Gems for March - wk 2
March 8
"Come on, let us deal wisely with them." (Exodus 1:10)
"For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God."
(1 Corinthians 3:19)
Pharaoh thought he was "acting wisely" in trying to destroy the Israelites, but he was actually fulfilling the sovereign purposes of God. He was feeding, housing, educating, and providing for Israel's future leader, Moses! Nothing can stop the purposes of God. His will must be accomplished. His purposes are unchangeable. His power is evident and working in spite of opposition. We have nothing to fear in this world that is "acting wisely" without God. Our God is still sovereign and still on the throne. (James Comte)
N.J.H. # 2910
March 9
"We indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this Man hath done nothing amiss."
(Luke 23:41)
The Lord Jesus was not charged with ordinary crimes. He was accused of laying claim to deity, which amounted, in the eyes of the religious Jews, to blasphemy. "He made Himself the Son of God," they said. They were slightly in error when they accused Him of this, because He never made Himself the Son of God - He was the Son of God. In this He did nothing amiss. And on the cross He would do nothing amiss either. In love, the Son of God promised paradise to this believing thief, a token of the mighty harvest of unjust ones, who by faith in Him, would be brought to God. (D. Craig)
And when I reach the pearly gate, this still will be my plea:
My sins deserved eternal death, but Jesus died for me.
N.J.H. # 2911
March 10
"Be not deceived: evil communications (bad company) corrupt good manners (character)."
(1 Corinthians 15:33)
Be as careful of the books you read as of the company you keep: for your habits and character will be as much influenced by the former as by the latter. (Paxton Hood - Being & Doing)
N.J.H. # 2912
March 11
"Let all things be done decently and in order."
(1 Corinthians 14:40)
In your occupations try to possess your soul in peace. It is not a good plan to be in haste to perform any action that it may be the sooner over. On the contrary, you should accustom yourself to do whatever you have to do with tranquility, in order that you may retain the possession of yourself and of settled peace. (Madam Guyon)
N.J.H. # 2913
March 12
"Watch that ye enter not into temptation."
(Matthew 26:41)
"Watch and pray," saith our Saviour, "that ye enter not into temptation." They, not keeping this pass, gave the enemy, Satan, a fair occasion to come in upon them; and as they were led into temptation by neglect of prayer, so they were rescued and led out of it again by Christ's prayer, which He mercifully laid in beforehand for them: "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not." (Luke 22:32) (William Gurnall - The Christian in Complete Armour - 1665)
N.J.H. # 2914
