Gems from the Weekend
July 23 - 26
"The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14)
There is nothing so unreasonable in the world as the walk set before us in the Word - nothing which so exposes us to the hatred of its prince. If then God be not with us, there is nothing so foolish, so mad; if He be with us, noting so wise. If we have not the strength of His presence, we dare not take heed to His Word; and, in that case, we must beware of going out to war. But having the courage, which the almighty power of God inspired by His promise, we may lay hold of the good and precious Word of our God; its severest precepts are only wisdom to detect the flesh, and instruction how to mortify it, so that it may neither blind not shackle us.
The most difficult path, that which leads to the sharpest conflict, is but the road to victory and repose, causing us to increase in the knowledge of God. It is the road in which we are in communion with God, with Him who is the source of all joy; it is the earnest and the foretaste of eternal and infinite happiness. (Christian Truth)
N.J. Hiebert # 2318
"By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:35)
If we love God and keep His commandments, we will manifest a Christlike love for everyone in the family of God. Our care and concern for one another will convince the world that we are Christ's disciples, and that what we preach really works.
The story is told that Benjamin Franklin made an unusual discovery one day. He found that if plaster is scattered over a field, crops grow faster. Immediately he shared this knowledge with his neighbours. But they didn't believe him. So when planting time came, Franklin went out to sow his grain. Close to a path where his neighbours walked daily, he traced some big letters in the prepared soil and put plaster into them. Then he sowed the entire field including that area. After a week or two the seed began to spring up. His friends were surprised as they passed by to see in greener and taller sprouts the words, THIS HAS BEEN PLASTERED. Franklin had made his point, and from then on he didn't have to argue with his neighbours about the value of plaster for his crops. As the season progressed, those specially treated letters became higher than all the rest of the grain.
If we love one another and a Christlike spirit is evident in all our relationships, our lives will proclaim a message that will come through loud and clear. May the love of God which is shed abroad in our hearts by His Holy Spirit become obvious to all because it is expressed in practical ways.
As the world looks on, does it see love in our lives as proof that we are indeed Christ's disciples? (P.R.V.)
By this the watching world shall know
That we serve God above:
His Spirit dwells within our hearts
And fills us with His love. (D.J.D.)
LET YOUR LOVE AS WELL AS YOUR LIPS SPEAK FOR CHRIST
Our Daily Bread, RBC Ministries, Copyright 1979, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted permission
N.J. Hiebert # 2319
"Come unto ME, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
I think oft-times as the night draws nigh Of an old house on the hill,
Of a yard all wide and blossom-starred Where the children played at will.
And when the night at last came down, Hushing the merry din,
Mother would look around and ask, "ARE ALL THE CHILDREN IN?"
'Tis many and many a year since then, And the old house on the hill
No longer echoes to childish feet, And the yard is still, so still.
But I see it all as the shadows creep, And though many the years have been
Since then, I can hear my mother ask, "ARE ALL THE CHILDREN IN?"
I wonder if when the shadows fall On the last short, earthly day,
When we say good-by to the world outside, All tired with our childish play,
When we step out into that Other Land, Where mother so long has been,
Will we hear her ask, just as of old, "ARE ALL THE CHILDREN IN?"
(R. TERSTEEGEN)
(Provided by the late Richard K. Gorgas - October 29, 2003)
N.J. Hiebert # 2320
"The song of songs which is Solomon's. Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth."
(Song of Songs 1:1-2)
Why call this precious little book "The Song of Songs"? Although Solomon's, this is also Christ's, Who will in due time be King in Jerusalem in true Solomon glory. On the same principle He is called "King of kings, and Lord of Lords." (Revelation 19:16) Pre-eminence in all things is His. Solomon wrote many songs but this one he styled "The Song of Songs" because it far surpassed them all. It is the deep melody of hearts filled with holy love, and finding their supreme delights in its full and free _expression. "We love Him, because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19). Oh! to be able at all times to sing the song of the Saviour's love with both the heart and the understanding also.
What pure and impassioned affection breathes in this remarkable address. It is like the artless, yet ardent kindling of affection when husband and wife meet after a long absence. So engrossed is the heart with its object, that forms, ceremonies, and all surrounding circumstances are entirely lost sight of. The happy consciousness of the place which she has in His heart carries her away. How few there are in this world that one could so informally and affectionately address: and yet this is the language of a saved sinner to the holy Saviour. (A. Miller)
N.J. Hiebert # 2321
