Gems for the Week
May 19 - 22
"Hold that fast which thou hast." (Revelation 3:11)
In a day when vague questions and still more uncertain answers abound, it is often asked, what is to be held fast? and I quite admit that one must have a treasure of some kind before being able to hold it fast.
Let us endeaour to get a clear and distinct answer to the question as to what our Lord alludes when He says: "Hold that fast which thou hast." What is it?
It is the power and joy of His own blessed presence and approval. It is not merely a correct form of doctrine, though this will go with it; it is more than this, for the Lord's words to the remnant, that has little strength, denote intimacy and the knowledge of Himself in the hearts of those to whom He is speaking. (Edward Lawrence Bevir)
N.J. Hiebert # 2617
"O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they
would consider their latter end!" (Deuteronomy 32:29)
In the life of a man of purpose, everything takes its coloring from the end to be attained. And if this is so in the natural life, so surely should it be in the exercise of the divine life. Hope - that is, something beyond - is the spring of human life from the cradle to the grave, even when a man's view is limited to this world. True hope has to do with God and His purpose. (H.C.A.)
N.J. Hiebert # 2618
"We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18)
We are not to be occupied with present things that we see, but we should seek to be occupied with the things that are not seen, for they are, after all, the real things, the eternal things. The things that no human eye has seen are the things that are lasting. When everything that the eye looks upon will have vanished, we shall have Christ, we shall have Heaven, we shall have the Holy Spirit, we shall have the love of the Father, we shall have communion with the people of God for all eternity, when earth's vain shadows have passed away. (H.A. Ironside)
N.J. Hiebert # 2619
"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5)
I do not ask that I may steer My bark by peaceful shores alone,
Nor that I linger, harbor-bound, And sail no stormy seas unknown;
I only ask this boon of Thee: Be ever in the ship with me.
I do not ask that I may dwell From din of battle far removed,
Nor ever feel temptation's force, Nor ever know mine armor proved;
I only ask, through Life's long fight, Grant me the power of Thy might.
I do not ask, that I may walk
Only on smoothly trodden grass,
Nor ever climb the mountain's height
And trembling, through its dangers pass;
I only ask, on rocks or sand,
The sure upholding of Thy hand.
I dare not pray for any gift Upon my pilgrim path to Heaven;
I only ask one thing of Thee: Give Thou Thyself and all is given.
I am not strong not brave nor wise; Be Thou with me - it shall suffice.
(Annie Johnson Flint)
N.J. Hiebert # 2620
