Bible Gems

May 15

"And say to Archippus, take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it."
(Colossians 4:17)

Promptness and energy are as important in spiritual service as in anything else.  There is an incident related in connection with two leading generals of the Southern Confederacy of America that might well speak to every servant of Christ.  General Robert E. Lee once sent word to General Stonewall Jackson that he would be glad to talk with him at his convenience on some mater of no great urgency.  General Jackson instantly rode to Headquarters, through most inclement weather.  When General Lee expressed surprise at seeing him, Jackson exclaimed, "General Lee's slightest wish is a supreme command to me, and I always take pleasure in prompt obedience."  It is to be hoped that this same spirit laid hold of Archippus, and that he profited by the prodding of the aged apostle. 
(H.A. Ironside - Lectures on Colossians)

N.J. Hiebert # 3705

May 16

"Serving the Lord with all lowliness." 
(Acts 20:19)

We are but leaden pipes to let the water down from the cistern above - dry till it flows in above and dry if it ceases to flow in.  It is good to remember this at all times and to walk humbly in the truth of it. . . .  I found it useful (the remembrance of it) in praying before speaking.  Oft not a word seemed with me to give, and the spreading out before the Lord His estimate of the worthiness of His Son to be spoken about, and His will that He should be announced, has been followed by a full fresh flow of water of the word of life.

Believe me, you can only plead with God as you know Christ.  He alone is the channel by which God can bless. . . .  The power of intercession is a great thing to the servant of God.

It ennobles a Christian immensely to know and to feel that he is a channel through which the life of Christ is to flow out.

Happy the person who has an empty vessel and God ever ready to fill.  Unhappy they who have no empty vessel. . . . I doubt whether many know the sweetness of going into the presence of God as a channel or pipe to be filled in order to bring out what is wanted for others, saying, "I have got the ear and heart of Christ."

Which is most worthy to occupy our thoughts - the littleness of our love or the fulness of that love which passes knowledge?  (G.V. Wigram)

N.J. Hiebert # 3706 

May 17

"Whatsoever He saith unto you, DO IT."
(John 2:5)

WILLINGNESS - THE SECRET OF KNOWING

How are you to know what He says to you?   It is easy to know if we are really willing to know, and willing to obey when we do know!  He has spoken so plainly to us in His Word!  In that, He tells us exactly what to do.  It is most wonderful how He has said everything there for us, told us everything we ought to do.  When you read a chapter, listen and watch to see what He says to you in it. 

There is another way in which He tells us what to do.  He speaks to you through your conscience.  Now "whatsoever He saith unto you, do it!"  Whether easy or hard, do it because He tells you; do it for love of Him, and it will be much better and happier to obey the Lord than to please yourself.  "Whatsoever He saith unto you do it!" "DO IT!"  Do the exact thing He would have you do, not something a little bit different, or something which you think will be nearly the same, but do "it."

And do it at once.  It is so true, that the very first moment is the easiest for obedience.  Every minute that you put off doing the right thing makes it harder.  Do not let your Lord have to "speak twice" to you.  "Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it" cheerfully, exactly, instantly.  (Francis Ridley Havergal - Opened Treasures) 

N.J. Hiebert # 3707