Latest Gems
November 20 - 22
"Keep yourselves in the love of God." (Jude 21)
How can I keep in the love of God? Am I responsible to keep God loving me? He says, "I have loved thee with an everlasting love." Does it mean that I am to keep loving God? No; "We love Him, because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19) But I am to keep in the realization of His love; the constant enjoyment of it. Suppose my child has been ill, and during dark and murky weather he has to be kept in the house. Then one day the sun shines brightly, and the doctor says, "He can go out today for a few hours, but be sure to warn him to keep in the sunshine." I say to my boy, "Son, you may go out and enjoy yourself, but the doctor says you are to keep in the sunshine." The boy asks, "How can I keep the sun shining?" I explain, "I did not tell you to keep the sun shining; I am telling you to keep in the sunshine." This makes clear what is meant here - keep in the love of God. "The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God." (2 Thessalonians 3:5) As we enjoy His love and learn to rely upon it, we can wait in patience for the day when all our trials will be ended, and the Lord Jesus will come to take us to be forever with Himself. (H.A. Ironside)
N.J. Hiebert # 2802
". . . He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until
the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)
The Christian should be encouraged to know that he is not trapped in the treacherous fist of fate, but is secure in the mighty hand of the Father. Although the purposes of God are not always made clear, he can rest in "the good pleasure of His will."
Dr. Leon Tucker, a gifted preacher and teacher, was a frequent visitor in our home when I was young. Once he told us of a woman who had been broken by a great tragedy in her life. She had been living under the crushing weight of a heavy burden for so long that praise had given way to complaint. Finally she cried out in bitterness of soul, "Oh, I would to God I had never been made!" In response to her rebellious words a friend wisely replied, "Why my dear child, you are not made yet; you are only being made, and you are quarreling with God's process."
The apostle Peter must have had a similar idea in mind when he wrote, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to test you, as though some strange thing happened unto you." (1 Peter 4:12) Often we argue with God because He subjects us to hardships in order to accomplish His gracious purposes. The Master Craftsman has a perfect design for each of us. Sharp tools must be employed at times, but every stroke of the Father's hand brings us a little closer to the finished product. How short-sighted to concentrate on the means rather than the end!
Child of God, you are not made yet; you are just being made. The Lord who "hath begun a good work in you" will certainly complete it. Just be patient while He works! (P.R.V.)
When burdens and trial seem heavy,
And troubles are pressing me sore,
I know it's the Master who's trying
To polish His precious stone more.
(Beattie, alt.)
A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man
perfected without adversity.
Our Daily Bread, RBC Ministries, Copyright, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted permission.
N.J. Hiebert # 2803
"I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of
God I am what I am." (1 Corinthians 15:9,10)
I am not what I ought to be.
I am not what I wish to be.
I am not even what I hope to be.
But by the cross of Christ,
I am not what I was.
(John Newton)
N.J. Hiebert # 2804
