Gems for the Week
July 20 - 24
"We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip." (Hebrews 2:1)
The higher our privileges, the richer our blessings, the nearer our relationship, the more does it become us, the more solemnly are we bound, to be faithful, and to seek in all things to carry ourselves in such a way as to be well-pleasing to Him who has called us into the very highest and most blessed place that even His perfect love could bestow. The Lord, in His great goodness, grant that we may, in true purpose of heart, ponder these things in His holy presence, and earnestly seek to serve Him with reverence and godly fear. (C.H. Mackintosh - Notes on Deuteronomy)
N.J. Hiebert # 2679
"God requires that which is past." (Ecclesiastes 3:15)
When the Lord judges, He always goes back to the first sin. This is much to be noticed. It is not otherwise when grace works in our souls. Suppose a Christian, for instance, to have been walking practically at a distance from God. To begin merely with what he was doing today or yesterday is not enough; we must go back to the beginning. The Lord will have him to look well and judge, and see what was the root of fruits so evidently bad. Thus even a fall is used by grace as the means of rousing the conscience by the Spirit of God. One is thus made to feel the low point to which one may have come. But the object of God in permitting it is to lead to a retracing of the steps to the first point of departure from Himself. (W. Kelly)
N.J. Hiebert # 2680
"Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds
of a friend." (Proverbs 27:5,6)
A true friend will rebuke you when he thinks it's necessary, but he'll always be sensitive to the fact that his words are going to cause some pain. He'll give you a "faithful" wound, but he'll do everything possible to keep it from becoming a crippling injury.
A shepherd who finds one of his sheep bloated form eating wet young clover must take drastic action to save its life. First he looks for a certain spot on the animal's flank, pierces through it into the ruminating stomach, and immediately inserts a tube into the opening. If he does it carefully, the trapped air will escape and the animal will live. But if the operation isn't done right, the sheep may sustain permanent physical damage.
So, too, when we criticize a friend, we must be very gentle and tactful. This means we must speak with humility and compassion. We should ask God to help us experience as much pain in giving the criticism as our friend will feel in receiving it. Beware of saying, "I'm telling you this for your own good." Such words reflect a haughty and insensitive spirit.
A "faithful" wound will be aimed at uplifting the person, never in crushing his spirit. I like what an older man wrote to a younger man at the close of a letter in which he had given some constructive criticism. He said, "Please remember that I would not criticize you if I did not think you were worth it."
To be a true friend to someone, you must show your love by sometimes giving a rebuke. But be sure you inflict a faithful wound - not a crippling injury! (H.V.L.)
When you feel disposed to criticize a friend,
Just remember, the beginning's not the end;
These three questions bring to mind:
Is it true? Is it needful? Is it kind?
(Robinson)
Treat others' faults as graciously as you would your own.
(Our Daily Bread RBC Ministries, Copyright 1979, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted permission)
N.J. Hiebert # 2681
"The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin."
(1 John 1:7)
You may pile up your sins till they rise like a dark mountain, and then multiply them by ten thousand for those you cannot think of: and after you have tried to enumerate all the sins you have ever committed, just let me bring this one verse in, and that mountain will melt away. (D.L. Moody)
N.J. Hiebert # 2682
"They that dwell under His shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn and grow as the vine." (Hosea 14:7)
The day closed with heavy showers. The plants in my garden were beaten down before the pelting storm, and I saw one flower that I had admired for its beauty and loved for its fragrance exposed to the pitiless storm. The flower fell, shut up its petals, dropped its head; and I saw that all its glory was gone. "I must wait till next year," I said, "before I see that beautiful thing again."
That night passed, and morning came; the sun shone again, and the morning brought strength to the flower. The light looked at it, and the flower looked at the light. There was contact and communion, and power passed into the flower. It held up its head, opened its petals, regained its glory, and seemed fairer than before. I wonder how it took place - this feeble thing coming into contact with the strong thing, and gaining strength!
I cannot tell how it is that I should be able to receive into my being a power to do and to bear by communion with God, but I know it is a fact.
Are you in peril through some crushing, heavy trial? Seek this communion with Christ, and you will receive strength and be able to conquer. "I will strengthen thee."
The rain fell a-yesterday is ruby on the roses,
Silver on the poplar leaf, and gold on willow stem;
The grief that chanced a-yesterday is silence that incloses
Holy loves when time and change shall never trouble them.
The rain that fell a-yesterday makes all the hillsides glisten,
Coral on the laurel and beryl on the grass;
The grief that chanced a-yesterday has taught the soul to listen
For whispers of eternity in all the winds that pass.
O faint-of-heart, storm-beaten, this rain will gleam tomorrow,
Flame within the columbine and jewels on the thorn,
Heaven in the forget-me-not; though sorrow now be sorrow,
Yet sorrow shall be beauty in the magic of the morn
(Katherine Lee Bates)
N.J. Hiebert # 2683
