Gems for December - wk 3
December 13
"Let us fall now into the hand of the Lord; for His mercies are great."
(2 Samuel 24:14)
A weak person can tumble. Relinquish yourself into the hands of Christ; those blessed hands have been nailed to the cross; fall into them, and He will give you rest. (E.P. Corrin)
N.J.H. # 2825
December 14
"They gave Him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when He had
tasted thereof, He would not drink." (Matthew 27:34)
Today's medical technology offers a variety of pain relievers to ease pain and suffering. In Genesis 2:21 we read of God placing a deep sleep on Adam when He took a rib to form Eve, Adam's bride. It was God's anaesthetic. But think of Christ on the cross and the magnitude of His physical suffering. When offered this pain killing concoction He refused it and bore fully the physical pain and beyond that, the greater pain of humanity's sin burden. He endured it to purchase a bride for Himself. Being a part of that costly purchased bride should cause our praise to flow freely. (E. Dyck)
N.J.H. # 2826
December 15
"For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."
(1 Corinthians 13:12)
Great events often spring from seemingly small and unexpected causes, and from what seem to us trivial and commonplace things. When we "know as we are known," and understand fully the working of God in the lives of those who trust Him, we shall be filled with wonder to know how constantly He was present, though often unknown to ourselves, and how much and how continually we were indebted to Him. There is great truth in the words of the poet:
He everywhere hath sway
And all things serve His might."
(Christian Truth - Vol. 21 - 1968)
N.J.H. # 2827
December 16
"I have set the Lord always before Me." (Psalms 16:8)
This gives quietness and peace; and, the Lord Jesus was never put out by circumstances; and at the end of His journey He could say, "My peace I give unto you." It was the peace that possessed His own heart, even when things disappointed Him. He was in perfect peace; He was never put out by these things. Why not? Because He always looked up. Take that remarkable scene in Matthew 11. He sees nothing but rejection. The children of the world would have nothing of God, and nothing but rejection was before Him. He could say, "I have laboured in vain." It looked as if His mission was a failure; and yet He could say, "I thank Thee, O Father." Perfect submission to His Father's will; and let the circumstances be what they might, He was calm, and had peace amid them all. If it was according to the Father's will, He was happy and content. In Luke we get, "Jesus rejoiced in spirit." (F.C.)
N.J.H. # 2828
December 17
"Attend to know understanding." (Proverbs 4:1)
"Attend to My words." (Proverbs 4:20)
"Attend unto My wisdom." (Proverbs 5:1)
"Attend to the words of My mouth." (Proverbs 7:24)
"Attend upon the Lord." (1 Corinthians 7:35)
"Attended unto the things which were spoken." (Acts 16:14)
"Attentive to hear Him." (Luke 19:48)
N.J.H. # 2829
December 18
"Thy WORD is a lamp unto my feet , and a light unto my path."
(Psalms 119:105)
This book (The Bible) contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.
Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter.
Here Paradise is gained, Heaven opened, and Hell disclosed. Christ is its grand object, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It shall fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a Paradise of Glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be opened in the judgment and remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, promises the highest reward for labour, and condemns all who trifle with its sacred contents. (Author unknown)
N.J.H. # 2830
December 19
"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word,
that ye may grow thereby." (1 Peter 2:2)
In proportion as we desire the sincere milk of the Word, we grow thereby.
There needs to be the constant drawing from the source of life - the blessed fountain of God's truth. We shall find in it the cordial, the balm, or the medicine suited to our need, and daily food. Its power on the heart brings forth the expression in the life.
Until the Word has its proper place in the believer's heart, there is no stability - we are led by feelings, and when these fail, dearth and barrenness come in because we have failed thus to cultivate our strength, drinking in the sincere milk of the God's Word. However, truth does not keep us - dependence only on Him who is the author of it can keep our souls alive today. It is a trying day for God's people, so little energy and zeal, and, worst of all, too much neglect of the study of His precious Word. It only is life and marrow to the soul, a lamp to guide, milk to nurse, and meat to strengthen. (Selected)
N.J.H. # 2831
December 20
"Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where . . . as the garden of the Lord. . . . Then Lot
chose him all the plain of Jordan . . . and Lot dwelled in the
cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom."
(Genesis 13:10-12)
Satan tempts the saints to imitate Lot when they ought to imitate Abraham - to have earthly affections in place of heavenly affections.
People say, What harm is there in the well-watered plains of Jordan? Are not they also a gift of Providence? I answer, The devil planted Sodom in their midst.
What is done in the flesh is not to the glory of God; it may, thanks to His powerful intervention, turn in the end to His glory; but so far as concerns us it is worth absolutely nothing.
A Christian is a being purchased at a great price, and who has nothing else to do than to glorify God. (Extract)
N.J.H. # 2832
