Bible Gems for the Week
May 4 - 8
"For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us,
so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ." (2 Corinthians 1:5)
In the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) we have the FIGURES (or types) of the sufferings of Christ.
In the Psalms we have the FEELINGS of the sufferings of Christ.
In the prophets we have the FORECASTS of the sufferings of Christ.
In the gospels we have the FACTS of the sufferings of Christ.
In the epistles we have the FRUITS of the sufferings of Christ.
(Christian Truth -Vol. 20 - October 1967)
N.J. Hiebert # 2602
"Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures."
(1 Corinthians 15:3)
The truly devoted heart sees the dark shadow of the cross looming over all the glitter and glare, the pomp and fashion of this world. Why are we so slow to urge upon one another the separating power of the cross of Christ?
If my heart loves Jesus, I shall not seek a place, a portion, or a name where He found only a malefactor's cross. (Selected)
N.J. Hiebert # 2603
"The tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil,
full of deadly poison." (James 3:8)
Keep a watch on your words, dear Christian, for words are wonderful things;
They are sweet, like bees' fresh honey - Like bees they have terrible stings!
They can bless like the warm, glad sunshine, and brighten a lonely life;
They can cut in the strife of anger, Like an open two-edged knife.
Let them pass through the lips unchallenged if their errand is true and kind -
If they come to support the weary, To comfort and help the blind;
If a bitter, revengeful spirit prompt the words, let them be unsaid;
They may flash through a brain like lightning or fall on the heart like lead.
Keep them back if they are cold and cruel, under bar and lock and seal;
The wounds they make, dear Christian, are always slow to heal.
God guard your lips, and ever, from the time of your early youth,
May the words that you daily utter be the words of beautiful truth.
(R. Cecil)
N.J. Hiebert # 2604
"One thing have I desired . . .
to behold the beauty of the Lord,
and to enquire in His temple." (Psalm 27:4)
Jesus! Thou art enough
The heart and mind to fill;
Thy patient life - to calm the soul,
Thy love - its fear dispel.
O fix our earnest gaze
So wholly, Lord, on Thee,
That, with Thy beauty occupied,
We elsewhere none may see.
- The perfection of the Christian life is to lose sight of oneself completely and to make everything of Christ.
- The sign of a good state of soul is enjoyment of the presence of Christ. Everything that takes your eye off Christ is a snare of the devil. (Edward Dennett)
N.J. Hiebert # 2605
"Then Jesus, beholding him,
loved him, and said unto him,
One thing thou lackest." (Mark 10:21)
I heard a minister make a startling statement. He said that a servant of God should be as diligent in preparing his heart for a counseling interview with one person as he would be in preparing to preach to a great multitude. He pointed out that Jesus devoted much time to individuals when He was here on this earth. The Master was never too busy to show loving concern, whether it was to a prominent Jewish teacher like Nicodemus (John 3) or to a despised Samaritan woman (John 4). He took time to minister to their specific needs. How different from the majority of "successful" people in the world today! Men and women are so accustomed to thinking in terms of large numbers that the welfare of individuals is of little concern to them.
The American writer and reformer Julia Ward Howe told of her experience with this type of person. On one occasion she asked Senator Charles Summer if she could introduce him to an actor named Edwin Booth. Mr. Summer refused, saying, "I've outlived my interest in individuals." As the author recalled this incident, she remarked, "Fortunately, God Almighty has not gotten that far."
One of the greatest sources of joy for believers is the realization that the Maker and Sustainer of the universe takes a personal interest in each of His children. As a loving Father, He hears us when we pray. And His Son, the Lord Jesus, is interceding for us in Heaven. His heart goes out in love to us just as it did to that rich young ruler long ago. Let's follow Christ's example by always showing concern for the individual. (H.V.L.)
Lead me to some soul today, O teach me, Lord, just what to say;
Melt my heart and fill my life, Give me one soul today.
(Houghton)
He who is too big to help the individual is too small to serve the multitude.
Our Daily Bread, RBC Ministries, Copyright 1980, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted permission
N.J. Hiebert # 2606
