Gems for the Week
September 8 - 11
"And [God] said, Certainly I will be with thee." (Exodus 3:12)
"If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
When Moses was about to confront the mighty Pharaoh, he had serious doubts about his ability for the task. When he asked the Lord, "Who am I?" to do such a work, God responded, "Certainly I will be with thee." It's still the same today. He promises to be with us when we face all of life's problem situations. We could not ask for more than that because, "If God be for us, who can be against us!" Whatever it is you are facing, He will strengthen you today. He will be with you. (R.J. Steele)
N.J. Hiebert # 3090
"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:
from such turn away." (2 Timothy 3:5)
One of the characteristics of the last days is, that men shall have a "form of godliness, but deny the power thereof." The form suits the worldly heart, because it serves to keep the conscience at ease, while the heart enjoys the world in all its attractiveness. What a delusion! How needful the apostolic admonition, "From such turn away"! Satan's masterpiece is the amalgamation of things apparently Christian with things decidedly unholy. He deceives more effectually by this scheme that any other, and we need more spiritual perception to detect it in consequence. The Lord grant us this, for He knows how much we need it. (C.H. Mackintosh - Life and Times of David - Vol. 6)
N.J. Hiebert # 3091
"Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplicationwith thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6)
With prayers, supplications, and intercessions we always should link thanksgiving. When we come to God in prayer, to supplicate for needed blessings or to intercede on behalf of others, we should not be ungrateful as we think of His dealings with us in the past. You will remember that in 2 Timothy 3:2 unthankfulness is connected with unholiness. Thankfulness and gratitude to God, and holiness of heart and life are linked intimately together. (H.A. Ironside)
N.J. Hiebert # 3092
"The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."
(1 John 1:7)
We are glad to believe that - "from all sin." If all our sins are not blotted out none of them are. If one sin is gone they are all gone. It is only through Christ, and never does Christ do a thing in a half or (stingy) way, as man does. No; it is complete. (William Kelly)
N.J. Hiebert # 3093
