Latest Gems
November 11 - 13
"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing." (Mathew 5:13)
A few grains of salt can often make the difference between a delicious, memorable meal and a complete cooking failure. Salt will melt ice to help prevent accidents, will make cut flowers last longer, will act as a cleansing agent, and will accomplish many useful tasks. Are we performing the duties of salt? Are we truly the slat of the earth?
At an informal gathering some young people were discussing the test "Ye are the salt of the earth." One suggestion after another was made as to the meaning of salt in this verse. "Salt imparts a desirable flavour," said one. "Salt preserves from decay," another suggested. Then at last a Chinese Christian girl spoke out of an experience one of the others had. "Salt creates thirst," she said, and there was sudden hush in the room. Everyone was thinking "Have I made anyone thirsty for the Lord Jesus Christ?" (Selected)
N.J. Hiebert # 2793
"I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not
seen the righteous forsaken." (Psalm 37:25)
They call it going down the hill, when we are growing old,
They say in mournful accents that, "Our tale is told."
They sigh when talking of the past, the days that used to be,
As if the future were not bright with immortality.
But oh, it is not going down, but climbing high and higher,
Until we almost see the mansions that out souls desire.
For if the natural eye grows dim, it is but dim to earth,
While the eye of faith grows keener to perceive the Saviour's worth.
Who would exchange for shooting blade, the waving, golden grain,
Or when the corn is fully ripe, would wish it green again?
And who would wish the hoary head, found in the ways of truth,
To be again encircled with the sunny looks of youth?
For though in truth the outward man must perish and decay,
The inward man shall be renewed by grace, from day to day.
They who are planted by the Lord, unshaken by their root,
E'en in old age shall flourish still, and bring forth fruit.
(Provided by C.H. Krause)
N.J. Hiebert # 2794
"Those husbandmen said . . . This is the heir; come, let us kill him,
and the inheritance shall be ours." (Mark 12:7)
The short-sighted pride of these men is astonishing! They thought that by doing away with the heir, they would somehow become the owners of the vineyard. They totally forgot that "the lord of the vineyard . . . will come and destroy the husbandmen." The blind pride of humanist today is even more astonishing. Living in God's creation, they attempt to "do away with" God, making themselves little gods. But one day He will take them to task, and they will answer to "the Heir of all things." (D. Logan)
N.J. Hiebert # 2795
