him to the test.  You cannot go if you do not take up your lot with One who had not where to lay His head; for you may sooner go to the birds of the air for a nest, or to the foxes for a hole, than to the Son of Man for a home in this world.  They were not now to come to Him as the One who had the promises, but to One whose portion was utter and entire rejection.  Following Him could not be accompanied with ease and comfort here.  He was to be delivered into the hands of men.  At His birth we see the same things.  Every one found room in the inn save He, but any who wanted to find Him whom angels celebrate must go to the manger.  (J.N. DARBY)    

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December 21

"The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?
The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?"
(1 Corinthians 10:16)

How simple is the truth as to the remembrance of the death of our Lord as given us in 1 Corinthians 10:16, quoted above. 
When we as Christians partake of the loaf and the cup, we remember the Lord as He requested.  We do so in loving remembrance of Him in death.

"No blood, no altar now,
The sacrifice is o'er!
No flame, no smoke ascends on high,  
The lamb is slain no more.
But richer blood has flowed from nobler veins,
To purge the soul from guilt,
And cleanse the reddest stains."
(Horatius Bonar, 1808-1889)

(From - Christian Truth - Vol. 19 - January 1966)

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December 22

"Behold I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." 
(Revelation 3:11)
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
(Philippians 4:13)

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, and you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't quit!

Life is tough with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the Victor's cup;
And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,
How close to the over comer's crown.

Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you can never tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar; 
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,
It's when things seem worse that you mustn't quit.

For we know the Father above looks down,
He sees our struggles and holds a crown
He knows the way, though it's rough and drear,
He will give us strength, so we need not fear.
He offers to you the refreshing cup
Of the water of life; then in faith look up,
And struggle on till the crown is won,
Which He will give when our work is done.
 (Author Unknown)

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December 17

The Eraser of Confession

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins."
(1 John 1:9)

From the time that Joseph Dixon (1827-1869) began producing the pencil during the US Civil War, the only substantial change in its design has been the addition of an eraser.  Consider for a moment this unique little writing stick.  At one end is a hard black point and at the other a small rubber tip.  This simple instrument can be used to scribble, sketch, compute complicated formulas, or compose lofty poetry.   But it can also quickly correct an error, change a figure, or start all over.

Each day the Christian inscribes words and deeds on the record of his personal history.  But as he reflects upon what he's said and done, he becomes aware that some of what's been written is not of the quality that will please the Saviour.  He remembers attitudes and actions that should never be part of a believer's life.  Yet these sins are forgiven and fellowship with God restored through honest confession and repentance.

In John's first epistle, he told us how to walk uprightly and enjoy fellowship with Christ and with one another.  But John was a realist, knowing that some of the pages of our composition would be marked by daily flaws and failures.  That's why 1 John 1:9 is such a blessed promise.  It tells us we can use the eraser of confession and start over.  (DENNIS DE HAAN)

We're thankful, Lord, that when we fall
We can begin anew
If humbly we confess our sin,
Then turn and follow Thee.
(SPER)

Confession is the soil in which forgiveness flourishes.

Our Daily Bread, RBC ministries, Copyright (2006), Grand Rapids, MI.  Reprinted permission.

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December 18

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
(Psalm 91:1)

There is no short cut to the life of faith, which is the all-vital condition of a holy and victorious life.  We must have periods of lonely meditation and fellowship with God.  That our souls should have their mountains of fellowship, their valleys of quiet rest beneath the shadow of a great rock, their nights beneath the stars, when darkness has veiled the material and silenced the stir of human life, and has opened the view of the infinite and eternal, is as indispensable as that our bodies should have food.  Thus alone can the sense of God's presence become the fixed possession of the soul, enabling it to say repeatedly, with the psalmist, "Thou art near, O God."  (F.B. MEYER - DAIY MEDITATIONS FOR PRAYER)

Conscious nearness to God, entering into the inner sanctuary where His glory shineth, is both the inestimable privilege and the indispensable essential of true prayer.  To pray without a consciousness of God, without fellowship with Him is to make prayer empty and powerless.

N.J. Hiebert - 3922

December 19

" . . . all things work together for good to them that love God."
(Romans 8:28)

Fanny Crosby in her autobiography comments concerning the doctor who unwittingly caused her blindness as follows: "I have heard that this physician never ceased expressing his regret at the occurrence; and that it was one of the sorrows of his life.  But if I could meet him now, I would say, 'Thank you, thank you, over and over again for making me blind.' . . . Although it may have been a blunder on the physician's part, it was no mistake on God's.  I verily believe it was His intention that I should live my days in physical darkness, so as to be better prepared to sing His praises and incite others to do so."  Thus by a doctor's apparent mistake, God gave to the Church the wonderful heritage of a blind Fanny Crosby who, with her increased spiritual insight, was able to write thousands of enduring hymns.

A visitor once went to see an old lady who had very few earthly possessions - just a bed, an old chair, a table, a stool, and a cupboard.  After a little while the guest asked, "Do you never feel like murmuring at your difficult lot?"  "Well sometimes Satan does tempt me to complain, but then I just ask the Lord to put me into  my easy chair, and to keep me quiet."  The visitor looked around to see what she could mean, but all he saw was the hard stool and the broken armchair.  "I don't see any easy place for you to sit," he said.  "No, you misunderstand me," said the precious old saint.  "My easy chair is Romans 8:28.  It is always close by.  When I need it the Lord just sets me into it, and I am at rest and say to Satan, 'Now you be quiet!' "

Someone has said that in eternity we will probably thank God more for the difficulties of this earthly life than for some of the experiences that we now consider to be pleasant and desirable.  (SELECTED)

Stop sitting on the edge of the stool of worry; go and relax in the restful rocker of Romans 8:28

"God often empties our hands in order to fill our hearts; He gives us crosses here that we may wear crowns over there."  

N.J. Hiebert - 3923

 

December 14

December 12

December 13

"He shall stand upon the earth."

(Job 19:29)

Greater Than Walking on the Moon

Colonel James Irwin, related how he stood on the moon seeing Planet Earth suspended in space, glowing like an iridescent jewel.  He said that as he walked on the surface of the moon his thought was - "Man walking on the moon - this is the greatest event of human history!"  But at that very moment he heard an inner voice quietly speak to his heart; "I did something greater than that - I WALKED ON THE EARTH!"

Colonel Irwin returned from the moon a different man - not with a desire to be a celebrity but to walk as a servant of the Lord of the universe - the Lord Jesus Christ - who came from glory and walked on earth.

The greatest event this world has ever experienced is the incarnation - God manifest in flesh in the Person of the Son.  The fullness of the Godhead clothed in the garb of humanity.  The infinite becoming the humble Servant.  The Sovereign becoming the Saviour.  Another expressed: "The coming of the Lord Jesus Christ into the world is the most stupendous event of human history."

"He shall stand upon the earth" (Job 19:29).  This remarkable declaration of Job, anticipated centuries in advance of our Lord's coming to earth, was for Job his great hope.  It enabled him to endure and maintain his faith amid the fiercest of trials as God lovingly dealt with His dear child.

What a grand realization!  Our redeemer has come to earth and given His life a ransom for many.  Because He came, died on the cross and rose again the third day, we can say with even greater confidence than Job, "And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God" (Job 19:26).  (ANON, ADAPTED - TCS - DECEMBER 2008)

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December 9

"The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will." (Proverbs 21:1)

"Man's goings are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way?"
(Proverbs 20:24)

There is no monarch so great that he can act in independence of God.  Whether he owns it or not, Jehovah is controlling him as He controls the flow of the water brooks.  He who "hath His way in the whirlwind and the storm" can make the wrath of man to praise Him, and restrain the remainder thereof. 
(H.A. IRONSIDE NOTES ON PROVERBS)

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December 10

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
(Proverbs 22:6)

The whole business of Christian education is summed up in two brief sentences: Count on God for your children, and, train your children for God.  The first without the second is lawlessness; the second without the first is legality; to take both together is sound, practical Christianity.

It is the privilege of all Christian parents to count upon God for their children with all confidence.  There is, however, in the government of God, an inseparable link connecting this privilege with solemn responsibility as to training.  For parents to speak of counting on God for the salvation of their children and for the moral integrity of their future career in this world while the duty of training is neglected is simply a miserable delusion.

We press this solemnly upon all Christian parents, especially upon those who have just entered upon the relationship.  There is great danger of shirking our duty to our children, shifting it over upon others, or neglecting it altogether.  We do not like the trouble of it; we shrink from the constant worry.  But we shall find that the trouble, worry, sorrow, and heart-scalding arising from the neglect of our duty will be a thousand times worse that all that can be involved in the discharge of it.

To every true lover of God there is deep delight in treading the path of duty.  Every step taken in that path can always count upon the infinite resources that we have in God when we are keeping His commandments.  We have simply to take ourselves, morning by morning, hour by hour, to our Father's exhaustless treasury, and there get all we want in the way of grace and wisdom and moral power, to enable us to discharge aright the holy functions of our responsibilities as Christian parents.   (C.H. MACKINTOSH)

N.J. Hiebert - 3914

December 11

"I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto Thy testimonies."
(Psalm 119:59)

Seeing God's work in our lives puts a new song on our lips.

As we draw near to Christ we are drawn near to each other.

No one is beyond the reach of God's love.

If you're searching for nuggets of truth, the Bible is a gold mine.

We don't need more of the Spirit; the Spirit needs more of us.

Living daily for Christ requires dying daily to self. 

If God didn't have a purpose for us, we wouldn't be here.
(SOME THOUGHTS TO CONSIDER - R.K.)

N.J. Hiebert - 3915

December 6

"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure."
(Philippians 2:13)

When we know that it is God who works in us to will and to do of His good pleasure, ought there not to be fear and trembling, and a solemn feeling - not on the ground of what we are, but of what God is doing in us?  If He has taken me up for Christ, and is blessing me and working in me, to make me like Christ, there ought to be a very practical feeling in my soul as to walk.  (G.V. WIGRAM - GLEANINGS)

N.J. Hiebert -  3910

December 7

"Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me."
(Luke 22:42)

What anguish in Gethsemane drew the blood-like sweat from the Man of Sorrows as He contemplated "this cup."  Peering into its sable depths, He knew it's loathsome consequence, to be "made sin."  In that cup, He "saw the place afar off," the "land not inhabited" where He must go to bear away the sin of the world.  This was not a battle of two disparate wills, but the blending of two individual wills, eternally in perfect and holy harmony, to fulfill the divine purpose, "I come to do Thy will, O God."  (J. BOYD NICHOLSON)

N.J. Hiebert - 3911

December 8

"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think . . . be glory . . . throughout all ages, world without end.  Amen."
(Ephesians 3:20,21)

Many gaze in wonder at the pyramids of Egypt.  Contemplate with wonder and amazement this Scripture pyramid:

Ask
All that we ask
All that we ask or think
Above all that we ask or think
Abundantly above all that we ask or think
Exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think
Able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.
My heart rejoices in God's will, 'tis ever best - I do not doubt;
He may not give me what I ask, but gives me grace to do without.
O blessed, hallowed will of God, to it I bow with heart devout.
(TCNL)

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