Gems for the Week
September 27 - 30
"Submit yourself therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will
flee from you." (James 4:7)
- We never enter upon any service rightly unless we expect to encounter the opposition of Satan.
- The preacher has to learn that liberty is not power. The temptation is to rest satisfied in speaking with ease and freedom. Whenever this is the case it is Satan's opportunity, and thus we ought to be on our guard.
- There is nothing like boldness in the face of the adversary - "Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
- Satan cannot touch the obedient believer. As long as he is kept in dependence and obedience all Satan's assaults are foiled.
- It is easier to keep the enemy out than it is to expel him after he has effected an entrance. (Edward Dennett)
N.J. Hiebert # 2748
"Take heed how ye hear: for whosoever hath,
to him shall be given." Luke 8:18)
If on hearing, I possess that which I hear . . . then it becomes a part of the substance of my soul, and I shall get more, for when the truth has become a substance in my soul, there is a capacity for receiving more. (J.N. Darby)
N.J. Hiebert # 2749
"He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not
His mouth . . . As a sheep before her shearers is dumb,
so He openeth not His mouth." (Isaiah 53:7)
The Lord Jesus was uncomplaining in the acceptance of unjust suffering. Had He protested, it would have been to deny the vountariness of His offering of Himself. He was dumb even though, being innocent, He was charged as one who was guilty. Had Jesus uttered a word of sorrow or protest or anger or threat of reprisal, the whole work of atonement would have been in jeopardy. Never was silence so eloquent! (Adam Ferguson)
N.J. Hiebert # 2750
"The fulness of the blessing of Christ." (Romans 15:29)
Being alone with Jesus is the sinner's first position, it is the beginning of his joy, and no one has a right to meddle with it. . . . Sin casts us upon God alone. . . . We must not surrender to any the right of God to talk with us alone about our sins. (J.G. Bellett)
N.J. Hiebert # 2751
