Gems for the Week
November 15 - 17
"Thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, . . ." (Deuteronomy 28:14)
"Observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant
commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to
the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever
thou goest." (Joshua 1:7)
"Right" and "left" are words that have come into common usage to describe politicians and governments in this day of ideological conflicts. Those who lean to the right are those who favor the rights of the individual, while those who go to the left are those who favor state socialism. . . .
Christians may also become extremists in their thinking and practice. They may turn to the right hand or to the left from that pathway which God has marked out in His Word. Now God does not want us to become "rightists" or "leftists," for neither is according to His mind. He knew the tendencies of the human heart and warned Israel four times in Deuteronomy and twice in Joshua, not to turn to the right hand or to the left from all that was enjoined.
It is needful that we should take heed to all the Word of God if we are to be in the ordered path. What heresies! what divisions! have come into the Church on earth through stressing one-sided truth. When part of the truth is emphasized at the expense of the rest, it can become positive error.
The Lord Jesus said to the Father, "Sanctify them through Thy truth [not just a part of it]: Thy word is truth." (John 17:17)
May the spirit of our hearts be, Lord, "show me now Thy way," and, Lord, "where wilt Thou?" Then we shall be neither "rightists" nor "leftists." (Paul Wilson)
N.J. Hiebert # 3158
"That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement
of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in Whom
are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
(Colossians 2:2,3)
Faith takes God's Word and locks it up in the very innermost chamber of the heart, and there it remains as hid treasure. The happy possessor of this treasure is rendered thoroughly independent of the world. (Extract)
N.J. Hiebert # 3159
"Let the words of my mouth . . . be acceptable." (Psalm 19:14)
God is in the business of speaking to the world. Is God able to speak through me? In telecommunications, there may be some sort of blockage or possible interruption, and so the message cannot get through. Likewise, in divine things, if there is sin in the life, the message of Christ does not get through. Our psalm presents two tests to avoid this situation. First of all, is my mouth matching my heart? That's courage. And two, is my life matching my mouth? That's consistency. If I am able to pass these two tests, then I will be used by God fully and effectively as He speaks through me. (Craig Funston)
N.J. Hiebert # 3160
