Gems for the Week
June 15
"For whom He did foreknow He also did predestinate to be conformed
to the image of His Son . . ." (Romans 8:29)
- Only melted gold is minted.
- Only moistened clay is molded.
- Only softened wax receives the die.
- Only broken hearts can take and keep the impress of heaven.
If that is your condition, wait beneath the pressure of the Holy Spirit. He shall leave the image of Christ upon you. (Selected)
N.J. Hiebert # 3371
June 16
"My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord,
nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him." (Hebrews 12:5)
The famous oriental philosopher, Lokman, while a slave, being presented by his master with a bitter melon, immediately ate it all. "How was it possible," said his master, "for you to eat so nauseous a fruit?" Lokman replied, "I have received so many favours from you, it is no wonder I should, for once in my life, eat a bitter melon from your hand." The generous answer of the slave struck the master so forcibly, that he immediately gave him his liberty. Unlike Lokman's master, however, our God never chastens arbitrarily or unnecessarily. He always chastens for our profit, "For they verily for a few days chastened us (as they thought best); but He for our profit, that that we might be partakers of His holiness." (Hebrews 12:10); and the recognition of that grand fact will act as a mighty deterrent in the soul that is in danger of "despising the chastening of the Lord"
. (George Henderson - The Pearl of Psalms)
N.J. Hiebert # 3372
