Gems for the Week
November 6 - 10
"O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have
spoken: ought not Christ to have suffered these things,
and to enter into His glory?" (Luke 24:25,26)
"O fools, and slow of heart to believe." What? "ALL that the prophets have spoken." Oh, how that should bind round your heart and mine every jot and syllable of God's Word! (J.G. Bellett)
N.J. Hiebert # 2788
"And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost." (1 Thessalonians 1:6)
They (Thessalonians) received the Word in much affliction and yet in joy. This sounds paradoxical, and indeed it is; but the Christian may be sorrowful yet always rejoicing. The affliction to which the apostle refers may have been twofold. There was of course deep contrition as they recognized their sinfulness and mourned over their years of ungodliness and idolatry. Then, too, they knew that to decide for Christ would mean, in many instances, separation from loved ones, grievous misunderstandings, and even bitter persecution. But they were prepared for all this. They counted the cost and considered that Christ would mean far more to them than temporal comfort or worldly prosperity, and so they joyfully received the message which told them of sins forgiven and the hope of heaven. (H.A. Ironside)
N.J. Hiebert # 2789
"I (Jesus) go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am there ye may be also." (John 14:2,3)
Sometime some ordinary day will come,
A busy day like this - filled to the brim
With ordinary tasks - perhaps so full
That we have little thought or care for Him.
And there will be no hint from silent skies,
No sign, no clash of cymbals, roll of drums;
And yet that ordinary day will be
The very day in which our Lord will come.
N.J. Hiebert # 2790
"While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may
be the children of light." (John 12:36)
It is said of a blind man that, when asked why he always carried a lantern at night, he replied that, being himself unable to see, the light was not to preserve his own feet but to prevent others from stumbling over him. May the Lord keep us walking as "children of Light"; then only will our feet be kept from stumbling and we shall be no occasion of stumbling to others. (Things to Think About)
N.J. Hiebert # 2791
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." (1 Timothy 1:15)
'Tis a true and faithful saying,
Jesus died for sinful men;
Though we've told the story often,
We must tell it yet again;
He has made a full atonement;
Now His saving work is done;
He has glorified the Father,
Who accepts us in His Son.
N.J. Hiebert # 2792
