Gems for the Week
June 3 - 6
"Being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself." (Philippians 2:8)
What humbling is this! The Lord of glory lays aside the garments of His radiant majesty, steps down from His high throne, and becomes enrobed in human flesh! That the Sustainer of the galaxies would press the grass on Olivet beneath His weary form and be covered with the morning dew! What humbling for the Subject of angelic praise to become the drunkards' tuneless song! But O what humbling for the Holy One to be made sin and become obedient to the point of death, and that on a cross. (J. Boyd Nicholson)
N.J. Hiebert # 2995
". . . Rest, and be still." (Jeremiah 47:6)
In today's fast-paced society there exists few quiet hillsides. From all directions we are assaulted by noise. In the marketplace, loud music swirls around us; in the streets traffic roars and tires screech. Again and again God must admonish us: stand still, sit still, be still. How else can the Spirit's whisper enter the heart's domain? John Wesley said, "I don't have time to hurry." Mary sat quietly at Jesus' feet and received what her soul craved. Christians become strongest when acquainted with the silence of His presence. (Edna M. Dyck)
N.J. Hiebert # 2996
"For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren." (Hebrews 2:11)
A chorus of groans erupted after the announcement that our flight had been delayed an hour and a half because bad weather in Chicago was allowing only a few planes to land. But a short time later, another announcement caused those same people to cheer. We were told that a medical courier was transporting bone marrow needed for a transplant, and this gave our flight top priority to land in Chicago. In a few minutes we were on our way, "carried along" by the important mission of another person.
As we landed and taxied directly to the gate at O'Hare, one of the world's busiest airports, I thought of Jesus Christ, who through His death and resurrection has made it possible for us to enter the presence of God. By faith in His merit alone, we become identified with Him and partake of all that He secured for us. The writer of Hebrews said that "It became Him (it was fitting for him), . . . in bringing many sons into glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one." (Hebrews 2:10,11)
Each day, let's thank God for the saving work of Jesus Christ, whose love and sacrifice have "carried us along" to God the Father.
(David McCasland)
To enter heaven when we die,
We have no merit on our own;
But if we've put our faith in Christ,
He'll take us to the Father's throne. - Sper
If we could merit our own salvation,
Jesus would not have died to provide it.
Our Daily Bread, RBC Ministries, Copyright (2005), Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted permission.
N.J. Hiebert # 2997
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above . . ." (James 1:17)
God Has Four Gifts for You!
1. The key for every problem.
2. The Light for every shadow.
3. The plan for every tomorrow.
4. The joy for every sorrow.
(Taken from "Gems for the Singing Pilgrims - Part VII - Adyar, Chennai - India)
N.J. Hiebert # 2998
