Bible Gems

June 27

"The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from ALL sin."
(1 John 1:7)

If you ask me to measure sin, there is no measure for it but the cross.  There alone can you form any idea of what the intolerancy of God is to sin.  If looking up by faith to the One crucified there, the cross will be your mark by which to measure everything in you.
There is no charge against me, for Christ has met it all, and perfected me for ever.  The blood shed for sinners, ever pleads in the presence of God, and not only can I be perfectly free from guilt there, but God delights to give me all that Christ has and is. 

(GLEANINGS FROM THE TEACHING OF G.V. WIGRAM)

N.J. Hiebert # 3748

June 28

"The Lord caused the sea to go back . . . all that night."
(Exodus 14:21)

In this verse there is a comforting message showing how God works in the dark.  The real work of God for the children of Israel, was not when they awakened and found that they could get over the Red Sea; but it was "all that night."

So there may be a great working in your life when it all seems dark and you cannot see or trace, but yet God is working.  Just as truly did He work "all that night," as all the next day.  The next day simply manifested what God had done during the night.  Is there anyone reading these lines who may have gotten to a place where it seems dark?  You believe to see, but you are not seeing.  In your life-progress there is not constant victory; the daily, undisturbed communion is not there, and all seems dark.

"The Lord caused the sea to go back . . . all that night."

Do not forget that it was "all that night."  God works all the night, until the light comes.  You may not see it, but all that "night" in your life, as you believe God, He works.  (C.H.P.)

N.J. Hiebert # 3749

June 29

"As soon as the soles of the feet of the priest . . . shall rest in the waters . . . the waters shall be cut off." (Joshua 3:13)

The people were not to wait in their camps until the way was opened, they were to walk by faith.  They were to break camp, pack up thier goods, form in line to march, and move down to the very banks before the river would be opened.

If they had come down to the edge of the river and then had stopped for the stream to divide before they stepped into it, they would have waited in vain.  They must take one step into the water before the river would be cut off.

We must learn to take God at His Word, and go straight on in duty, although we see no way in which we can go forward.  The reason we are so often balked by difficulties is that we expect to see them removed before we try to pass through them.

If we would move straight on in faith, the path would be opened for us.  We stand still, waiting for the obstacle to be removed, when we ought to go forward as if there were no obstacles.  (EVENING THOUGHTS)

N.J. Hiebert # 3750

June 30

"God is light . . ."  (1 John 1:5)

Have you ever sat alone in darkness that was a metaphor for your own soul?  Darkness that that could be touched and tasted - thick, cold, obsidian midnight.  Suddenly a candle flares and soft gold splashes into every corner.  Light.  How touching that God would identify Himself completely with light.

- Light is pure
- Light illuminates
- Light warms
- Light comforts

But what of our hearts when they are darkened by failures or disappointments?  Streaming from His loving heart, the light of God - His Spirit, His Word, His love - penetrates and illuminates every corner of my heavy heart, gently diffusing understanding, comfort and warmth.  (S. McEachern)

N.J. Hiebert # 3751