Gems for the Week
June 1
"For we are labourers together with God." (1 Corinthians 3:9)
May the Lord stir up the hearts of His own to excel more and more in this work of faith and labour of love.
Shepherding and feeding the flock of God may be a service little desired or thought of, but the Lord's words to Peter are, "Feed My lambs, " "Shepherd My sheep," "Feed My sheep" (John 21:15,17) Comforting the sorrowing and tried, encouraging the weak, and bearing the burdens of the afflicted; searching out the straying, gathering the scattered; instructing those who oppose themselves; speaking a word in season to the weary, and to those out of the way; visiting the sick; helping out all, and exhorting one another - these are indeed services of love to the Lord. What a wide field of labour for Him all this is!
The promise to such labourers is "a crown of glory that fadeth not away," to be given them at the appearing of "the chief Shepherd." May we earnestly covet this pastoral gift; let us encourage all who are engaged in this service, because the flock of God is very dear to Christ (1 Peter 5:4). A cup of cold water may not seem to be of much account, but the Lord says, "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward." (Matthew 10:42) "For who hath despised the day of small things?" (Zechariah 4:10) (W.E.Sibthorpe)
N.J. Hiebert # 3357
June 2
"One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in His temple." (Psalm 27:4)
As we come together to worship, what is the focus of our attention? Do we meditate upon the beautiful character and person of our Saviour? He never sinned and never had to ask forgiveness for His words or actions. His words were full of grace and truth. His life was a life fragrant with love for all. His loving hands healed the sick. His loving lips spoke words of forgiveness to the broken sinner. His agonizing death for sinners proclaimed the amazing love of God. He is a beautiful Saviour! Behold the beauty of the Lord! (Donald Norbie)
N.J. Hiebert # 3358
June 3
"Born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible."
(1 Peter 1:23)
God has not only adopted us, but we are His by birth: We have been born into His kingdom. My boy was as much mine when he was a day old as now that he is fourteen. He was my son: although it did not appear what he would be when he attained manhood. He is mine; although he may have to undergo probation under "tutors and governors (guardians & trustees)." (Galatians 4:2). The children of God are not perfect; but we are perfectly His children. (D.L. Moody - Daily Gems)
N.J. Hiebert # 3359
