Gems worth pondering
April 19
"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."
(2 Corinthians 11:3)
Yes, the life of faith is profound. But placing full dependence upon God to act upon His Word can be very simple. Beyond all that comes legitimately to our attention in this hurried world, let us keep our lives simple. We are relying on the Lord to be faithful to what He has promised, are we not? Simple faith confounds all the cynicism of an unbelieving world. As C. H. Spurgeon said, "By faith we are already in the 'heavenly places', are we not?" As we wait on the Lord, let us be simply CONTENT. (Mark Fenn)
N.J. Hiebert # 3679
April 20
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for ALL saints; and for me that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
(Ephesians 6:18-20)
The most faithful and advanced Christians feel their dependence upon God, and on all saints. The apostolic gift of Paul depended in one sense on the prayers of the saints: God intended it to be so, in order that the church might be united in its affections; "Ye also helping together by prayer for us . . ." (2 Corinthians 1:11) The apostle was in a prominent position, and perhaps he received power through the prayers of a poor bed-ridden woman; but all hidden fruits will be seen in the last day. It is an encouraging thing to see that God honours the hidden members which are the least honourable to the eyes of the flesh. This thought encourages us to walk humbly in our place. Frequently there are persons hidden out of sight, who are the means of blessing for those who are in a very prominent place.
We ought to think of the praise which God gives, and not of that of men. The only thing in our service is to glorify God. If my heart, which no one sees, does not beat, I cannot run. There are individuals who are truly the heart of the church; it is not often the things that are seen which are the most precious in the sight of God. (Notes on the Epistle to the Ephesians - JND)
N.J. Hiebert - 3680
April 21
"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to Thy Word." (Psalm 119:9)
How can youth keep its way shining through a dark world? How can you reach the goal - Christ? By stepping carefully and guiding your life by what your soul is learning of God in the text of Holy Scripture, and by keeping company with Christ as your best friend - you talk with Him and He talks with you. It means that you have Christ in your heart. (Harold St. John) (from his biography)
N.J. Hiebert # 3681
