Gems from February 7-9, 2005
February 7
"Gather of it (manna) every man according to his eating." (Exodus 16:16)
The appetite governed the amount collected. How strikingly true this is of the believer! We all have as much of Christ as we desire - no more, and no less. If our desires are large, if we open our mouth wide, He will fill it.... On the other hand, if we are but feebly conscious of our need, a little only of Christ will be supplied. (J.N. Darby)
N.J. Hiebert # 2153
February 8
"In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6)
The presence of God settles everything even in every-day life.... We have cares; take them to God, and how they are changed in a moment.... You never come out of God's presence as you go in. You see things in their true character. (E.P.C.)
N.J. Hiebert # 2154
February 9
"...let my brother Ammon go with us. And the king (David) said unto him, Why should he go with thee? But Absalom pressed him, that he let Ammon and all the sons go with him. Now Absalom had commanded... smite Ammon; then kill him... David mourned... Absalom fled... the soul of king David longed to go forth unto Absalom... bring the young man Absalom again.... Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel... David said... let us flee for we shall not else escape from Absalom." (2 Samuel 14,15)
David's inordinate tenderness only paved the way for Absalom's open rebellion. Terrible warning! Deal tenderly with evil, and it will assuredly rise to a head, and crush you in the end. On the other hand, meet evil with a face of flint, and your victory is sure. Sport not with the serpent, but at once crush it beneath your foot. Plain, unflinching decision is, after all, the safest and happiest path. It may be trying at first, but the end is peaceful. (C.H.Mackintosh)
N.J. Hiebert # 2155
