http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords These are selected from Bible ministry gems sent out by N.J. Hiebert (njhiebert@sympatico.ca) en soundwords soundwords Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:37:00 +0200 daily 1 July 4 " In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I (Jesus) have overcome the world ." (John 16:33) Cheerful Confidence The word means " take heart ", " be confident ".  It is both an exhortation and a promise.  The word has been reserved to the last moment.  Jesus spoke nothing prematurely.  Only when the end comes, does  He conclude His teaching in the flesh with a final saying, which might breathe courage and confidence into the disciples whom He leaves, and into those who, in all generations, should believe on Him through their testimony.  So it is provided that the last word of the last discourse shall sound the note of victory for ever: " Be of Good Cheer; I have Overcome the World ."  (H.D. - HIS LAST WORDS) N.J. Hiebert # 3755   July 5 " As in Adam all die . . ."  (1 Corinthians 15:22) " By one man sin entered into the... Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:37:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5593/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5593/ July 1 " Let us (Christians) draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water ."  (Hebrews 10:22) An evil conscience is the result of persistence in sin.  If men continue to defile themselves, the time will come when the conscience becomes thoroughly evil, and sin is no longer dreaded.  When we come to Christ our hearts ares sprinkled from an evil conscience.  If men do not come to Him but insist on sinning against the light and refusing to heed the invitation which God has extended to all men to turn to Him in repentance and be saved, then eventually the conscience ceases to be active: it becomes seared. " Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their consciences seared with a hot iron ." (1... Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:27:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5592/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5592/ 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... Sun, 28 Jun 2009 04:37:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5591/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5591/ June 21 " In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth ." (Genesis 1:1) Sir Isaac Newton had a friend who, like himself, was a great scientist; but he was an infidel, while Newton was a devout believer.  They often locked horns over this question, though their mutual interest in science drew them much together. Newton had a skillful mechanic make him a replica of our solar system in miniature.  In the center was a large gilded ball representing the sun, and revolving around this were smaller balls fixed on the ends of arms of varying lengths, representing Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, in their proper order.  These balls were so geared together by cogs and belts as to move in perfect harmony by turning a crank. One day as Newton sat reading in his study with his mechanism on a large table near him, his infidel friend stepped in.  He was scientist enough to recognize at a glance what was before him. ... Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:43:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5590/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5590/ June 18 " I, even I, am the Lord; and beside Me there is no Saviour ." (Isaiah 43:11) " But the Word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the Word which by the gospel is preached unto you ." (1 Peter 1:25) A striking story is told of a colonel at a dinner table loudly declaiming that in his judgment the Koran (the Mohammedan's sacred book) was vastly superior to the Bible.  An earnest Christian present, spoke up.  He said, "Colonel, may I ask you two questions?  Have you ever read the Bible through from beginning to end?"  He had to admit that he had not. A second question was then asked, "Colonel, have you ever seen a copy of the Koran?"  He had to admit that he had not. Then came the crushing retort, "Colonel, what do you think of yourself?  You made a statement that a book you have never seen is vastly superior to a book you have never read from beginning to end ."  There was an... Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:45:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5589/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5589/ June 14 " Because thou art luke warm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth ." (Revelation 3:16) Since the first decline of the Church, there is nothing that the saint should more fear, than anything bordering on lukewarmness; because that is the condition of the Church characteristically when it shall be spued out of Christ's mouth - when it shall for ever cease to be for Him here on earth; and the moment we see anything in ourselves, tending to this lukewarmness, we should earnestly attend to His word, " be zealous and repent ."  To do this, would be not only to refuse and denounce all neutrality, but to be valiant for the truth.  Repentance does not only denounce the wrong, but it scrupulously and earnestly asserts and maintains the right.   (Thought for the Day - Reprinted from "A Voice to the Faithful) N.J. Hiebert # 3735 June 15 " This Paul has persuaded and turned away much people... Tue, 16 Jun 2009 05:31:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5588/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5588/ June 11 " And the word of the Lord came unto him (Elijah), saying, Get thee hence and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.  And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee THERE . . . .  Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell THERE : behold, I have commanded a widow woman THERE to sustain thee. So he arose and went to Zarephath.  And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow woman was THERE . . . " (2 Kings 17:2-4, 9,10)    I do not believe that the ravens would have fed Elijah anywhere else, nor would the widow woman have appeared anywhere else except " THERE ."  God did not say, Elijah, ramble around as you please and I will provide for you.  " THERE " was the place of God's will for Elijah:  - The place of His Purpose, - The place of His Power, and, - The place of His... Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:08:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5587/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5587/ June 9 " Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness ." (Colossians 1:11) ____________________________________________________________ " We know Him as we could not know Through heaven's golden years; We there shall see His glorious face, On earth they saw His tears; The touch that heals the broken heart Is never felt above; His angels know His blessedness, His way-worn saints His love ." We shall thank Him for all eternity for every trial along our pilgrim path that gave Him a new opportunity to display His grace and to manifest His heart to us, His needy people, so dependent upon His power and grace. As we thus go on with Him, we will be strengthened with all might according to His glorious power, and this " unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness ."  How much have we here upon which our souls may well meditate? ... Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:37:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5586/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5586/ June 6 " Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness ." (Isaiah 41:10) A SONG All those tasks which fret and try thee, Chafe thy spirit, seem so long, With thy Saviour close beside thee, Undertake them with a song; Jesus knows and understands, Ne'er too much His love demands; With thy Saviour close beside thee, Undertake them with a song. (Unknown) N.J. Hiebert # 3727 June 7 " And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men ." (Colossians 3:23) We must give Him unreserved control of our lives . John Spencer says that in the Gospels we find that Christ had a four-fold entertainment among the sons of men.  - Some received Him into house , but not into heart , as Simon the Pharisee who gave Him no kiss nor water... Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:13:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5585/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5585/ June 3 " Neither give place to the devil ." (Ephesians 4:27) We must realize that temptation is not sin .  Christ Himself was tempted, yet He did not sin.  So temptations will be our lot, but they do not make us sin.  It is the yielding to temptation that is sin .  Was it not Luther who said: " I cannot keep the birds from flying around my head, but by the grace of God I can keep them from making their nests in my hair ?"  We are told that we are not to give place to the devil (Ephesians 4:27).  So Satan will attack us, but God has made provision for our defense. We have seen the nature of temptation when it is sent to the unbeliever.  It is anything that will keep him from the cross of Jesus Christ .  What about the temptations that come to a believer?  For the fact that we have accepted Christ as our Saviour does not mean that our old nature has been removed .  The Christian is just as subject to temptation after he has been... Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:37:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5584/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5584/ May 31 " The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise ." (Proverbs 12:15) A man with a fallen nature and in a fallen world to confide in himself is to play the fool .  God is not in any of his thoughts.  He is sure he needs no advice; he is right in his own eyes.  What can his eyes do but help him to judge according to sight, which the Lord contrasts with judging righteous judgment? and what so dangerous as every question of self?  For there is nothing a man dislikes more than thinking ill of himself , unless it is of believing good of God.  Truly the way of a fool is right in his own eyes.  He that is wise distrusts himself and hearkens to counsel ; nor does he cheat God and his conscience by seeking counsel of the weak and easy-going, but of the godly.  (William Kelly - The Proverbs) N.J. Hiebert # 3721  June 1 " Jesus came and stood in the midst, and saith unto them,... Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:32:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5583/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5583/ May 28 " And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli (Priest).  And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision.  And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see . . . and the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel.  Then Samuel answered, speak; for Thy servant heareth ." (1 Samuel 3:1,2,10) The Lord always sends refreshment in times of drought.  When there was no guidance He sent the prophet Samuel.  We must be careful as believers not to have our senses dulled by the prevailing compromise and complacency that we cannot hear God when He calls.  We cannot be sleeping but should always be awake and aware of His presence and listen to others for advice on how to prepare our hearts for His Word.  (B.R. - Meditations on 1 Samuel) N.J. Hiebert # 3718 May 29 " Be not conformed to this world:... Fri, 29 May 2009 06:36:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5582/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5582/ May 24 " Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight . . . Thou desirest truth in the inward parts . . . wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. . . . Hide Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities ."  (Psalm 51:4,7,9) This world hates the God of David, because it hates grace.  The world rather likes David's taking Uriah's wife (for that is the world's manner of life!).  But for Jehovah not to reckon this sin as damning guilt, and freely to forgive David - and that so fully as to give " her that had been the wife of Uriah " another son, and bestow His special love on him (Solomon) to the extent of giving him a personal name, Jedidiah " for Jehovah's sake " (2 Samuel 12:24,25) and placing this woman Bathsheba in the official genealogy of Christ (Matthew 1:6); and above all, for God to call David a man " after His own heart " - all this rouses the ire of a vile, self-righteous,... Mon, 25 May 2009 15:07:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5581/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5581/ May 22 " I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me ."  (Philippians 4:13) The story is told of a small boy trying very hard to lift a heavy object.  His father coming into the room and noting the son's struggle asked him, "Are you using all your strength?"  "Yes, of course I am," the boy impatiently exclaimed.  You are not" the father answered.  "You haven't asked me to help you." If the burden is too heavy to bear, it is time to ask God our Father for help.  Our own puny supply of power is so often insufficient for the disappointments and difficulties we have to face.  Let us form the habit of asking for God's help.  God will allow no suffering, no trial above what we are able to  bear.  For He says in 1 Corinthians 10:13, " God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted (tried) above that ye are  able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape,... Fri, 22 May 2009 20:56:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5580/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5580/ May 18 " Put that on mine account ."  (Philemon 18) Recently I was buying an item for $4.50 with a friend.  At the counter I could not find my wallet.  I said to the cashier, "I'm sorry, I forgot my money."  A total stranger  behind me immediately said, "I'll pay that for you."  When I told him about my friend in the store, he repeated very earnestly, "I will pay that for you." I thanked him and waited for my friend.  I thought of how we stood before God - sinners, with nothing to pay.  Yet there was One, the Lord Jesus, who paid the debt for us.  What grace!  (Ben Tuininga) He paid a debt He did not owe, I owed a debt I could not pay; I needed someone to wash my sins away; And now I sing a brand new song, Amazing grace!  Christ Jesus paid the debt that I could never pay . (Choice Gleanings) N.J. Hiebert # 3708 May 19 " Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto... Wed, 20 May 2009 16:24:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5579/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5579/ 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... Sat, 16 May 2009 15:01:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5578/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5578/ May 12 SHEPHERD'S CARE " He maketh me to lie down in green pastures ."  (Psalm 23:2) No other class of livestock requires more careful handling, more detailed direction, than sheep.  For them to lie down: 1. They must be free of fear; 2. Because of the social behaviour within a flock, sheep will not lie down unless they are free from friction with others of their own kind; 3. If tormented by flies or parasites, sheep will not lie down;  There are many irritations - "being bugged" - frustrations that only can be alleviated by the Shepherd. 4. They must be free from hunger. (Selected) N.J. Hiebert # 3702 May 13 " For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God ." (Romans 3:23) The story is told of two men who were trying to escape from an erupting volcano.  As the fiery molten rock gushed out of its gaping crater, they fled in the only... Wed, 13 May 2009 17:35:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5577/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5577/ May 9 " Jesus Christ the SAME yesterday, and today, and for ever ." (Hebrews 13:8) "ABLE to succour them that are tempted."  (Hebrews 2:18) "ABLE  also to save them to the uttermost."  (Hebrews 7:25) "ABLE to make all grace abound toward you."  (2 Corinthians 9:8) "ABLE to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." (Ephesians 3:20) "ABLE to keep you from falling, and present you faultless." (Jude 24) (Till HE Come - Oct. - Nov. 1972) N.J Hiebert # 3699 May 10 " Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until... Sun, 10 May 2009 18:48:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5576/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5576/ May 6 " The love of God manifested toward us ." (1 John 4:9) " Perfected in us ."  (1 John 4:12) " Perfected with us ." (JND Trans.) (1 John 4:17) We are called upon to love one another because love is of God, and the character and nature of one born of God is to love.  God's love was manifested in the gift of His Son when we had no love for Him; and now, in the midst of a heartless world, we are exhorted to love one another.  This has often been spoken of; may we show it in true self-denial and devotedness."  (From - Christian Friend - 1894)) N.J. Hiebert # 3696 May 7 " Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you ."  (1 Peter 5:7) .................................................................................................................... The psalmist wrote, - " Be still, and know that I am God " (Psalm 46:10). Paul exhorted the Philippians to, -... Thu, 07 May 2009 17:25:00 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5575/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5575/ May 4 " For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich ."  (2 Corinthians 8:9) How rich was He?  Such a question plunges us into thoughts of His glory that amaze and astonish.  His riches include all His glory in deity. " In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ." (John 1:1) Can we poor finite creatures comprehend that?  No.  Go back before Genesis 1, go back before the world was, back as far as the mind can go; and when you get there, He " was " there, and He " was God ."  "All things were created by Him and for Him." (Colossians 1:16) There is no single exception; all was created by Him and for Him. Go through the Word of God and you will find many verses which tell of His riches.  He speaks through Isaiah the prophet, " I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I... Mon, 04 May 2009 01:29:49 +0200 http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5574/ http://www.blogigo.co.uk/soundwords/Gems-worth-pondering/5574/