Bible Gems

May 4, 2005 at 15:01 o\clock

Gem for Wednesday

by: soundwords

May 4

"God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross."  (Galatians 6:14)
 
Only those things that relate to the cross are worth glorying in because they alone have eternal value.  The message of the cross is Christ and Him crucified.  The cross is the central theme of the Bible and of God's eternal plan.  It reveals the heart of God's infinite love.  The cross exposes the horrible sinfulness and desperate need of man.  The cross explains the only hope of salvation for sinners.  With contrite hearts and unshod feet we tread softly at the foot of the cross and see our Saviour hanging there and worship.  (M. Haack)
 
N.J. Hiebert # 2236

May 3, 2005 at 14:37 o\clock

Gem for Tuesday

by: soundwords

May 3

"And they took Lot . . .and his goods and departed. . . .And when Abram heard . . . he armed his trained servants . . .and pursued them."  (Genesis 14:12,14)
 
The claims of a brother's trouble are answered by the affections of a brother's heart.  This is divine.  Genuine faith, while it always renders us independent, never renders us indifferent; - it will never wrap itself up in its fleece while a brother shivers in the cold.  There are three things which faith does, - it "purifies the heart," it "works by love," and it "overcomes the world;" and all these results of faith are beautifully exhibited in Abram on this occasion.  His heart was purified from Sodom's pollutions; he manifested genuine love to Lot, his brother; and, finally, he was completely victorious over the kings.  Such are the precious fruits of faith, that heavenly, Christ-honouring principle."  (C.H. Mackintosh)
 
N.J. Hiebert # 2235

May 2, 2005 at 15:44 o\clock

Gem for Monday

by: soundwords

May 2

"The ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary . . . Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea . . . be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid."  (Matthew 14:24,25,27) 
 
Which is happier, to be like water in a still place never moved, or to be poured from vessel to vessel, finding it all Christ, and Christ, and Christ?  He chooses the time of trial as a time to give the sweetest taste of His love.  When in a time of difficulty, faith may break down, but Christ will not.  He sees when the storm comes, and makes that the  time to come to us, walking on the waters; and at His word the storm subsides in a moment.  (G.V. Wigram)
 
N.J. Hiebert # 2234

May 1, 2005 at 22:01 o\clock

Gems for the Weekend

by: soundwords

May 1

"And (Jesus) saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them." (Mark 6:48)
 
It is a good thing for our souls to realize that while our Lord is away, we are not to be discouraged by difficulties, not cast down if the wind is contrary and ourselves toiling in vain, yet not in vain.  It is He Who has sent us across that troubled sea; it is He Who meanwhile intercedes for us; and as surely will He come to us; and when He does return, all that is lacking He will supply, all that hinders will be removed, and then will the universe duly, fully exult in its Lord, our Lord and Master, when He shall be exalted from sea to sea and from the river unto the ends of the earth.  (William Kelly)  
 
N.J. Hiebert # 2231
 
"God is our refuge and strength a very present help in time of trouble.  Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.  Selah."  (Psalm 46:1,2)  
 
    Well might he pause (Selah!) at this point.  What more suggestive of stability than the earth we walk upon and the everlasting hills?  What more emblematic of instability than the restless sea?  Yet when the most unstable thing overcomes the most stable, the psalmist has something immovable on which to rest,  "God is our refuge and help." 
    We know God as FATHER.  He numbers the hairs of our heads.  He puts our tears in the bottle of His remembrance.  (A.J.P.) 
 
N.J. Hiebert # 2232
 
"He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love."  (Ephesians 1:4)
 
There is only one thing in which God does not suffice for Himself, and that is, in His love.  His love has need of other beings besides Himself, in order to make them happy.  He desires to have before Him beings in harmony with what He is, and He sets us before Him "Holy and without blame."  (J.N.Darby)
 
N.J. Hiebert # 2233