Gems for the Week
February 13 - 17
"That ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you." (1 Thessalonians 4:11)
Three of the hardest lessons in life are found in this verse. First, don't talk too much. "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin, but he that refraineth his lips is wise." Second, mind your own business. Remember to clean your own house before you tell someone else theirs is dirty. Third, work to provide for your own needs and the needs of your household. Today, as we fill out our "things to do list," let's place these three near the top. (Frank Burgess)
N.J. Hiebert # 2522
"God created . . . every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew." (Genesis 2:3,5)
Examine a flower. Marvel at its beauty and aroma. The best artisan cannot duplicate its excellent qualities. And small wonder! For all plants and flowers were created by the Divine hand before they ever touched earth. Indeed, God worked on their creation (Genesis 1:3), then He planted a garden where they grew. All that the best of earth's gardeners can do is simply replicate and perpetuate the beauty and value that originated directly from the Creator. (Doug Kazen)
N.J. Hiebert # 2523
"There was no water . . . and the people chode with Moses . . . It is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink." (Numbers 20:2-5)
It is deeply touching to find Moses, again and again, on his face before God. It was a sweet relief to make his escape from a tumultuous host and betake himself to the only One whose resources were adequate to meet such an occasion. "They fell upon their faces; and the glory of the Lord appeared unto them." They (Moses & Aaron) do not appear,on this occasion, to have attempted any reply to the people; "They went from the presence of the assembly" and cast themselves upon the living God. They could not possibly have done better.
Who but the God of all grace could meet the ten thousand necessities of wilderness life? Well had Moses said, at the very beginning, "If Thy presence go not with us, carry us not up hence." Assuredly, he was right and wise in so expressing himself. The divine presence was the only answer to the demand of such a congregation; but that presence was an all-sufficient answer. God's treasury is absolutely inexhaustible. He can never fail a trusting heart.
God delights to be used; He never grows weary of ministering to the need of His people. If this were ever kept in the remembrance of the thoughts of our hearts, we should hear less of the accents of impatience and discontent, and more of the sweet language of thankfulness and praise; but desert life tests every one. It proves what is in us, and, thanks be to God, it brings out what is in Him for us. (C.H. Mackintosh)
N.J. Hiebert # 2524
