Gems for the Week
December 20 - 21
"Be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you." (2 Corinthians 13:11)
In our divided times, wherein there is so much difference of judgment, had there been less wrangling among ourselves and more wrestling with God, we had been in a fairer way to find the door of truth, which so many are yet groping for. The way of controversy is dusty, and contentious disputes raiseth this dust, and blows it most into their eyes that gallop fastest in it, so that they miss the truth, which humble souls find upon their knees at the throne of grace. . . . Sinning times have ever been the saint's praying times: this sent Ezra with a heavy heart to confess the sin of his people (Ezra 9). And Jeremiah tells the wicked of his degenerate age that his "soul should weep in secret places for their pride." (Jeremiah 13:17) (William Gurnall - The Christian in Complete Armour - 1665)
N.J. Hiebert # 3193
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
The poet, Cowper, was subject to fits of depression. One day he ordered a cab, and told the driver to take him to London Bridge. Soon a dense fog settled down upon the city. The cabby wandered about for two hours, and then admitted he was lost. Cowper asked him if he thought he could find the way home. The cabby thought that he could, and in another hour landed him at his door. When Cowper asked what the fare would be the driver felt that he should not take anything since he had not gotten his fare to his destination. Cowper insisted, saying, "Never mind that, you have saved my life. I was on my way to throw myself off London Bridge." He then went into the house and wrote:
"God moves in a mysterious way
His Wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps on the sea,
And rides upon the storm."
(TAKEN FROM "SPRINGS IN THE VALLEY)
N.J. Hiebert # 3194
