Gems for the Week
September 12 - 16
"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life." (1 John 1:1)
This gospel begins before creation. Genesis begins with creation, and gives the scene in which all is to be acted; but John gives Him who created. So also in the epistle to the Hebrews: "Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth," "Thou art the same" - we get Christ before the creation, and then in creation. (J.N. Darby - Lectures on the First Epistle of John)
N.J. Hiebert # 3094
"The third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children." (2 Corinthians 12:14)
My Daddy don't talk fancy, when bowed upon his knee,
But one thing that I know for sure, my Daddy prays for me (Unknown)
We've all seen the bumper sticker which reads, "I'm spending my kids inheritance." It may be meant as a jest, yet society's maniacal focus on promoting selfishness is more than a little alarming. In providing for out children, there are many happy personal sacrifices; but the best is to lay up treasure for them in Heaven on bended knees. Did my Father listen to me pray for my children today? He loves for us to talk to Him about our children, as much as He delights to speak to us about His Son. Intimate prayer facilitates both. (Rick Morse)
N.J. Hiebert # 3095
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 14:12)
"I am the good Shepherd." (John 10:14)
"But when He saw the multitude,
He was moved with compassion on them,
because they fainted, and were scattered abroad,
as sheep having no shepherd." (Matthew 9:36)
It was reported a while ago that shepherds in Turkey watched in shock as hundreds of their sheep followed each other over a cliff. It started when one sheep went over the edge, only to be followed by the whole flock. At the end of the episode, more that 400 sheep died in the plunge -- their bodies buffering the fall of 1,100 others that followed.
While we may wonder at the silliness of the sheep, it is also a vivid illustration of our human state. On a daily basis, we are offered joyrides that promise pleasure and adventure, opportunities that seem to realize our ambition for recognition, power, material wealth, intimacy, and even meaning. At every turn, we are led by advertisers to believe that their products or services can satisfy our thirst for excitement and thrill. Unknowingly, we accept invitations for rides which take us on roads that could result in our slow spiritual deaths. Sadly, we are not often aware of the looming danger as we are too preoccupied taking in the new experience and novelty.
Sheep are not exactly the smartest in the animal kingdom. They do, however, have a strong instinct to follow the leader. When one sheep decides to go somewhere, the rest of the flock usually follows, even if the first sheep has no idea what it is doing. The incident in Turkey is a case in point.
Realizing our propensity to follow ways that are dangerous to our souls, how then shall we safeguard ourselves from following the wrong leader? Paul, who recognized how easily the human heart is enticed by the things and the ways of the world, urged, "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2) (Selected )
N.J. Hiebert # 3096
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above."
(James 1:17)
All Christ's gifts are great gifts:
- When He gave Himself, it was a great gift.
- When He gave the Holy Spirit, it was a great gift.
- When He gave us His Word, His Father's Word to us, it was a great gift.
Three Great Gifts.
He gave to His people all that He had received for them.
For these stupendous gifts from heaven,
What grateful honours we should show!
Where much transgression is forgiven,
May love with fervent ardor glow.
(Gibbons)
(Choice Gleanings)
N.J. Hiebert # 3097
"What think ye of Christ?" (Matthew 22:42)
All turns upon - What think ye of Christ? Do you believe on the Son of God? "He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (1 John 5:12) The sinner is obliged to face the person of the Son of God, and it becomes an urgent, all-absorbing, eternal question that must be decided by the soul - Do I prefer Christ to the world? Do I prefer Christ or self? The Lord grant that we may be wise, and know how to find in Christ both the salvation and the power of God. For the same blessed One who gave us life gives us power for every practical difficulty. "This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."(1 John 5:4,5) (William Kelly - Lectures on Matthew)
N.J. Hiebert # 3098
