Gems for March - wk 1
March 1
"I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth Thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes." (Job 42:5,6)
The Lord's purpose in trials is often to get at the root of evil. When the fruit from that evil root is seen, the saint himself is shocked and mourns over it very sincerely. But then fresh fruit springs and will spring from it as long as the root remains untouched; but coming to the light, it is discovered and judged. A Christian may be doing a great deal out of the presence of God. Look at Job, and hear all his words; but at last the pressure brings him into the very presence of God. Then his words of repining and complaint are stopped. Nearness to God never lessens responsibility. When in the light, every speck will be seen - to the saint when caught up to meet the Lord - to the world when judged before the throne. (Christian Truth - Vol. 15 - October 1962)
N.J.H. # 3264
March 2
"Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God."
(Acts 20:26,27)
What a far cry this is from the present day notion that the gospel is all that need concern us in our preaching. The popular idea seems to be, just get people saved and let it go at that. What a misrepresentation of the heart of our blessed Lord! The Apostle Paul in his ministry had it ever upon his heart to "present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 1:28) That is, Paul would have the believer to be full grown, to be mature. Let us never be satisfied with our present development in the Christian life. There will always be vast depths yet to be explored in God's Word, so let us ever seek to be "reaching forth unto those things which are before." (Philippians 3:13) Some day we shall be welcomed into the privilege of knowing even as we are known. But until that day dawn, let us be diligent in the daily searching of the Word, both for our own souls, and for those unto whom we would minister. (C.H. Brown)
N.J.H. # 3265
March 3
"I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep . . ." (John 10:14)
"And I know them," says the Saviour. He knows them all, all their thoughts and feelings, their words and ways, their dangers and difficulties, their past, present, and future. He knows them perfectly, and in perfect love. How infinite the favor and the blessing! What a resource and joy! (Extract)
N.J.H. # 3266
"And I know them," says the Saviour. He knows them all, all their thoughts and feelings, their words and ways, their dangers and difficulties, their past, present, and future. He knows them perfectly, and in perfect love. How infinite the favor and the blessing! What a resource and joy! (Extract)
N.J.H. # 3266
March 4
"Thy name is as ointment poured forth." (Song of Solomon 1:3)
"Thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment." (Exodus 30:25)
How is a name like ointment? The ointment of God's prescription was very costly. Think of the cost for the Son of God to take the precious name of Jesus. The ointment was holy; so is that sacred Name, distinct and set apart. The ointment was unique; there was none like it. So there is no Name like the name of Jesus. Given so wondrously, borne so beautifully, used so mightily, loved so dearly, yet to be honored so universally. What a Name! (J. Boyd Nicholson)
N.J.H. # 3267
"Thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment." (Exodus 30:25)
How is a name like ointment? The ointment of God's prescription was very costly. Think of the cost for the Son of God to take the precious name of Jesus. The ointment was holy; so is that sacred Name, distinct and set apart. The ointment was unique; there was none like it. So there is no Name like the name of Jesus. Given so wondrously, borne so beautifully, used so mightily, loved so dearly, yet to be honored so universally. What a Name! (J. Boyd Nicholson)
N.J.H. # 3267
March 5
"What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?"
(2 Corinthians 6:14)
The word fellowship means, "to have things in common." We have much in common with the Father, for we adore and love His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. We have much in common with the Son, for we now address God as our Father and are made joint heirs with the Lord Jesus. We have much in common with the Holy Spirit, for we love to make Christ know to a lost and dying world. We have much in common with other believers, for we are all the Body and Bride of Christ. We have absolutely nothing in common with the world. Who will you fellowship with today? (Frank Burgess)
N.J.H. # 3268
The word fellowship means, "to have things in common." We have much in common with the Father, for we adore and love His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. We have much in common with the Son, for we now address God as our Father and are made joint heirs with the Lord Jesus. We have much in common with the Holy Spirit, for we love to make Christ know to a lost and dying world. We have much in common with other believers, for we are all the Body and Bride of Christ. We have absolutely nothing in common with the world. Who will you fellowship with today? (Frank Burgess)
N.J.H. # 3268
March 6
"Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, some say that Thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, but whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
(Matthew 16:13-16)
Peter's fervent confession to his Lord in the neighourhood of Caesarea Philippi has always possessed a special interest for the children of God. As a kind of test for His disciples, the Saviour inquired: "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" They replied that no one seemed to know with certainty; John the Baptist, Elijah and Jeremias being among the various suggestions of the curious. This, of course, revealed the true condition of men's minds in regard to Him. They were in reality utterly indifferent as to Him. Had they desired to know who He was, ample means were at their command whereby they might test His claims. The Saviour then turned to His own followers, and said: "But whom say ye that I am?" Peter, the ever ready one, promptly replied: "Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God." With Peter and his friends there was no uncertainty as to the glorious Person with whom they walked. Taught, not by flesh and blood, but by the Father, they had a divine conviction that He was not only the long-expected Christ, but also the Son of the Living God.
(W.W. Feredy - Peter the Apostle)
N.J.H. # 3269
March 7
"THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE: For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:22:23)
FOR THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:12,13)
It does not make any difference what religious standing you may have - no difference as to what part of the world you were born (whether among Christians or among the heathen) - or maybe you are a Jew - there is no difference! for all have sinned. The word for sin literally means "to miss the mark," and all men have missed the mark. Not one man has ever lived in this world without failure and sin - except of course the Lord Jesus Christ. "There is no difference . . . for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him." There is no difference - all are sinners; no difference - the same Saviour is for everybody; and through putting their trust in Him, all men may be justified. ". . . put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith." (Acts 15:9) (H.A. Ironside)
N.J.H. # 3270
March 8
" (Paul) said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives."
(Acts 27:10)
It is easy to imagine how unpopular this warning of the Apostle Paul was to those on Julius' ship who did not find Fair Havens an appealing place. Is that how you react when dad or mom, or other Christians lovingly seek to warn you about your life and ways? Remember that the truth of God is for your safety and protection, though it will not always sound like those good words and fair speeches which deceive the hears of the simple. (Romans 16:18). The world looks more inviting, but how much better to be safe than sorry! (D.N. - The Journey of Life)
N.J.H. # 3271
