Gems for the Week
September 15
"For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
When the people of God are feeding upon Christ, they are getting a sword for the enemy. God can use even feeble and partial apprehensions of Christ as a most effective weapon. The lad had but five barley loaves of bread, yet these were enough in the Lord's hand to feed the multitude. So it is ever. Will we not learn the simple lesson? Weakness, helplessness, nothingness - in Christ's hands will win the day against all the power of the world. The Lord grant that we may know more of this practically, for the sake of Christ our Lord, and the help of His church. (Ridout)
N.J. Hiebert # 3463
September 16
"I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)
One time a Christian man was walking with John Wesley. Rehearsing his many troubles, he said he did not know what to do. They approached a stone fence, over which a cow was looking.
"Why is that cow looking over the wall?" Wesley asked.
"I don't know," replied the man.
"I'll tell you," said Wesley: "because she can't look through it. That is what you must do with your troubles - look over them."
In Christ we can look over our troubles. We cannot see through many of the things we are called upon to bear in life; but trusting the Lord, we can look over them, for has He not proven his infinite love and care for us! (Selected)
N.J. Hiebert # 3464
September 17
"Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord."
(Exodus 14:13)
"Sit still . . . until thou know how the matter will fall."
(Ruth 3:18)
"Be still, and know that I am God."
(Psalm 46:10)
How difficult, yet how essential it is, to be still. How we tend to be impatient, to be restless, and to be always hurrying. But whether for salvation, for guidance, or for comfort, we must learn to be still and wait for Him who, in His own time, will graciously come to our aid and meet our need. (Jim Flanigan)
Be still, my soul - the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide,
In every change He faithful will remain.
(Katherina von Schlegel)
N.J. Hiebert # 3465
September 18
"For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven . . . and the dead in Christ shall
rise first: then we which are alive . . . shall be caught up together with
them . . . to meet the Lord in the air." (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17)
Many years ago there was a beautiful custom in Sicily. When fishermen went to sea, their wives, children and sweethearts accompanied them to the shore. As they embarked, all raised their voices in a hymn of supplication to God for His protection. This was followed by a hymn of praise. Those in the receding boats and those on shore blended their voices in an antiphony of trust and devotion until the voices of the fishermen faded away.
As we say goodbye to our loved ones who have died in the Lord, we are comforted in knowing that the separation is only temporary. When we awaken with the likeness of Christ in glory we'll see them again and be forever with the Lord. (Selected)
N.J. Hiebert # 3466
