Gems for the Week
August 25 - 27
"And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have FAITH in God. . . . What things soever ye desire, when ye PRAY, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, FORGIVE, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your
trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father
which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."
(Mark 11:22-26)
1) Faith - the "faith in God," that is, faith that takes its character and strength from God as its object - faith that brings God into the difficulty. There is a mountain to be removed. God only can lift a mountain up and throw it into the sea. But He is greater than the mountain; and if you can bring Him into the matter, the mountain must go.
2) Prayer is our proper attitude - what expresses our dependence on God - but the prayer of faith only is effectual.
3) There is a condition; that is, this prayer of faith is conditional on a certain state in us, and that is the spirit of forgiveness. (A.H. Rule)
N.J. Hiebert # 3076
"For me to live is Christ." (Philippians 1:21)
Christian, see carefully to it, that your are not only saved by Christ, but also living on Him. Make Him the daily portion of your soul. Seek Him "early," seek Him "only." When anything solicits your attention, ask the question, "Will this bring Christ to my heart? Will it unfold Him to my affections, or draw me near to His Person?" If not, reject it at once. (Christian Truth - Vol. 21 - October 1968)
N.J. Hiebert # 3077
"Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good
word maketh it glad." (Proverbs 12:25)
"The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall
be watered also himself." (Proverbs 11:25)
Pain's dreary vigils keep with me
When jest and mirth are flown;
In silence let me weep with thee
When thou dost grieve alone;
Thy darker moments share with me
When pleasure fails thy need;
The burden let me bear with thee
And crown me friend indeed.
(Submitted by a reader of the "Gems" - Christian Daily - August 7, 2007)
N.J. Hiebert # 3078
