BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

Some weeks ago we travelled through the mountains in the eastern part of the country. There one can see the handiwork of God displayed before our eyes. This is true of all creation, but the mountains in their immense size make impression upon us. We think how the psalmist of Psalm 148 calls unto the mountains and all the hills to praise the Lord.

How is this possible, for they do not have a voice to do so? In silence they speak unto us of a great God who has created them, and they point upwards to Him who rules over all things. Men have given names to the mountains and peaks, but all serve to His honor and glory.

In the Bible we read that God gave the law from the mountain top in the wilderness, and that the Lord Jesus preached a sermon upon the mountain, so that there they served His purpose and were a benefit to mankind. But we also read how people throughout the ages have served other gods upon the mountains, and have used them for other purposes than that for which they were intended. Isn’t this true also today?

No matter how enduring and permanent the mountains may seem to be, the Bible also tells us that they shall not always continue. Isaiah, in the 54th chapter, tells us this, and the first letters of the answers to the quiz will spell out what he has said to us in the Name of the Lord. The quiz itself is about the mountains, hills, and high places mentioned in God’s Word.

At the giving of the law to the children of Israel, “Mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke,” because the Lord descended upon it in_______

After the Lord Jesus ascended, the disciples returned unto Jerusalem from the mount called_____

King Josiah defiled the high places that were before Jerusalem, which were on the ______hand of the mount of corruption.

Deborah said to Barak, “Go and draw toward Mount______, and take with thee ten thousand men.”

Moses led the flock of his father-in-law to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to_______

The children of Israel buried Joshua in the border of his inheritance, in the mount of _________

Solomon began to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem at Mount______, where the Lord appeared unto David.

After seven days Laban and his brethren ______Jacob in the Mount_______

In the book of Obadiah the Lord said, “Shall I not in that day even destroy the wise men of Edom, and______out of the mount of Esau?”

Elijah did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty ______unto Horeb the mount of God.

Samson took the doors of the gate of Gaza, and the two posts,...and carried them up to the ______of an hill that is before Hebron.

Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and spoke to the people, “Ye men of______, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.”

At the command of Elijah, Ahab sent unto all the children of______, and gathered the prophets together unto Mount Carmel.

The Lord said to Moses, “Get thee up into the mountain Abarim, unto Mount______,... and behold the land of Canaan.”

After Isaac’s death, Esau dwelt in Mount ___________

On Mount______the Lord gave Moses two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

Moses, Aaron, and Eleazer went up into Mount______in the sight of all the congregation, and Aaron died there in the top of the mount.

Joab and Abishai pursued after Abner, and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of_______

______went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him.

Caleb said to Joshua, “Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the______spake in that day.”

When Saul and Jonathan were slain, David lamented, saying, “Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no______, neither let there be rain upon you.”

After Samson had slain the Philistines, he went and dwelt in the top of the rock______, and the men of Judah came unto him there.

In blessing the children of Israel, Moses said, “The Lord came from Sinai,... He shined forth from Mount______.”

As the waters of the flood subsided, the ark rested upon the mountains of_______

The Lord said to Gideon, “Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him______and depart early from Mount Gilead.”

Seeing the multitudes, Jesus went up into a mountain: and when He was set, His disciples came unto Him: and He opened His mouth, and______them.

Your answers should be sent to:

Carret J. Moerdyk

5211 Woodmont Drive

Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001.

The answers to the quiz of last month are as follows:

“A Name Which Is Above Every Name”

— Philippians 2:9

Abram —Genesis 17:5

Noah —Genesis 5:28–29

Ahinoam —1 Samuel 15:50

Moses —Exodus 2:10

Elimelech —Ruth 1:1–2

Woman —Genesis 2:23

Hiddekel —Genesis 2:19

Israel —Genesis 35:10

Cephas —John 1:42

Hephzibah —2 Kings 21:1

Ichabod —1 Samuel 4:19–21

Samson —Judges 13:24

Abiah —1 Samuel 8:1–2

Bezaleel —Exodus 31:1–2

Obed —Ruth 4:17

Vajezatha — Esther 9:7–10

Eliezer —Exodus 18:4

Enos —Genesis 4:26

Vashti —Esther 1:12

Eve —Genesis 3:20

Reuben —Genesis 29:32

Younger —Genesis 29:16

Nehushtan —2 Kings 18:4

Abednego — Daniel 1:7

Mahershalalbashbaz — Isaiah 8:3

Enoch —Genesis 4:17

Answers have been received from:

Trevor Aleman

Brent Aleman

Eric Aleman

Joel Arnoldussen (2)

Joella Arnoldussen (2)

Jonas Arnoldussen (3)

Nicole Arnoldussen (2)

Ricky Arnoldussen

Bernie Bakker

Billie Bakker

Jason Bakker

Joshua Bakker

Irish Bakker

Brian Baum

Cathy Baum

Aron Bazen

Carrie Bazen

Amy Beeke

Bill Beeke

Jason Beeke

Katie Beeke

Lori Beeke

Jeff Bisschop

Yvonne Bisschop

Greg Bleeker

Jeremy Boot

Julia Coates (2)

Neil DeBoer

Peter DeBoer

Rachael De Bruine

Steven De Bruine

Tyler De Bruine

Melinda DeMeester

Tamara DeMeester

Jackie Den Dekker

Neil Den Dekker

Johnny Den Hertog

Arlen Den Hoed

Betty Den Hoed

Gerald Den Hoed

Glen Den Hoed

Larry Den Hoed

Sharlene Den Hoed

Sheila Den Hoed

Susan Den Hoed

Tim Den Hoed

Chantal De Patie

Marc De Patie

Melissa Derksen

Fred De Vries (2)

Karen De Vries

Kristi De Vries

Stephen De Vries (2)

Marco De Wilde

Mary De Wilde

Willard De Wilde

Anita Droge (2)

Jennifer Droge

Joleen L. Droge (2)

Gordon Eckhardt

Susy Eckhardt

Joseph Ejenakevbe

Rachel Ekema

Matthew Elufadejin

Alice Engelsma

Andrea Engelsma

Mark Faasse

Thane W. Fluit

Remco Funcke

Benjamin Hayes

Daniel Herfst (2)

David Herfst (2)

Jason Herfst (2)

Kevin Herfst (2)

Wieska Hoedeman

Kent Hoogendoorn

Kevin Hoogendoorn

Tori Hoogendoorn

David Hoogerheide

Katie Hoogerheide

Charmain Huisman

Cynthia Huisman

Brenda Hulshof

Cindy Hulshof

Ronald Hulshof

Jamie Lynn Hults

Robert J. Hults, Jr.

Gary Kanis

Kathleen Kanis

Frank Kardux

Janet Kardux

Myrna Kardux

Rosemary Kardux

Jody Kegel

John Kegel

Karen Kegel

Steph Kegel

Jim Kranendonk

Joanna Kranendonk

Mary Kranendonk

Susan Kranendonk

Cindy Kreft

Jason Lagge

Rachel Lagge

Tara Lagge

Joan Lamain

Kristy Lamain

Sara Lamain

Erik Langerak (2)

Gregory S. Lubbers

Steve Lubbers

Nicole Meeuwse

Nathan Meeuwse

Gary Neels

Julia Neels

Leanne Neels

Mark Neels

Alyce Nieuwenhuis

Karen Nyenhuis

Craig Phillips

Wendy Phillips

Kevin Post

Billy Remijn

Heidi Remijn

Sonya Remijn

Jennifer Sue Rose (2)

Richard Rose

Pam Schelling

Becky Schelling

Renita L. Schelling

Matthew Schipper

Jolene Slingerland (2)

Marco Slingerland (2)

Stephen Sporte (3)

Aaron Stubbe

Darrell Stubbe

Heather Stubbe

Kevin Stubbe

Steven Stubbe

Jonathan Ten Elshof

Tim Ten Elshof

Angela Timmer

Sheila Van Beek

Sally Van Bemden

Samuel Ukpai

Lida VandeBruinhorst

Mary VandeBruinhorst

Jaron VandeHoef

Leona VandenBrink

Louise VandenBrink

Jon VandenToorn

Jaclyn VandenToorn

Kim VandenToorn

Lisa VandenToorn

Marsha VandenToorn

Mike VandenToorn

Tammy VandenToorn

Rodney VanderZand Joyce Van Klei

Sara Van Pagee

Cindy Van Surksum

Jason Van Surksum

Ryan Van Surksum

Trina Van Tol

Kristi Van Veldhuizen (2)

Phyllis Van Veldhuizen (2)

Sheila Van Veldhuizen (2)

Jeffrey Van Voorst

Larissa Van Voorst

Rachel Van Voorst

David Van Wingerden

Karen Van Wingerden

Sophia Van Wingerden

Steven Van Wingerden

Stephanie Van Woerden

Paula Van Woudenberg

Jacqueline Velthove

Pieter Len Velthove

John Wesdyk

Karen Wesdyk

Janice Ymker

Kevin Ymker

Tim Ymker

Again there are some letters to answer—

Joyce Van Klei

It was real nice to hear from you, Joyce. The weather is very dry in Michigan and rain is needed badly. We are reminded again how dependent we are upon the Lord for the blessing of rain. In the time of Joseph there were seven unfruitful years, but the Lord had a purpose in it.

Benjamin Hayes

If I am not mistaken, Benjamin, the first appearance of our Banner of Truth was in 1934. It was in 1964 that the Timothy section became a part of the Banner of Truth. Each month our prayer must be that the Lord bless the materials contained in its pages to the hearts of young and old.

Gary Neels

Were there a lot of bikes at the bike-a-thon, Gary? How far did you ride? Are there also older people in the bike-a-thon? Bicycling is good exercise for everyone, but in I Timothy 4 the apostle Paul wrote of something even better than exercise. Do you know what it is?

Eric Aleman

We were glad to receive your letter, Eric. How true it is that we do not deserve the Lord’s blessing. If certain things are withheld from us, we must still say with the psalmist that the Lord has not dealt with us after our sins. Do you know where that can be found in the Bible?

Remco Funcke

Are you fairly well situated in your new home, Remco? It is surprising how much there is involved in moving in our days. This is probably due to the fact that we accumulate so much. We would certainly have problems if we did not have a fixed place to live, and were only moving from place to place as some did in former days.

Charmain Huisman

When we consider that the Lord has spared us and protected us again another year, a birthday can be a very special occasion, Charmain. However, I know of only two men whose birthday is mentioned in the Bible. Do you know who they are?

Cindy Kreft

Have you acquired your geese, Cindy? James tells us in his book of the Bible that every kind of beast and bird can be tamed, but he also mentioned something which cannot be tamed. Do you know what that was? The Bible certainly portrays a sad picture of man after the fall, don’t you think?

Brent Aleman

Our congratulations to your grandparents on their anniversary, Brent. How great the blessing of health is, especially when we see others of our own age or even younger that are taken away by death because of sickness. Then all of our plans must be with the thought, the Lord willing and we live. The book of James also tells us this.

lolene Slingerland

You certainly have a lot of lambs on your farm, Jolene. Since the Bible speaks quite often about lambs, you have a good opportunity to see clearly Cod’s Word uses them as an example to teach us many things. Did you have to bottle-feed the ones of which the mother died?

Wieska Hoedeman

Do you like to fish, Wieska? What kind of fish were you catching? Fish are also mentioned quite often in the Bible, not only for eating, but the Lord has also used them for other purposes. Can you think of some examples?

Trevor Aleman

From your letter, I can see that you like farming, Trevor. As with all occupations, there are disappointments and difficulties, but also the happy time of harvest. The Lord said to Adam that the ground would bring forth thorns and thistles, and each person, whether or not he or she is a farmer, learns to experience this.

Marco Slingerland

Have you had much rain recently, Marco? In reading of the dry years in the time of Elijah, we are also told how he prayed fervently on Mount Carmel for the rain, and the Lord heard him. How necessary that we see that it is the Lord that giveth rain.

This concludes our letters again this month. May the summer months provide us with opportunity to study Cod’s Word in our families, and may the Lord Himself teach us the secrets which it contains.

With love,

Your friend,

“Uncle Garret”

THE TWO GUESTS (concluded)

The Guests Meet

The host climbed the creaky stairs up to the monk’s room, but the baron, who had no patience, followed on his heels. The door was opened, and the monk appeared, who returned the hearty morning greeting from the baron in a polite tone.

The monk turned out to be a man of approximately thirty-five years old, a short man, but firmly built. His face, though not particularly handsome, showed intelligence and friendliness, authority and determination. His big blue eyes, and his mouth, all made a favorable impression on the baron.

“Your honor, father,” the baron began, as he entered the room, “I want to thank you kindly for the blessing I have received from your wonderful songs and prayers. I know your time is valuable, as our host has told me that you would like to depart as soon as possible, but if you could, it would give me much pleasure to hear another of your beautiful hymns. They have greatly encouraged me, and I long for the waters of life of which your songs speak.”

“It is true, sir, that I am in a hurry, but I will not turn down your friendly request. Sit down, and I will sing a hymn for you.” The monk took his harp and played a tune as he began to sing a song which expressed great faith. The effect on the listener was paralyzing, as he listened with his hands folded, now and then mumbling: “Amen, amen!” His emotions were so deeply stirred that the tears rolled unashamedly down his cheeks.

When the monk had ended his song, the baron stood up, and full of emotion, he held both hands of the singer in his own. As they both stood there with their hands clasped together, the presence of a divine Being was felt by both, which made them feel a spiritual oneness which could not be put into words.

Finally, the baron broke the silence. “Honorable father, your singing was so beautiful and pure and it has been a blessing for me. Now, if I may, I would like to know if you would answer a question for me?”

“What is your question?”

“It is this: What do you think about the doctrine brought forward by Augustine? Can we, by good works and upright sorrow, be delivered from our sins? Or, is this only possible through the blood of the Lord Jesus? Are we truly incapable of doing any good, and prone to all evil?”

The monk listened with a great deal of interest. “Those are deep questions,” he replied with a smile. “It seems to me that, besides your faith, you have also obtained a high degree of religious knowledge. I think we could get along fine together.”

“Yes, I think so too,” answered the baron.

The monk had hit the nail right on the head. The baron had indeed read a great deal, and studied more than most people in his time. Now von Erbach waited in anticipation for the answer which the monk would give him. He started by telling about many of the old church fathers, and finally came to the man, Augustine. The monk had read everything he had been able to find about this famous man. He said that, after the Apostle Paul, there had never been a man who had done as much for God’s kingdom as Augustine. He felt that this man had been the greatest hero of faith in the history of the church.

Von Erbach could not agree with everything the monk told him, objecting to some of the things he said. Now and then he would also ask questions, upon which the monk would delve deeper into these things in order to explain more fully. Von Erbach was thoroughly in his element, having never enjoyed such intelligent company before. He had certainly been fortunate to become acquainted with this man, for he could learn much from him. Questions that no one had ever been able to answer for him, this plain monk could clarify in great detail.

The baron completely forgot his surroundings, the time and the purpose for which he had arisen that morning. How was that possible?

This all came about because of the strange guest who kept him spellbound with his words and who, with his answers and explanations, filled him with a feeling of spiritual refreshment. Instead of spending only a few moments with the monk, several hours had already passed by. Neither man noticed. They were totally absorbed in their conversation; thus, time, place, and purpose were forgotten.

The Baron Asks the Monk a Favor

A hesitant knock sounded at the door. Both guests were startled at the sound, and the baron called: “Come in!”

Shyly, the host of the inn stepped inside. “I beg your pardon, sir, but would it not be better to have the horses stalled again? They have been saddled for several hours already, and are becoming restless. Your carriage and horse have been ready this long too, and the poor animal is getting tired,” he added, turning himself to the monk.

The host had been alerted by both the servants who had been waiting with the horses. They were becoming nervous and impatient as well, for they could not understand what was going on, especially since they had received specific instructions to be ready to depart at an early hour. Now it was nearly noon, and they were still waiting.

Von Erbach was shocked when he realized that he had already spent hours here in the room with this stranger. How was that possible? “Just tell my man that I will be there soon. It is terrible that I have forgotten my duty, but now I must be on my way. No, no, the horses must not be stalled again!”

“Oh, dear father,” he said, addressing the monk. “I have tremendously enjoyed our meeting, but I have forgotten my duties. However, I must tell you that I have never before been privileged to speak with anyone as knowledgeable as you, so you can understand that I am thankful for this opportunity. Many questions, that have troubled me for a long time, you have answered for me. I am deeply grateful to you, and I regret that this visit must come to an end. Now I must do my Christian duty and perform a very important task, and I do not doubt but that you will give me your wholehearted blessing, as I go on my way. May I count on that?”

“But, my dear sir,” answered the monk, “How can I give my blessing for something if I do not even know the purpose of your task? I cannot answer your request. Would you care to inform me as to the purpose of the mission which you must perform today? When I know what your mission is, I will give you an answer.”

“Of course you may know, honorable father. Actually my mission must be a secret, but whereas I have asked for your blessing, I must tell it to you. I am assured that when you hear what my mission is, that you will gladly send me on my way with your blessing so that I may be prospered in my purpose, to the honor of God and our holy mother.”

“Tell me then,” urged the monk.

“Listen then. I am on my way, with six men, to overtake a heretic. Several of my men have already covered the way to Wertheim, and I was to have joined them early this morning. I have been informed by reliable sources that this hated heretic will be travelling this route.”

“But which heretic are you talking about?” asked the monk.

“Who else but the shameless Augustinian monk from Wittenberg. Don’t you know how this fellow attacked our church last fall? He nailed ninety-five theses on the door of the chapel of Wittenberg, and brought the whole church into disarray.

He is now travelling to Heidelberg, if my sources are correct. Yesterday he was in the district of Miltenberg, and that is why I have had my men out watching for him. Oh, your honor, I must capture this heretic, and you must assure me of your blessing, for you are a good and upright divine man. I have vowed that 1 would rid the church of this terrible mocker, but I want your blessing, father; I need your blessing!”

“But my dear baron, you ask me for a blessing, but you have still not told me who it actually is that you must capture!”

“Oh, pardon me, didn’t I mention the name? I am sorry, but I was sure you would know who I was talking about. I am sure you must have heard of him, for everyone nowadays is speaking about this heretic. I mean Doctor Martin Luther!”

“Oh, you mean him?” replied the monk.

I am Doctor Martin Luther!

“Yes, sir, of whom else would I be speaking, but Martin Luther?” continued the baron, as his excitement grew. “He is the filthy, black sheep of the godly flock, the man who has caused so much unrest and difficulty. I know I will be doing a great service to the church if I can capture this heretic. And since I heard about his passing by this way, I knew this was my opportunity. That is why I have my men with me and, though I have been delayed by my visit with you, I still hope that today I will catch him!”

“Suppose you would indeed capture him, what do you plan to do with him?” asked the monk.

“Well, it is my plan to lock him up in my own castle; there my soldiers will interrogate him and use any means necessary to make him recant. We will torture him until the devils, with which he is possessed, come out of him, and he sorrowfully confesses his sins at the foot of Jesus’ cross. That is where he rightly must go shall it be well with him, honorable father.”

“But Lord von Erbach, suppose this man, Luther, refuses to racant and repent and insists on following his errors, what would your next plan of action be?” asked the monk calmly.

Von Erbach was impressed by the interest shown in this situation by this monk. Therefore, he answered, “See here, honorable father, it has cost me a great deal of money to pursue this mission, and I can assure you that I have not paid all this money to my informers for nothing! He will pay for this! If the heretic does not listen to my good advice, and remains stiff-necked in his errors, then I have other ways to subdue him. I will have him sent to Rome, and deliver him into the hands of the holy father. You can be sure that the pope will have him burned at the stake, and then he will have a foretaste of the hell-fire that awaits all mockers of God’s Name.

“Now I definitely must go, or this heretic will yet slip through my grasp. But I will not go before I have received your blessing, and I would also like to know your name, father. 1 know that you must be one of the most holy, knowledgeable, and devout sons of the mother church! I feel greatly honored to have had the privilege of meeting you, but to know your name would make my joy complete.”

“I will grant you your request,” answered the monk. “You do not have to go to any further trouble. The man you are searching for is standing before you. I am Doctor Martin Luther!”

The Guests Become Friends

The words of the monk shocked the baron so much that he stood as a post fixed to the ground. With wide eyes he stared at Luther, but he could not get one word to pass over his lips. It almost looked as though he would lose control of his senses, as a result of the shock of the words of this monk.

Luther saw this, and smiled. “Come, Lord Baron. Your task is complete. I am totally in your power, as you can see. If you are serious about your mission according to plan, to capture a harmless traveler who cannot defend himself, then go ahead. Why do you want to capture me? Is it only because I do not believe that the Pope has the power to forgive sins by being paid for those sins? You do not even know why I do not believe that, for you have never heard my argument against it. Call your men and let them bind me. I am totally in your hands; I have no weapon other than the living Word of Cod.”

“I will not even think about it!” Baron von Erbach shouted, the first words he could utter after that terrible shock.

“I have heard you speak,” he continued, “and I would like to hear more from you. Now I need not rush any more. Let us have our horses placed in the stall again, and I will send a message with my servant for my men to leave their post. It is a wonderful, providential work of God that you arrived here at the inn already yesterday, even though I had been assured that you would not arrive until today. Let us first enjoy a good meal; meanwhile, we can continue our conversation. I long to hear more from you.”

The host received the request to prepare a meal, and as they enjoyed the food that was brought to them, Luther fulfilled the desire of the baron, and started explaining the pure gospel truth, which was so distorted and darkened in the Romish church because of all kinds of errors.

The baron listened —listened as he had never listened before, and received the words of life into his heart where room had been made by Cod.

As evening approached, both guests travelled from the inn, “Zum Reisen,” towards the castle—Luther having interrupted his trip to Heidelberg in order to grant the request of the baron to accompany him so that he could present him to his wife.

Both men entered the hall of the castle where the baron’s wife had anxiously been waiting. The baron, greeting his wife said laughingly, “I am back safe and sound, and my mission is accomplished! Here is the great heretic, Doctor Martin Luther! We have turned the tables; he is the captor and I am the prisoner. It has gone with me as with Paul: I set out to do him evil and to take him a prisoner, but he has made me a prisoner. He has been the means of my conversion, and I thank God for that!”

“How can that be, Eberhard?” asked his astonished wife. “You speak in riddles; I do not understand.”

“I will tell you all about it, dear wife, and Doctor Martin Luther will tell both you and me a great deal more—just wait!”

Luther remained several days as a guest at the castle. He spoke often with the baron and his wife, and he was successful in winning their hearts to the cause of the Reformation.

Luther never forgot the unusual circumstances in which he met the Lord von Erbach at the inn, “Zum Reisen,” and both “guests” remained lifelong friends.

WHAT SHALL IT PROFIT?

A young university graduate came to live in a village where a faithful minister preached. The young man was renowned for his cleverness, especially in mathematics.

Before long the minister and the scholar met. Before they parted the minister said, “I have heard that you are celebrated for your mathematical skill. I have a problem I would like you to solve.”

“What is it?” eagerly replied the young man.

Solemnly the minister answered, “What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

The text struck. In vain did the young man try to shake it off—in his work, in pleasure, in studying—and at length his whole life was graciously changed.

IN HIS STEPS

‘The road is too rough, dear Lord,” I cried
“There are stones that hurt me so.”
And he said, “Dear Child, I understand,
I walked it long ago.”
“But there is a cool green path,” I said;
“Let me walk there for a time.”
“No, child,” He gently answered me,
“The green road does not climb.”
“But I wish that there were friends with me,
Who would make my way their own”
“Ah yes,” He said,
“Gethsemane was hard to bear alone.”
And so I climbed the stony path
Content at last to know,
That where my Master had not gone
I would not have to go.
And strangely then, I found new friends;
The burden grew less sore;
As I remembered, long ago,
He went that way before.

UNDERSTANDING

Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore, seek not to understand that thou mayest believe, but believe that thou mayest understand.

—Augustine

AN EXTRACT FROM THE DIARY OF HENRY ALLNUT

This 20th day of June (1877), I feel moved in my mind to record, with thankfulness more than I can express, the mercy and goodness of the Lord to me, in the gifts He has bestowed on me for the help, comfort, and edification of His saints; while I feel most willing to be last, least, smallest, yet not to the despising or lessening of His grace, power, and wisdom; but rather that it may more abundantly shine forth; for God hath chosen “things which are not to bring to nought things which are.”

To this my brethren that have received me—and my enemies that have despised me — shall bear witness. My gift in speaking in the Name of the Lord —times, place, manner, matter, power, wisdom, subjects, all are entirely of the Lord, and as great a wonder to me as to any that ever heard me.

2ndly. In praying, the power, freeness, nearness, and sweetness, all are from the Lord.

3rdly. Giving out hymns and singing, the power and suitability are from the Lord.

4thly. Correspondence by letter, or conversation with saints; and,

5thly. Reading and expounding God’s Word, are all from the Lord. To Him alone be the praise.

I feel a sweet comfort, peace, and thankfulness to the Lord, with prayer, to record and testify these mercies soberly, calmly, and truthfully; believing assuredly I am, have been, and shall be manifested a sweet savor unto God in them that believe and in them that perish. And who is sufficient for these things?

I feel fully assured in my mind that these gifts bestowed on me have not lost any of their worth or value to this day; are not dried up, not a well without water, nor clouds without rain; nor am I a wandering star, nor a tree whose fruit withereth; but a spring and fountain of life flowing from the fear of the Lord within me; the Holy Ghost, the blessed Remembrancer, revealing things to me new, precious, sweet, rich, holy. With these am I daily enriched, but in my outward man, become daily weaker, and shall till the weakest dies. Faithfully and truthfully these things I record.

Good when He gives, supremely good,
Nor less when He denies;
E’en crosses in His sovereign hand
Are blessings in disguise.

— Submitted by EK

THE SHEPHERD

Where are you going, Shepherd?
To find my sheep.
How far will you go?
As far as my sheep.
How far may that be?
To the world’s end.
How long will you seek it?
Until I find it.
When you find it, will it come to you?
No, it will flee from me.
Where will it go then?
To the rocks and the sand.
When will it stop?
When it can run no more.
What will you do then?
Carry it home!

—Author Unknown

UNITY AND PERSEVERANCE

One bee from May to October, though flying thousands of miles, will only gather one spoonful of honey, yet by combined effort there is seldom less than one hundred pounds of honey in a hive. If the “weak things” of the Lord were only united and pulling together, how often they would “confound the things that are mighty” (1 Cor. 1:27).

HIS FAVORITE PRIZE

There is an old soldier of my acquaintance, said Mr. Hucklesby, of London, who carries on his breast several medals, and it is his delight to talk about those medals. There is one medal in particular of which he usually says he would rather die than part with. If you ask him, “Why think so much of it?” he will reply, “Think much of it! why, Queen Victoria herself with her own hand pinned that medal on my breast, and I would rather die than part with it!”

Paul looked forward to the time when his Lord was going to place on his brow before all heaven with His own pierced hand a crown of righteousness (2 Tim. 4:8). Do you also long for this best prize?

Garret J. Moerdyk serves as elder in the Netherlands Reformed Congregation of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Deze tekst is geautomatiseerd gemaakt en kan nog fouten bevatten. Digibron werkt voortdurend aan correctie. Klik voor het origineel door naar de pdf. Voor opmerkingen, vragen, informatie: contact.

Op Digibron -en alle daarin opgenomen content- is het databankrecht van toepassing. Gebruiksvoorwaarden. Data protection law applies to Digibron and the content of this database. Terms of use.

Printen