Bible Gems

Nov 23, 2009 at 17:11 o\clock

Gems worth pondering

by: soundwords

November 19

" . . . your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask Him."
(Matthew 6:8)

He knoweth the way that I take;
Each step of that way He hath planned:
And, walking through sunshine or storm,
I walk in the shade of His hand.
In deserts untrodden and drear,
Where foes in the darkness may hide, 
He leaveth me never alone;
He sendeth me light and a guide.

He knoweth the need of my soul -
The trial that calls for His grace,
The weakness that leans on His strength,
The fear that looks up to His face.
He knoweth what sifting is best
To scatter the chaff from the wheat
And lay all my self-righteous pride
Low down in the dust at His feet.
(ANNIE JOHNSON FLINT)

N.J. Hiebert - 3893

November 20

"Unto you that fear my name, shall the Sun of righteousness arise 
with healing in His wings."  
(Malachi 4:2)

A south American traveler tells of a curious conflict which he once witnessed between a little quadruped and a poisonous reptile of great size.  The little creature seemed no match for its antagonist that threatened to destroy it by a blow, as well as its helpless young, but it fearlessly faced its mighty enemy and rushing at him, struck him with a succession of fierce and telling blows, but, received at the onset a deep and apparently fatal wound from the poisonous fangs, which flashed for a moment with an angry fire, and then fastened themselves deep into the flesh of the daring little assailant.

For a moment it seemed as if all were over, but the wise little creature immediately retired into the forest, and hastening to the plantain tree eagerly devoured some of its leaves, and then hurried back, seemingly fresh and restored, to renew the fray with vigor and determination.  Again and again this strange spectacle was repeated: the serpent, although greatly exhausted, ferociously attacked, and again and again wounded its antagonist to death, as it seemed; but the little creature each time repaired to its simple prescription, and returned to renewed victory.  In the course of an hour or two the battle was over - the mammoth reptile lay still and dead and the little victor was unharmed, in the midst of the nest and the helpless little ones.

How often we are wounded by the dragon's sting - wounded it would seem to death! and if we had to go through some long ceremony to reach the source of life, we must faint and die.  But blessed be His Name! as near at hand as that which the forest holds in it shade, there is ever for us a Plant of healing to which we may continually repair and come back refreshed, invigorated, transfigured - like Him Who shone with the brightness of celestial light as He prayed in the mount; Who, as He prayed in the garden, arose triumphant over the fear of death, strengthened from on high to accomplish the mighty battle of our redemption.  (A. B. SIMPSON         
 - SPRINGS IN THE VALLEY)

It is His wings that heal our pains,
And soothe the serpent's poisoned stings;
Close to His bosom we must press
To feel His healing wings.


N.J. Hiebert - 3894

November 21

"But he (Jesus) said unto them, Give ye them to eat.  And they  said, 
We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we 
should go and buy meat for all this people." 
(Luke 9:13)

So it is with us.  No faith.   Memory is not faith.  "He smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed.  Can He give bread also?"   He gave us water, but can He give us food?  We know he has done that one thing, but can He do this other thing to-day?  We want to count on the energy of the Lord's love, and expect Him to be interested for us.  When He said, "Give ye them to eat" they should have expected He would give them the power.  Jehovah was among them exercising His own power, but we see in their answer the horrid principle of unbelief.  Unbelief shuts out God, and limits itself to what it sees; "except we go and buy meat."  (J. N. DARBY)

N.J. Hiebert - 3895

November 22

"While they beheld, He (Jesus) was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight.  And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, 
behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven?  
This same Jesus,  which is taken up from you into heaven,
shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven."
(Acts 1:9-11)

No sooner did our Lord leave this earth for heaven than a message was sent to the disciples as they still gazed upward where they had seen  Him disappear.  It was a message of His coming back again.  "Two men," evidently angelic messengers, stood by the disciples, as they wonderingly gazed toward heaven.  This is what these messengers said: (Acts 1 noted above.)

Angels usually call Him Lord.  Yet when He ascended in glory the angels say, "This same Jesus."  Now that our Lord has gone to heaven, clothed with all the majesty that rightly belongs to Him, our God does not want us to think that He is not still the same as when He walked the roads of Judea and Galilee, dispensing mercy and healing everywhere.  Though shining with a glory above the brightness of the sun, He is the very same Saviour as when He sat on Sychar's well.   (LEONARD SHELDRAKE - OUR LORD JESUS , A PLANT OF RENOWN)

N.J. Hiebert - 3896

November 23

"So the dead which he (Samson) slew at his death were more
than they which he slew in his life."(Judges 16:30)

What a marvel that Samson's death was more productive than his life.  It is a reminder of our Lord Jesus.  He also accomplished His greatest work in His death on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.  Though they both spread their arms wide to die, there the similarity ends.  While Samson's motive was revenge, our Lord's motivation was LOVE.  Samson's death brought more death; the Lord's death brought life eternal.  (WARREN HAGEY - CHOICE GLEANINGS)  

Behold His arms extended wide, on the cross!
Behold His bleeding hands and side, on the cross!
And now the mighty deed is done, on the cross!
The battle fought, the victory won, on the cross!
(JOSEPH HOSKINS)

N.J. Hiebert - 3897

November 24

"The LORD bindeth up the breach of His people, and healeth
the stroke of their wounds."
(Isaiah 30:26)

When some friend has proved untrue - betrayed your simple trust; used you for his selfish end, and trampled in the dust the Past, with all its memories, and all its sacred ties, the light is blotted from the sky - for something in you dies.

Bless your false and faithless friend, just smile and pass along - God must be the judge of it: He knows the right and wrong. . . . Life is short - don't waste the hours by brooding on the past;  His great laws are good and just; Truth conquers at the last.

Red and deep our wounds may be - but after all the pain - God's own finger touches us, and we are healed again. . . .  With faith restored, and trust renewed - we look toward the stars - the world will see the smiles we have - but God will see the scars.  (SCARS, BY PATIENCE STRONG)

Love grows stronger when assailed;
Love conquers where all else has failed.
Love ever blesses those who curse;
Love gives the better for the worse.
Love unbinds others by its bonds;
Love pours forgiveness from its wounds.

N.J. Hiebert - 3898

Nov 17, 2009 at 15:12 o\clock

Gems worth pondering

by: soundwords

November 13

"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."
(James 1:14-15)

For years, twice a day, a circus man called a large pet snake from a cage and had it wrap itself around his body. At a command, the snake would uncoil and return to its cage. One night the snake refused to uncoil and after repeated commands, it suddenly choked the man to death. Our flesh is like the snake. What the man thought was controllable brought him to his death. Unchecked lusting leads to sin and unrepentant sin brings separation from God. Don't trust in your flesh, it is more dangerous than you know! (WARREN HENDERSON)

N.J. Hiebert - 3887

November 14

"Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law." (2 Chronicles 15:3)

It is the work of the teacher to minister the truth to the people of God. The Word of God is to be unfolded, its perfections to be exhibited, its doctrines expounded, and its difficulties explained. The teacher is the student of this Book, devoted to it. In days like these when all sorts of error abound, professing to be derived from the Scriptures, when the very foundations are being undermined, we need teachers to turn us back "to the law and the testimony," and show us that, in the midst of the confusion of tongues, there is still a Voice that speaks with no uncertain sound. It is the teacher who must meet the assaults of the many evils which have fastened themselves upon the very vitals of professing Christendom. It is the teacher who leads us into the deep things of God's Word, and by satisfying us with good, leaves no relish for evil. (S. RIDOUT)

N.J. Hiebert - 3888

November 15

"The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility."
(Proverbs 15:33)

Humility is selflessness - pride is selfishness.

---------------------------------------------

"If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink. For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee."
(Proverbs 25:21-22)

He that does good for good's sake seeks neither nor reward, but he is sure of both in the end.

---------------------------------------------

"But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons." (Colossians 3:25)

If you do what you should not, you must bear what you would not.
(ANON)

--------------------------------------------

N.J. Hiebert - 3889

November 16

"His disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus. When Jesus heard of it, He departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed Him on foot out of the cities."
(Matthew 14:12-13)

The forerunner of the Messiah (John) was dead; unjustly and cruelly murdered. The chilling news, when conveyed to Jesus caused Him to retreat to a solitary place. He knew that He, too, would face death with all its violence and judgment, the Just for the unjust to bring us to God. Such contemplation required solitude and communion with His Father. Spiritual reflection on this will draw out our hearts in adoring worship. (DREW CRAIG)

Was it for crimes that I had done?
He groaned upon the tree,
Amazing pity, grace unknown
And love beyond degree.
(ISAAC WATTS)

N.J. Hiebert - 3890

November 17

"Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."
(James 4:4)

The world is ever the same world. Satan is its prince; and all that is in it - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life - is not of the Father, but of the world. The heart of man, the flesh, has since the fall always been enmity against God. It is often thought and said, that since the death of Christ, Satan is no longer the prince of this world. But it was precisely then that he declared himself as its prince, leading on all men, whether Jews or Gentiles, to crucify the Saviour. And although men now bear the name of Christ, the opposition of the world to His authority remains the same.

Only observe and see if the name of Christ is not dishonoured. Man may indeed be taught to honour it; but it is nonetheless true that where he finds his enjoyment, where his will is free, he shuts out Christ, lest he should come in and spoil his pleasures. If left alone, he does not think of Him. He does not like to be spoken to of the Saviour. He sees no beauty in Him, that he should desire Him. Man likes to do his own will, and he does not want the Lord to come and oppose it; he prefers vanity and pleasures. (CHRISTIAN TRUTH - MARCH 1967 - VOL. 20)

N.J. Hiebert - 3891

November 18

"Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God."
(Hebrews 10:9)

Christ's only purpose in everything down here was to do the will of God, and He did it most entirely. He was one bright unwavering testimony to God, and nothing but God; and the more strength there was in that purpose, the more suffering there would be in such a world as this. But whether the Lord would in obedience go down so low as the death of the cross, was the question. He did so, and the wrath of God broke over Him; that was essentially His cross, such as ours could not be. (GLEANINGS of G.V. WIGRAM)

N.J. Hiebert - 3892

November 19

Nov 11, 2009 at 20:04 o\clock

Gems worth pondering

by: soundwords

October 30

"How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: so shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth and thy want as an armed man."
(Proverbs 6:9-11)

You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction.
___________________________________________________________________


"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
(Galatians 6:2)

Test your strength by lifting a burden from another's shoulder.
___________________________________________________________________

"We spend our days as a tale that is told---for it is soon cut off, and we fly away."
(Psalm 90:9,10)

A minute is a little thing, but minutes make a day. So crowd in some kind deeds before it slips away.
___________________________________________________________________


"The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself."
(Proverbs 11:25)

No man can be good to others without being good to himself.
___________________________________________________________________
(SELECTED)

N.J. Hiebert - 3873

October 31

"For I am in a strait between two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better . . ." (Philippians 1:23)

The last for which the first was made - that was Paul's highest aspiration, to be with Christ. But do not forget that Christ is with us now. We are hampered by our limitations and not as aware of Him as we should be. There, no longer blinded by our eyes, we shall know as we are known and we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is. But He is with us all the days when we see through a glass as in a riddle and to know Hm better now is our chief business. Tomorrow can wait and we have only today. (ALL THE DAYS - VANCE HAVNER)

N.J. Hiebert - 3874

November 1

“What shall the end be of them
that obey not the gospel of God? “
(1 Peter 4:17)

You can choose eternal anguish,
Live the life that suits you best;
Turn your back on heavenly treasures;
Vainly seek for peace and rest;
God will never make you serve Him.
Never force you to be saved;
You can go to judgment Christ-less,
And the price forever pay!

“Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
(Matthew 22:13)

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved."
(Acts 16:31)

(SUBMITTED BY A READER OF THE "GEMS" - T.R.)

N.J. Hiebert - 3875

November 2

"Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved?"
(Song of Solomon 8:5)

Ah me, I'm never well
But when I on my Best Beloved lean,
And then I'm never ill:
Crosses and trials all are right
And pain is sweet and trouble light,
When Christ my heart doth fill.
(ANON)

God sends rain and fruitful seasons, but though they come, they never come in the same way in any one year, and I find that, as a rule, when I need anything, that it come from a quarter that I never expected, and that from the quarter where it had come before it does not now. Thus God keeps the eye on Himself and not on the donor.  The tendency is to lose dependence when we are enjoying the results of dependence. (FOOTPRINTS FOR PILGRIMS)

N.J. Hiebert - 3876

November 3

"The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him." (Lamentations 3:25)

The fact that God and His claims must be supreme - is beautifully illustrated in an incident of which I recently (1958) read. A man, addressing some children, said: "You all know the verb 'I am, thou art, he is' ; and you know that verbs in English, French, German, Italian and Latin run in this way: 'I love, thou lovest, he loves' ; or, 'I walk, thou walkest, he walks'. But how many of you know that the old Hebrew people arrange their verbs the other way round: 'He is, thou art, I am'?"

Then he said to them: "That is the way to look at life. Say to yourself, looking up to God: 'He is' ; then look at your neighbour, and say: 'You are' ; last of all, think of yourself, and say: 'I am'. First God, then your neighbour, then yourself. That is the best way to think and live." (HEAVEN'S CURE FOR EARTH'S CARE)

N.J. Hiebert - 3877

November 4

"With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
(Ephesians 4:2,3)

Not My Yardstick

It is a fatal mistake to suppose that the unity of the Spirit cam be kept in a legal way. It must be grace. It must be the fruit of communion with Christ, and living of His life. I cannot take my own yardstick and measure everybody else by that. I cannot lay down my interpretations of Scripture and say every man must walk by this rule. That is to make law of Scripture and put everybody on legal ground. This is the worst kind of legalism.

If our minds are formed by the Word and Spirit of God, others will feel the power . . . and they will be edified. If I am handling the Word of God in a legal way, I will only provoke the flesh, and no good will result. I cannot teach you the Word of God with a sledge hammer. The teaching must be through the operation of the Spirit. And grace characterizes this operation. So I must be gracious, patient, and loving.

Let brotherly love abound, and bitterness be put away -- edifying one another in love. (A.H. RULE AS SUBMITTED BY M.S.)

N.J. Hiebert - 3878

November 5

"If riches increase, set not your heart upon them."
(Psalm 62:10)

Once in Malaysia an aged Indian friend came to me with a smile on his face and a gift in his hand - a million ringgit note! But it was worthless, being old Japanese currency introduced during World War II and of no value when the war ended. Soon all earth's currencies will count for nothing; soon all material things will fade away. "We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out" (1 Timothy 6:7). Where is your treasure? (W.P.W McVEY)

Out of this world I shall never take
Things of gold and silver I make;
All that I cherish and hoard away,
After I leave, on the earth must stay.

N.J. Hiebert - 3879

November 6

"Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus."
(Romans 15:5)

He presents God in the very character in which we need Him. Our small stock of patience would soon be exhausted in seeking to meet the varied characters which cross our path, even in relationship with our brethren. There are constant claims upon our patience and forbearance; and most surely others have need of patience and forbearance with us. Where are we all to get the means of meeting all these claims? At the exhaustless treasury of "the God of patience and consolation." Our tiny springs would soon dry up if not kept in unbroken connection with that ever-flowing Fountain. The weight of a feather would be an overmatch for our patience; how much more the ten thousand things that come before us even in the Church of God! (C.H. MACINTOSH)

N.J. Hiebert - 3880

November 7

"But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."
(Hebrews 13:16)

A little girl was playing with some alphabet blocks, arranging them to make various words. Suddenly she exclaimed, "O mother, look! I can get two words out of this one. See, if I take GOOD, I can make it say GO and DO." The mother smiled her approval. She thought to herself, my child unknowingly has just preached a powerful sermon: A believer must translate faith into daily practice. I must go and do if I am to be a good ambassador for Jesus Christ.

We've all heard the old saying, "Talk is cheap." It reminds us as Christians that appropriate action must always accompany our words, lest they be nothing more than pious platitudes and we lose our testimony before the world. The genuineness of our salvation is seen when we live a Christ-centered, sacrificial life that reaches out in love to others. The author of Hebrews therefore strongly cautions against a mental assent to Divine truth that does not result in warmhearted giving. He wrote, ". . . to do good and to communicate forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."

Even the weakest, humblest believer can radiate a wondrous light of blessing in his daily round of activity. He does this not only by his kind words, but also by giving sympathetic attention to those who cross his pathway. He must clearly mirror to everyone the attitudes and actions of the Saviour, who "went about doing good."

Yes, to be a good Christian means we will be constantly looking for opportunities to go and do the things that please the Lord and bring joy to others. (H.G.B.)

Your theology is what you are when the talking stops and the action starts.

N.J. Hiebert - 3881

November 8

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."
(Romans 8:28)

The secret of a disciple's quietness under trial, is the knowing that things do not happen by chance. If we see them in the light of God, we have rest immediately; not only rest in the future, but rest for to-day. Seeing things in the light, and under the power of the hand of God, makes all the difference as things roll in upon you. My walk may be inconsistent and unsteady, I may need deep humiliation, and have loss and very dearly bought experience, in order to be able to say that I see the Father's hand present in everything. (GLEANINGS OF G.V.WIGRAM)

N.J. Hiebert - 3882

November 9

"All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made."
(John 1:3)

How awesome to gaze up into the night sky and view the vast universe above us. Our galaxy, the Milky Way, has an estimated 200 billion stars, and a diameter of 100 light years, meaning that if we were able to travel at 386,000 miles per second, it would take 100 years to cross our galaxy alone! We are looking at a universe with the imprint of the infinite, eternal God upon it. Yet wonder of wonders, the Creator came among us in lowly guise. He visited this insignificant planet and gave His life to save those who had dared to rebel against the God of the universe. What mercy! What grace! (W.H. BURNETT)

Thou Lord of all transcendent, Thou life creating sun
To worlds on Thee dependent, yet bruised and spit upon.
(GERHARDT)

N.J. Hiebert - 3883

November 10

"That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing."
(1 Thessalonians 4:12)

The tone and spirit of our walk is an important point. Confidence in God, and gentleness of spirit, is that which becomes the saint. For this, we must be at home with God. The effect of thus walking in Christ, setting the Lord ever before us, is always to make us walk with reverence, lowliness, adoration, quietness, ease, and happiness. Because of the heart's joy in God, anxieties disappear, and it will move through the ten thousand things that would trouble and prove anxieties to another, without being troubled. No matter what it may be, we bring quietness of spirit into all circumstances while abiding in God. (CHRISTIAN TRUTH - VOL. 14 - FEBRUARY 1961)

N.J. Hiebert - 3884

November 11

"He that is slow to wrath is of great UNDERSTANDING."
(Proverbs 14:29)

"A man of UNDERSTANDING holdeth his peace."
(Proverbs 11:12)

"He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man
of UNDERSTANDING is of an excelled spirit."
(Proverbs 17:27)

"Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath UNDERSTANDING."
(Proverbs 14:33)

"My mouth shall speak of wisdom;
And the meditation of my heart
Shall be of understanding."
(Psalm 49:3)

N.J. Hiebert - 3885

November 12

"I can do all things through Christ Who strengtheneth me."
(Philippians 4:13)

It seems like distrust of oneself, and deep lowliness of spirit, to shrink from heavy responsibility, but all we need to inquire is, Has God imposed that responsibility? If so, He will be assuredly with me in sustaining it; and having Him with me, I can sustain anything. With Him, the weight of a mountain is nothing; without Him the weight of a feather is overwhelming. (FOOD FOR THE DESERT)

N.J. Hiebert - 3886

Oct 28, 2009 at 20:50 o\clock

Gems worth pondering

by: soundwords

October 20

" . . . the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys."
(Exodus 40:36)

Spend and be spent would we,
While lasts life's brief day;
No turning back in coward fear,
No lingering by the way.
Onward we press in haste,
Upward our journey still;
Ours is the path the Master trod,
Through good report and ill.
The way may rougher grow,
The weariness increase;
We gird our loins and hasten on,
The end, the end is peace.
(AUTHOR UNKNOWN)

N.J. Hiebert - 3863

October 21

"God is faithful" - 1 Corinthians 1:9

"God is faithful." - 1 Corinthians 10:13

This short, yet profound, phrase occurs twice in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. The first time in chapter 1 reminds us that God was faithful in calling us. But, lest we get discouraged by the hardships of the Christian life, we are later encouraged by the fact that He remains faithful throughout all of life's trials. He has not abandoned us, nor will He allow any trial to become "too difficult." Let us thank Him today for His continued interest and faithfulness in each of our lives. (CHOICE GLEANINGS - C. MARK HOGAN)

Oh, you that are sad, take heart again!
You are not alone in your hour of pain;
The Father stoops from His throne above
to sooth and comfort us with His love.

N.J. Hiebert - 3864

October 22

"And Jesus, which is called Justus . . . these only are my fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me." (Colossians 4:11)

Jesus, or Justus. Paul gave him his full title - Justus the just one. That man's outstanding characteristic was that he was a just man. That is not to be despised. We should all seek to be just. If there is anything that should characterize a Christian, it is moral integrity.

- Downright honesty,
- By the grace of God to speak the truth and be men of our word,
- To be those that can be trusted,
- Those upon whom our neighbours can look as honest men,
- Men who pay their debts,
- Men who have no unfulfilled obligations.
(C.H. BROWN - WHEN HE WRITES UP THE PEOPLE)

N.J. Hiebert - 3865

October 23

"We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves."
(Romans 15:1)

Pleasing our selves, directly condemned in Romans 15:1, is a common form of seeking our own. It is seen in great and little things - in our choice of work for the Lord, in our choice of residence, of companions, of dress, of occupation, and in many petty ways in which we daily indulge, instead of denying ourselves. Oh, how ashamed we feel when we just sit awhile and think of our dreadful self-pleasing in little things - always looking out for number one. So contrary are we in spirit to our beloved Lord. (PLAIN PAPERS FOR YOUNG BELIEVERS - A.T. SCHOFIELD)

N.J. Hiebert - 3866

October 24

"Them that honour Me I will honour."
(1 Samuel 2:30)

Every breathing of our hearts by the Spirit of God is precious in His ear; every cup of cold water given in His name; every service rendered to His saints; every sigh over that which grieves Him; every thrill of joy for what brings glory to Him; every step trodden, or word spoken in furtherance of interests dear to His heart is written with an eternal pen and treasured in the archives of heaven; nor will He fail to requite even those who think upon His name (Malachi 3:16)

Children of sorrow we may indeed be, of whom the world has no record, and knows neither whence we come nor whither we are bound; but if our hearts be in the secret of the Lord, we are not only of the royal line, like Jabez, but, like Jabez, also of the line of faith; our requests are answered, our record is on high for eternity, heavenly resources are ours in their richest plentitude, and an opened heaven will soon receive us into its bosom. Then shall be fully displayed what only faith accepts now - the immutability of that word, "Them that honour Me I will honour." (W.R.)

N.J. Hiebert - 3867

October 25

"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart." (Deuteronomy 6:6)

Check Your Blind Spots

When I was in high school, I had a driving instructor who gave me some sound advice. "You think by looking in the rearview mirror you know what is on your left side, but your vision is limited," he said. "Always look over your shoulder before changing lanes. There may be another car in your blind spot." His wise instruction has kept me out of more potential wrecks than I care to think about.

Moses had some wise instruction for the people of Israel. They were to make the study and contemplation of God's commandments an integral part of life. Moses said, "And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up" (Deuteronomy 6:7). In short, God's words were to permeate every aspect of their lives.

The Bible is our instruction manual from God for navigating life's journey. But merely owning a copy is not enough. It must be studied, applied, and passed on to others.

Just as checking our blind spot should become an automatic response while we drive, applying God's Word should be our natural response as we encounter the hazards of life. It will help us avoid a spiritual crash. (DENNIS FISHER)

The bible will transform our lives
And turn us from our sin,
If we will read it and obey
God's principles within. (SPER)
__________________________________________________________________
The Bible will tell you what is wrong before you have done it! (MOODY)

Our Daily Bread, RBC Ministries, Copyright (2005), Grand Rapids, MI. Printed permission.

N.J. Hiebert - 3868

October 26

"For a good work we stone Thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that Thou, being a man, makest Thyself God."
(John 10:33)

So men thought. But actually, the reality was just the opposite. He was eternally God (John 1:1), yet became a Man (John 1:14).

- It was as a Man that He was born at Bethlehem,
- That He passed through youth and young manhood.
- It was as a Man that He was condemned to death on Calvary.
- And as a Man that He died for our sins and was acknowledged as righteous by the centurion (Luke 23:47).
- It is as a Man that He now mediates with the Father (1 Timothy 2:5) (GARRY W. SEALE)

Jesus is God! The glorious bands of golden angels sing,
Songs of adoring praise to Him, their Maker and their King.
He was true God in Bethlehem's crib, on Calvary's cross true God,
He who is heaven eternal reigned, in time on earth abode.
(F.W. FABER)

N.J. Hiebert - 3869

October 27

"Ye are the salt of the earth."
(Matthew 5:13)

"Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt."
(Colossians 4:6)

With Grace

I have just read a statement of a Christian writer to the effect that the salt of the earth needs to be applied - even if it smarts.

I have heard and read many developments of this same theme. The outline usually runs the same course: salt seasons, purifies and preserves. But somebody ought to remind us that salt also irritates. Real living Christianity rubs this world the wrong way. "The world hath hated them, because they are not of the world even as I am not of the world" (John 15:19). Godly living is in itself a rebuke to this age, and this world resents the light that exposes its corruption.

We are going to a lot of trouble these days developing a brand of Christianity that will not irritate this world. The only salt that will not irritate is "salt without savour," and our Lord said such salt, whether table salt or spiritual salt is "good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men." (SELECTED)

N.J. Hiebert - 3870

October 28

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 4:7)

When you have a need, instead of worrying and fussing about it, you need to present your need to our Father right away. Stop what you are doing; get on your knees and pour your heart out to the Father. Our loving God and Father is waiting and wants to hear all about it. He will not always say yes, but He will always give us His peace. If we will but trust Him and put our cares before His heart, He will put His peace into ours.

"It is a wonderful thing to be so satisfied with the Lord Jesus' company, that we can be tranquil about everything. You will often find that it is the one of the most anxious temperament who finds most in Him, when such an one begins to know Him. I remember when I used to think that I should be happy beyond conception if I were able to say, 'I will fear no evil,' 'my heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.' In order to reach this, you must find Him enough, without anything else. We all say that He is enough, but it is quite a different thing to know it practically. You can never prove the worth of anyone, until you are absolutely dependent on him." -J.B.S.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5).
(Submitted by a reader - S.L.)

N.J. Hiebert - 3871

October 29

"What is in thine hand?"
(Exodus 4:2)

Let us examine honestly whether it is something which He can use for His glory or not.  If not, do not let us hesitate an instant about dropping it.  It may be something we do not like to part with; but "the Lord is able to give thee much more than this," and the first glimpse of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord will enable us to count those things loss which were gain to us.

But if it is something which He can use, He will make us do ever so much more with it than before.  Moses little thought what the Lord was going to make him do with that rod in his hand!  The first thing he had to do with it was to cast it on the ground, and see it pass through a startling change.  After this he was commanded to take it up again, hard and terrifying as it was to do so.  But when it became again a rod in his hand, it was no longer what it was before, the simple rod of a wandering desert shepherd.  Henceforth it was "the rod of God in his hand" (Exodus 4:20), wherewith he should do signs, and by which God Himself would do marvelous things (Psalm 78:12). (OPENED TREASURES - FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL)

N.J. Hiebert - 3872

Oct 19, 2009 at 19:18 o\clock

Gems worth pondering

by: soundwords

October 15

"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift."
(2 Corinthians 9:15)

- People with a heart for God have a heart for people.

- The joy of living comes from a heart of thanksgiving.

- In the desert of grief, God provides an oasis of grace.

- Selfish gratification will lead to spiritual stagnation.

- Running with patience is perseverance in the "long run."
(SOME THOUGHTS TO CONSIDER - R.K.)

N.J. Hiebert - 3858

October 16

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13)

Love That Exceeds

The ascending affections are never equal to the descending. A child never loves a parent with the intenseness with which a parent loves his child. Yes, and more than this - the parent is satisfied to have it so. A father is satisfied to know that his love will never get its "recompense in the same" from the bosom of the child.

Our heavenly Father knows that His love will ever be the larger. He will ever be the One to "exceed" - as David with Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:41). For He is in the higher place; and that place will maintain its rights and attributes. And it is among the attributes of the descending affection (which comes out of the higher place), to flow with the richer and more generous current; and all that faith has to do is to allow this, and to rejoice that it is so. Faith ascends to God, and makes that journey in silence. (TCNL)

N.J. Hiebert - 3859

October 17

"This is My commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you." (John 15:12)

D.L Moody pointed out, the words which delineate the lovely traits of character set forth in Galatians 5, are but various forms of love.

- Joy is love exulting;
- Peace is love in repose;
- Long-suffering is love enduring;
- Kindness is love in society;
- Goodness is love in action;
- Faithfulness is love on the battlefield;
- Meekness is love at school;
- Self-control is love in training.
(HENRY DURBANVILLE)

N.J. Hiebert - 3860

October 18

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
(Psalm 119:105)

The Bible is all for the Christian, but not all about him. God in government, or Messiah and the kingdom, might express the general character of the Old Testament, while God in grace, or Christ and the Church, would characterize the New Testament. Moses, by inspiration of God, opened the canon of divine revelation; Paul completed the subjects of which it treats -

"I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the Word of God." (Colossians 1:25).

John closed it with the Revelation. This blessed Book is assailed on every hand - its inspiration is openly denied, its divine authority unblushingly called in question, and its heavenly doctrines made the sport of an unbelieving world. Yet its subjects are grand, momentous, and divine; its themes are heavenly and eternal. It is the Word of God, and therefore it lives and abides forever. (W. SCOTT)

N.J. Hiebert - 3861

October 19

"Like a lamb dumb . . . so opened he not His mouth."
(Acts 8:32)

"Philip opened his mouth . . . and preached . . . Jesus."
(Acts 8:35)

Philip was able to open his mouth as the result of the Lord remaining mute at His trial. "When He was reviled, he reviled not again" (1 Peter 2:23). He was about to die an atoning death for a world of sinners who stood with their mouths stopped and guilty before God. How thrilled must Philip have been that day to open his mouth and make known the gospel, especially to one whose ear and heart were wide open to receive it. Is your mouth open? (W.P.W. MCVEY)

N.J. Hiebert - 3862

Oct 13, 2009 at 05:14 o\clock

Gems worth pondering

by: soundwords

October 8

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him: . . . He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)

If you want your faith to grow, there are four rules that you must adopt.

1. Be willing to have a great faith. When men say they cannot believe, ask, "Are you willing to believe?" because if the will is toward faith, the Holy Spirit will produce a great faith.

2. Use the faith you have; the child with its slender arm muscles, will not be able to wield the sledgehammer unless he begins step by step to use them. Do not, therefore, stand on the boat's edge and wait to be able to swim a mile, but throw yourself out from its side into the water and swim a yard or two; for it is in these smaller efforts that you are to be prepared for the greater and mightier exploits.

3. Be sure to put God between yourself and circumstances. Everything depends on where you put God.

4. Live a life of daily obedience to God's will.

Observe these rules and your faith will grow. (F.B. MEYER)

Faith cannot grow in the atmosphere of doubt.

Our unbelief ties the hands of His omnipotence.

"All the scholastic scaffolding falls, as a ruined edifice, before one single word - faith!" - Napoleon 1.

N.J. Hiebert - 3851

October 9

"Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before
God?"
(Luke 12:6)

As far as man is concerned, the sparrow is a worthless, useless bird. In New Testament times, two sold for a farthing (half a cent), and five for a cent, (one was thrown in for free). It is neither a singer nor beautiful to look at, yet God remembers the sparrow and even more than that, He cares for each one individually. Not one of them is forgotten before God. Did you ever see a thin sparrow? (LEONARD SHELDRAKE)

He chirps through his little life's daytime -
I'll praise for eternity,
And love, for His marvellous kindness
The God of the sparrow and me.
(L.S.)

N.J. Hiebert - 3852

October 10

"Peace . . . which passeth all understanding."
(Philippians 4:7)

One great evidence of my abiding in Christ is quietness. I have my portion elsewhere, and I go on. . . . No matter what it may be, we bring quietness of spirit into all circumstances while dwelling in God. The soul is not only happy in God for itself, but it will bring the tone of that place out with it.

Does all trouble find your heart so resting on God as your Father, that when it is multiplied, it leaves your spirit at rest, your sleep sweet, lying down sleeping, and rising as if all was peace around you, because you know God is, and disposes of all things? Is He thus between you and your troubles and troublers? And if He is, what can reach you?

The soul in communion with God will live in the spirit of peace. There is nothing more important, to meet the turmoil of the world, than getting into this spirit of peace.

Nothing keeps the soul in such peace as a settled confidence in God. Without this a person will be continually excited, in haste, and full of anxiety. If the peace of God keep your hearts, you will have the triumph of it; nothing can be heard that is distinctive from it and that does not perfectly harmonize with it. (PILGRIM PORTIONS FOR THE DAY OF REST - J.N.D.)

N.J. Hiebert - 3853

October 11

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus."
(Romans 8:1)

I am not what I was, (Ephesians 2:12,13)
I am not what I shall be. (1 John 3:2)
I am not what I should be. (Ephesians 4:1)
I am not what I would be. (Philippians 2:12,13)
But by the grace of God, I am, what I am. (1 Corinthians 15:10)

When I trace the way He's led me
In the many years gone by,
Kept us thru the many trials,
Sent us succour from on high,
Kept us in the sore temptations,
When the tempter's voice was heard,
In my soul I hear Him whisper;
Child of God, Hold fast my word.

When I look into the future,
Think of what I yet may meet,
And of how the subtle tempter,
Spreads his snares to catch my feet.
Then my eyes will turn to Jesus
Seated on the Father's throne,
See Him there my intercessor
Pleading for His feeble one.
(SELECTED)

N.J. Hiebert - 3854

October 12

"He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore His arm brought salvation unto Him."
(Isaiah 59:16)

"The Lord hath made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." (Isaiah 52:10)

Some seek to demonstrate their strength by rolling up their shirt-sleeves and arm wrestling another. Likewise, Isaiah metaphorically uses the arm eleven times to speak of God's delivering strength - Calvary being the greatest display. At Calvary, God's bare arm hung between heaven and earth, took the nails I deserved and brought deliverance to my soul. What strength! (WARREN HENDERSON - CHOICE GLEANINGS)

Jehovah lifted up His rod - O Christ, it fell on Thee!
Thou wast forsaken of Thy God; no distance now for me.

N.J. Hiebert - 3855

October 13

"Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."
(Romans 1:7)

What a change from Judaism! - the free favour of God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and peace to all the beloved of God in Rome. Do our souls enter into this? Instead of law justly requiring perfect obedience from man, now we have perfect peace with God, on the principle of free, unmerited favour. Israel, if faithful, could only have known God as Jehovah; we know Him as Father. (Romans - CHARLES STANLEY -The Evangelist from Sheffield England - 1800)

N.J. Hiebert - 3856

October 14

"Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."
(Acts 20:35)

It seems to me that some people must confuse a grave facial expression with spirituality. Most of us will never look handsome, but there's no reason we can't look happy. The Saviour who puts a new song in our mouths also puts a smile on our lips. The type of Christianity that thrives on stern looks, arched eyebrows, and disapproving glances is not likely to attract young people to Christ - and it isn't going to impress people at all who are at least temporarily happy in their sins.

Man would fain make God a receiver instead of a giver; but this cannot be, for "It is more blessed to give than to receive"; and assuredly God must have the more blessed place. (SELECTED)

N.J. Hiebert - 3857

Oct 7, 2009 at 20:56 o\clock

Gems archived monthly

by: soundwords

My sincerest apologies for the new advertising pop-up ads on this site, which I have used since 2005.

You can read these Bible gems without advertising at http://biblegems.blogspot.com

Don

Oct 6, 2009 at 19:30 o\clock

Gems worth pondering

by: soundwords

October 6

"Put on as the elect of God, kindness."
(Colossians 3:12)

There is a story of an old man who carried a little can of oil with him everywhere he went, and if he passed through a door that squeaked, he poured a little oil on the hinges. If a gate was hard to open, he oiled the latch. And thus he passed through life lubricating all hard places and making it easier for those who came after him.

People called him eccentric, queer, and cranky; but the old man went steadily on refilling his can of oil when it became empty, and oiled the hard places he found.

There are many lives that creak and grate harshly as they live day by day. Nothing goes right with them. They need lubricating with the oil of gladness, gentleness, or thoughtfulness. Have you your own can of oil with you? Be ready with your oil of helpfulness in the early morning to the one nearest you. It may lubricate the whole day for him. The oil of good cheer to the downhearted one - Oh, how much it may mean! The word of courage to the despairing. Speak it.

Our lives touch others but once, perhaps, on the road of life; and then, mayhap, our ways diverge, never to meet again. The oil of kindness has worn the sharp, hard edges off of many a sin-hardened life and left it soft and pliable and ready for the redeeming grace of the Saviour.

A word spoken pleasantly is a large spot of sunshine on a sad heart. Therefore, "Give others the sunshine, tell Jesus the rest." (STREAMS IN THE DESERT)

N.J. Hiebert - 3849

October 7

"For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Hm which died for them, and rose again."
(2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

What are we living for? A weighty question, I need not say; and it is of moment to our souls that we should not shrink from answering it, and that we should answer it in the fear of God. "He died for all, that they which live"; that is, the believers, "should not henceforth live unto themselves . . ." All were dead, believers and unbelievers alike, all were ruined men before God. And the death of Christ is the proof of the condition of every soul naturally; that is, all are lost, all lifeless toward God; that even the Son of God, who is everlasting life, should need to suffer, should find no portion but death in this world, is the proof that there is no life in it. Everything lay so irretrievable in death, that for Him to die is the only door of deliverance out of it. And, "He died for all." (CHRISTIAN TRUTH - DECEMBER 1962 - VOL. 15)

N.J. Hiebert - 3850

Oct 4, 2009 at 21:09 o\clock

Gems worth pondering

by: soundwords

October 3

"For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world . . ."
(2 Timothy 4:10)

The want of a distinct apprehension of the difference between the flesh and the Spirit, keeps people in a very low state.  They may be safe for eternity, and yet may grieve and quench the Spirit.  If you have got salvation but have worldly notions and a worldly walk, you will be incessantly grieving the Spirit, accrediting something in your walk which God wants to strip off.  God cannot accredit Demas's love of present things.  He cannot accredit anything of the flesh in Christians.  If the Spirit of Christ is in me, all that is of myself must be judged.

In a cup of water, how could you displace the water?   By putting something heavier into the cup.  If you have a heart full of lusts and vanities, how are you to give them all up?  By the precious gold of God poured into the vessel - all there will be displaced by it.  (GLEANINGS - G.V. WIGRAM) 

N.J. Hiebert - 3846

October 4

"That it may bring forth more fruit."
(John 15:2)

Two years ago I set out a rosebush in the corner of my garden.  It was to bear yellow roses.  And it was to bear them profusely.  Yet, during these two years, it has not produced a blossom!

I asked the florist from whom I bought the bush why it was so barren of flowers.  I had cultivated it carefully; had watered it often; had made the soil around it as rich as possible.  And it had grown well.

"That's just why," said the florist.  "That kind of rose needs the poorest soil in the garden.  Sandy soil would be best, and never a bit of fertilizer.  Take away the rich soil and put gravelly earth in its place.  Cut the bush back severely.  Then it will bloom."

I did - and the bush blossomed forth in the most gorgeous yellow know to nature.  Then I moralized: that yellow rose is just like many lives.  Hardships develop beauty in the soul; they thrive on troubles; trials bring out all the best in them; ease and comfort and applause only leave them barren.

The finest of flowers bloom in the sandiest of deserts as well as in the hothouses.  God is the same Gardener.
(SPRINGS IN THE VALLEY)

N.J. Hiebert - 3847

October 5

"We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us.  Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error."
(1 John 4:6)

All that I know of the world's path, spirit, affections, and conduct is, that it has crucified my Lord; not in its affections and lusts merely, but by wicked hands it has crucified my Master.  Suppose it were but yesterday that you had seen Pontius Pilate the governor, and the chief priests, and the elders, putting Christ to death, would you feel happy to-day in holding communion with them?  The stain of Christ's blood is as fresh in God's sight as if it had been done but yesterday; the time which has elapsed since them makes no difference in its moral guilt.  (J.N. DARBY)

N.J. Hiebert - 3848

Oct 1, 2009 at 01:39 o\clock

Gems worth pondering

by: soundwords

October 1

"The joy of the Lord is your strength."
(Nehemiah 8:10)

The story is told about a man who was invited to become a Christian by someone with a very unhappy countenance.  The man replied that he had enough worries of his own without becoming involved with the Christian's!  What message do we give to the world around us by our demeanor?  Do they see us as sour, ill- pleased, discontented, pessimistic, depressed sorts?  Or do we reflect the joy that should belong to those who know their sins forgiven, and their heaven secure?  Take a look in the mirror.  What do you see?  May the Lord enable us to show the joy of the Lord in our daily lives, and thereby attract others to Christ. 
(W.H. BURNETT)

N.J. Hiebert - 3844

October 2

"But when he was a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." 
(Luke 15:20)

Compassion is what makes a person feel pain when somebody else hurts.
___________________________________________________________

"But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed of God."
(James 1:25)

Freedom is not the right to do what we want - but the power to do what we ought.
___________________________________________________________

"Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's
friend by hearty counsel."
(Proverbs 27:9)

Everything is nicer when shared with a friend.
___________________________________________________________

N.J. Hiebert - 3845 

Sep 29, 2009 at 23:52 o\clock

Gems worth pondering

by: soundwords

September 27

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
(James 5:16)

An important part of praying is a willingness to become part of the answer.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Let another man man praise thee and not thine own mouth; a stranger and not thine own lips."
(Proverbs 27:2)

You can't push yourself  forward by patting yourself on the back.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things.  Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth!" 
(James 3:5)

The tongue - being a wet spot, is very apt to slip.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(SELECTED)

N.J. Hiebert - 3840

September 28

"Behold the Man!"  (John 19:5)
"Behold your king!"  (John 19:14)

It is a remarkable instance of the sovereignty of God that a pagan Roman governor should be compelled to quote Scripture twice on that sad morning of the crucifixion.  Little did Pilate know, when he called their attention to the lowly Man with the purple robe, and to the King with the thorn crown, that he was quoting from Zechariah 6:12 and 9:9. How true the word of that word of the psalmist, "Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee" (Psalm 76:19).  (JIM FLANIGAN).

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Them anew this song we'll sing:
Hallelujah What a Saviour! 
(PHILIP P. BLISS)

N.J. Hiebert - 3841

September 29

"Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very
bitterly with me . . . Go unto the vessels, and drink . . ."
(Ruth 1:20; 2:9)

Naomi felt that God had stopped the flow of blessing in her life.  But the word bitterly here is expressed in the Hebrew as a "trickle" or a "drop."  Instead of a fountain springing up within her, she was down to a drop-by-drop experience in her life.  But Ruth responded to those drops, meager though they were, and was abundantly blessed, for when she arrived in the land of blessing, she was encouraged to drink deeply.  The Gentile woman in Matthew 15:21-28 asked only for the crumbs.  What blessing is waiting for those who seek after God, even though they know little of Him!  (L. NICHOLSON)

N.J. Hiebert - 3842

September 30

"Let us not love in word, neither in tongue;
but in deed and in truth."
(1 John 3:18)

Every so often when I walk into my office in the morning, I find a surprise on my desk.  Not long ago the item was a sunflower coffee mug dropped off by a fellow employee.  She had seen it in a shop and knew it would cheer up my wife - so she bought it and left it on my desk with an encouraging note.
It was my pleasure to take that gift home to my wife Sue and give it to her in the name of the woman who wanted to encourage her.
This person could have simply thought about my wife.  She could have talked to someone about her in a positive way.  But those things don't come close to providing the encouragement that comes from taking action.
In 1 John 3:18, John talked about what we are to do when we see others in need.  He told us to have active compassion: "Let us not love in word neither, in tongue, but in deed."  When we see a need, it's good to talk about it, but we must also do something about it.  We are instructed: "Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only" (James 1:22).
Ask the Lord to place someone on your heart to help in Jesus' name.  Then take action.  Make a difference today.  Send a card.  Give a gift.  Offer a ride.  Make a call.  Love in deed is love indeed.  (DAVE BRANON)    

Lord, when I learn that someone is hurting,
Help me know what to do and to say;
Speak to my heart and give me compassion,
Let Your great love flow through me today.
(K. DE HAAN)
_____________________________________________________________
Compassion is love in action.
_____________________________________________________________

(Our daily Bread, RBC Ministries, copyright (2007), Grand Rapids, MI.  Reprinted permission.)

N.J. Hiebert - 3843

Sep 24, 2009 at 20:06 o\clock

Gems worth pondering

by: soundwords

September 23

"And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with Him, then he heard the voice of One speaking unto him from off the mercy seat."
 (Numbers 7:89)

In prayer we speak to Him; by His Word He speaks to us; and both are necessary for the maintenance of heart communion with the Lord.  God fades out of the life of the man who ceases to use them.  He may retain a vocabulary; but to living experience of the power and presence of God he will be a stranger, and his heart and life will become a spiritual Sahara (desert).  On the other hand, "How much God has to speak into the stilled and waiting heart - precious secrets that will set the joy-chords vibrating throughout the entire being.  There is nothing selfish in the gladness which throbs at the heart of Jehovah - He longs to pour of its wealth into the hearts of His people; but it is only as they come into utmost union with His plan for their lives that this can be.  How wonderful are those moment of communion."   (HEAVEN'S CURE FOR EARTH'S CARE)

N.J. Hiebert - 3836

September 24

"Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord." 
(1 Thessalonians 4:17)

As the whole mind of Christ, when down here, was set on showing His delight in the Father, so now in heaven it is the whole pleasure of God's mind to show out His delight in the Christ, seated at His own right hand, as the accepted sacrifice.  He wants our hearts to be filled with nothing else, and when occupied with that, no question can come in as to our perfect acceptance.

To meet the Lord in the air -- What a volume in those words!  Nothing can give cheerfulness in the thought of treading a path never trod before, but the Lord Himself being there --- meeting Him there.  (G.V.W. - THY PRECEPTS - V2 - P9 - As submitted by K.W. --- Tasmania)

N.J. Hiebert - 3837

September 25

"Hatred stirreth up strifes: But love covereth all sins."
(Proverbs 10:12)

In 1 Peter 4:8, it is written, ". . . and above all things have fervent charity (love) among yourselves: for charity (love) shall cover the multitude of sins."  It is not, as some have foolishly supposed, that kindliness and benevolence, on the part of one otherwise guilty before God, will atone for his transgressions, thus covering them in the day of judgment.  Other's faults, not my own, I am called upon to cover.  Not by indifference to evil, but by faithfully, in love and grace, showing my brother his sin, and seeking to exercise his conscience in the presence of God, that confession may be made, and thus the sin be covered.  Where love is lacking, it is a common practice to play the part of a talebearer, which only tends to add to the evil; for the repeating of sin is defiling, and often leads to life-long unhappiness and misunderstandings.  (H.A. IRONSIDE - NOTES ON PROVERBS)

N.J. Hiebert - 3838

September 26

"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort (encouragement)." 
(2 Corinthians 1:3)

- Faith is never too bold to please Him.  In the days of His flesh He often  rebuked the reserves and suspicions of little faith, but never the strength and decision of faith that aimed as at everything and would no go without a blessing.

- Would that we knew our God as He is to be known, for His praise and our comfort!  Love delights to be used.  Love is wearied with ceremoniousness. . . .  The intimacy of faith is according to His grace, and ceremony is but a weariness to Him.

- The hand of God can do the business of God, though it have but a sling and a stone, or the jaw bone of a donkey, or lamps and pitchers; and the Spirit of God can do the business of God with souls, though He use but a word, or a look, or a groan.

-The simpler we are, the more like children, who learn their lesson rather than discuss it . . . the more surely shall we find Him, and reach Him, and know Him.

- It is hard to believe that God is doing your business in this world.  It is much easier to us to do Christ's work than to believe He has done ours.  (J.G. BELLETT)

N.J. Hiebert - 3839

Sep 22, 2009 at 14:04 o\clock

Gems worth pondering

by: soundwords

September 17

"Though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day." 
(2 Corinthians 4:16)

The old house is breaking down; with some of us the roof is thatched now with white hair, and we are reminded that day by day we shall soon move out unless Christ Himself returns.   But we are not disheartened, we are not discouraged, for "though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day."  My hope is brighter now than it ever was; my joy in Christ is greater than it has ever been; the world means less to me today than it has ever meant, and the applause of men means less.  But the approval of the Lord means more than it has ever meant.  (EXTRACT)

Heaven is commenced already for the heart that is in the joy of resurrection,
and in association with Christ.

N.J. Hiebert - 3830 

September 18

"Come up in the morning . . . and present thyself unto Me in the top of the mount."
(Exodus 34:2)

The morning is the time fixed for my meeting the Lord.  The very word morning is a cluster of rich  grapes.  Let us crush them, and drink the sacred wine.  In the morning!  Then God means me to be at my best in strength and hope.  I have not to climb in my weakness.  In the night I have buried yesterday's fatigue, and in the morning take a new lease of energy.  Blessed is the day whose morning is sanctified!  Successful is the day whose first victory was won in prayer!  Holy is the day whose dawn finds thee on the top of the mount!  (STREAMS IN THE DESERT)

N.J. Hiebert - 3831 

September 19

"Blessed us with all spiritual blessings . . . in Christ." 
(Ephesians 1:3)

It is easy to be earthly minded, caught up in those things that depress and distress.  Instead of thinking about the mundane, try a different view today.  Think of these spiritual blessings. 

- We have been redeemed by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:19);
- Regenerated by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5); and,
- Reconciled by the Father (2 Corinthians 5:19-21). 

We who were by nature rebels, reprobates, and condemned, are now cleansed, forgiven, and fit for heaven.  Truly we are a blessed people, with much to be thankful for.  Have you blessed Him for how He has blessed you?  (FRANK BURGESS)

N.J. Hiebert - 3832 

September 20

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:3)

- The plan of deliverance was divine,
- The provision of the sacrifice was divine,
- The shedding of the blood was divine,
- The sprinkling of the blood was divine,
- The record as to the result was divine:
- In short it was all divine.

It is not that we should undervalue realization, or, to speak more correctly, communion, through the Holy Spirit, with all the precious results of Christ's work for us.  But then, we are no more saved by realization, than the leper was cleansed by it.  The gospel, by which we are saved, is that "Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:3,4)  There is nothing about realization here.  No doubt, it is happy to realize.  It is a very happy thing for one, who was just on the point of being drowned, to realize himself in a life-boat; but, clearly, he is saved by the boat and not by his realization.

So it is with the sinner that believes on the Lord Jesus Christ.  He is saved by death and resurrection.  Is it because he realizes it?  No, but because God says it.  it is "according to the Scriptures."  Christ died and rose again; and, on that ground, God pronounces him clean.  (C.H. MACINTOSH)

N.J. Hiebert - 3833 

September 21

"He was despised and rejected of men." (Isaiah 53:3)

Jesus of Nazareth was hated by the world - the very people He came to save.  The lowly man of Sorrows was persecuted and treated as an outcast.  His disciples were martyred for His name's sake.  Christians throughout the ages have also been hated and persecuted by the world.  Because of our association with the rejected Christ, we live in a foreign environment.  As ambassadors of Christ we are here to minister the gospel.   We should have no part with the world who crucified our Lord.  When we sense the world's animosity and disdain, we will know that we are walking as He walked  (E. MAC-LELLAND)

N.J. Hiebert - 3834 

September 22

"And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary His mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel." (Luke 2:34)

Do you know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ proves either a savour of life unto life, or of death unto death?  You sometimes hear people say:  "We will go and hear this man preach.  If it does us no good, it will do us no harm."  Don't you  believe it!  Every time one hears the Gospel and rejects it, the hardening process goes on.  The same sun that melts the ice hardens the clay.  The message that would have moved to action a few years ago makes no impression now.

There is not a true minister of the Gospel who will not say that the hardest people to reach are those who have been impressed, and whose impressions have worn away.  It is a good deal easier to commit a sin the second time than it was to commit it the first time, but it is a good deal harder to repent the second time than the first.  (D.L.MOODY)

N.J. Hiebert - 3835

Sep 15, 2009 at 22:59 o\clock

Gems worth pondering

by: soundwords

September 12

"He was moved with compassion." 
(Matthew 9:36)

"The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy."
(James 5:11)

Jesus . . . could say, "I have glorified Thee."  The more evil there was done here, the more the Father was glorified.  Never did irritation enter into Him; no contradiction ever prevented His having the same heart for man and for God.

When we study Christ's life down here, and what His heart and motives were, how shallow we are, . . . and how deep and far beyond our view the sufferings of His soul down here!

A broken heart is suited to a heart-healing God.
Whatever produces a care in us produces God's care for us.

There is much more reality in a living loving care of us than we are aware of.  The Lord takes pains to assure us of His love, to persuade us of His love.
 
 "Ye are of more value than many sparrows." 
(PILGRIM PORTION FOR THE DAY OF REST - J.N.D.)

N.J. Hiebert - 3825 

September 13

"This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13,14)

I shall never forget Dr. R.A. Torrey saying to me as a young preacher, "Young man, make up your mind on one thing and stick to it."  The Christian life should be like a sword with one point, not like a broom ending in many straws.  Such a single purpose forgets the past, reaches toward the future, and presses on.  There is no time or place for side issues, diversions to the right or to the left.  There is no place for hands on the plow with eyes looking back.  Paul was a one-track man, but you can go a long way on one track!  (VANCE HAVNER - ALL THE DAYS)  

N.J. Hiebert - 3826 

September 14

"Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame."
(Hebrews 12:2)

For us the Lord "endured" the cross.  He deliberately and consciously persevered through the anguish of Golgotha.  For us he "despised" the shame.  He thought little of all the cruel beatings, and mockery and judgment that He would bear for our redemption.  What have we endured for Him?  What shame have we received for the name of Christ?  It is shameful how shameless we are.  The joy that motivated the Lord was the knowledge that one day we would be with Him, and this made the cross worth bearing.  What is it that will motivate us today?  (SAJU MATHEW)

N.J. Hiebert - 3827 

September 15

" . . . I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, . . . that I may win Christ." 
(Philippians 3:8)

When Mahoud, the conqueror of India, had taken the city of Gujarat, he proceeded, as was his custom, to destroy the idols.  There was one, fifteen feet high, which its priests and devotees begged him to spare.  He was deaf to their entreaties, and seizing a hammer he struck it one blow when, to his amazement, from the shattered image there rained down at his feet a shower of gems - pearls and diamonds - a treasure of fabulous value, which had been hidden within it! Had he spared the idol, he would have lost all this wealth.  Let us not spare our idols.  It is to our interest to demolish them.  If we shatter them, there will rain about our hearts the very treasures of heaven, the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit; but if we spare our idols, we miss the riches unsearchable.

If you do not crown Him Lord of all, you do not crown Him Lord at all. 
(JOHN MAC NEIL)

N.J. Hiebert - 3828 

September 16

"And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him (Moses) in a flame of fire out of the midst of the bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed."  (Exodus 3:2)

What a sight as the Lord appeared to Moses in the midst of the burning bush!  When you feel the fire of trial and temptation, don't forget that God is in the midst of that fire.  In the heat of your trial, keep trusting, for you will not be overcome by it.  Remember God's faithfulness.  He said,  "I have surely seen the affliction . . . and I am come down to deliver them" (Exodus 3:7-8)  (JAMES COMTE)

Great is Thy faithfulness!  Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided -
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

N.J. Hiebert - 3829

Sep 10, 2009 at 14:34 o\clock

Gems worth pondering

by: soundwords

September 9

"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?  And they said, 'believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved'."
(Acts 16:31)

God does not call upon a sinner to believe in anything that Christ did, but to believe in Christ.  He knows what He did, and accepts the sinner who believes in Him according to His own knowledge of the value of Christ's work, and not according to the knowledge the sinner possesses of it; still it deepens and strengthens the believer in the knowledge of God and His grace, as the soul comprehends how the judgment of God for sin has been borne by the Son of God - how He ended in Himself that to which the judgment attached - and, rising out of the dead, is the One in whom every one believing in Him lives.  (F.G. PATTERSON)

N.J. Hiebert - 3822 

September 10

"A bruised reed shall He not break, and a smoking flax shall He not quench, till He send forth judgment unto victory."
(Matthew 12:20)

A bruised shall He not break: the poorest shepherd boy on our South Indian hills is careful to choose, for the making of his flute, a reed that is straight and fine and quite unbruised.  But our Heavenly Shepherd often takes the broken and the bruised, and of such He makes His flutes.  But life, like His book, is full of parables of tenderness; and one of these has often come into this room of late.  For he whose name means God's Peace has brought his autoharp to play to me, and has first tuned it while I expectantly waited for the music which I knew would follow the tuning. 

Is music to come from our harp?  music of prayer, of praise, of consolation?  The strings are relaxed, or perhaps too tensely stretched.  Illness can cause either condition.  But we have a Tuner. 

Tune Thou my harp;
There is not, Lord, could never be,
The skill in me.

Tune Thou my harp,
That it may play Thy melody,
Thy harmony.

Tune Thou my harp;
The Spirit, breathe Thy thought through me,
As pleases Thee.
(AMY CARMICHAEL - ROSE FROM BRIAR)

N.J. Hiebert - 3823 

September 11

"But thou, O man of God, flee these things and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."
 (1 Timothy 6:11)   

On June 15, 1957, a brand-new car was buried in a concrete vault under the courthouse lawn in Tulsa.  In June 2007, the car was unearthed as the city celebrated Oklahoma's 100th year of statehood.  Writing in the Tulsa World, Randy Krehbiel said: "Now we know what 50 years in a hole does to a Plymouth Belvedere."  Water seeping into the vault had turned the once shiny car into a rusted monument to the past.  A hot-rod expert hired to start the engine pronounced it "hopeless."

Spiritual inactivity corrodes the soul like moisture acting on metal.  Paul urged Timothy, his young protege, to "follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness."  (1 Timothy 6:11)  This command had no expiration date attached to it.  The spiritual disciplines require continued attention throughout our lives.  If rest becomes our goal, then rust is right behind.

Oswald Chambers said:  "The intellect works with the greatest intensity when it works continuously; the more you do, the more you can do.  We must work hard to keep in trim for God.  Clean off the rust and keep bright by use."

Our capabilities may vary with age, but pursuing the righteous life to which God has called us should never end.  Don't rust out!  (DAVID MCCASLAND)

Spiritual inactivity corrodes the soul.

N.J. Hiebert - 3824