Grace Gems

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We have to paint the pictures ourselves!

(J.R. Miller, "Evening Thoughts" 1907)

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:11-12

We are always at school. Our business here on earth, is to learn.

The Christian virtues and graces are not put into our lives, as one hangs up pictures on the wall of a room--finished and perfect in their beauty. Rather, we have to paint the pictures ourselves!

Paul tells us that he had learned contentment. It did not come into his life at his conversion, as a gift from his new Master.

The word he uses indicates, too, that the learning was not easy. He says he knew both how to be filled and to be hungry. That is, his contentment did not depend on circumstances. He had the secret in his own heart, and he was content through all manner of experiences.

But it was not always so with him. His contentment was not a matter of temperament, nor was it a divine gift--he had learned it! Nor was he a young man when he said this--it had taken him years to learn the lesson.

It is the same with all the beautiful things in Christian character--we have to learn them! We have to learn to be patient, to be thoughtful, to be at peace, to be loving, to be kind, to be humble and meek.

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Her friends wondered what the secret could be!

(J.R. Miller, "Evening Thoughts" 1907)

"Whom having not seen, you love." 1 Peter 1:8

One tells of a young girl who became wondrously beautiful in her life, growing into a rare Christ-likeness. Her friends wondered what the secret could be. She wore a little locket upon her bosom which she always kept closed, refusing to allow anyone to see within it. Once, however, when she was very ill, a friend was permitted to open it, and found there only a small piece of paper, bearing the Scripture verse, "Whom not having seen, I love."

This told the whole delightful story. Her love for the unseen Christ was the secret of that beautiful spiritual life which had so impressed itself upon her friends.

If we love the unseen Friend, our life will be steadfast in all trial, and will be transformed little by little into the beauty of Christ!

"Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious!" 1 Peter 2:7Her friends wondered what the secret could be!

(J.R. Miller, "Evening Thoughts" 1907)

"Whom having not seen, you love." 1 Peter 1:8

One tells of a young girl who became wondrously beautiful in her life, growing into a rare Christ-likeness. Her friends wondered what the secret could be. She wore a little locket upon her bosom which she always kept closed, refusing to allow anyone to see within it. Once, however, when she was very ill, a friend was permitted to open it, and found there only a small piece of paper, bearing the Scripture verse, "Whom not having seen, I love."

This told the whole delightful story. Her love for the unseen Christ was the secret of that beautiful spiritual life which had so impressed itself upon her friends.

If we love the unseen Friend, our life will be steadfast in all trial, and will be transformed little by little into the beauty of Christ!

"Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious!" 1 Peter 2:7

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God's chisel and hammer!

(J.R. Miller, "Evening Thoughts" 1907)

"Then those who feared the Lord  talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A book of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord  and honored His name. 'These shall be Mine,' says the Lord Almighty, 'in that day when I make up My jewels!'" Malachi 3:16-17

In the prophet Malachi's time, when nearly all the people had forsaken God, there were a few who were faithful. These met together and spoke one to another. They became very dear to God, and a book of remembrance was kept in which their names and their faithfulness were recorded.

"These shall be Mine in that day when I make up My jewels!"

Jewels are valuable. God gave His beloved Son for the redemption of His chosen people.

Jewels are prepared by cutting, grinding, and polishing, until they shine in brilliant beauty. God's people are subjected to many painful trials and experiences in preparing them for their heavenly home.

Jewels are used for adornment and for honor. They shine in the king's crown. The saints in Heaven shall shine as jewels in Jesus' crown!

If only we knew how precious we are to God, and what hidden glory shall be ours, waiting to shine out at last--we would rejoice with unspeakable joy!

What do a few troubles and pains matter now, if it is only the work of God's chisel and hammer cutting away the hindering crust, to reveal the precious diamond!

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The lesson applies to other things besides bread!

(J.R. Miller, "Evening Thoughts" 1907)

"Gather the fragments that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." John 6:12

"Waste not, want not," says the proverb.

It seems remarkable that He who could so easily multiply the few loaves into an abundant meal, should be so particular about saving the fragments that remained left over. But He would teach us economy by His own example.

The lesson applies to other things besides bread. We should never waste anything! Many people waste whole years of time in the little fragments which they lose every day. If, at the end of a year, they could gather up all these fragments, they would have many basketfuls of precious pieces of golden time.

In mints where gold is coined, the sweepings of the floor, the settlings of the water in which the men wash their hands, the very smoke from the furnaces, are all carefully swept through for fine particles of precious gold; and during the years large sums are recovered in this way.

If only we would learn to care as scrupulously for the fragments of the precious things which pass through our hands, we would be far richer at the end of our life.

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The influence of such a habitual encourager never can be measured!

(J.R. Miller, "Evening Thoughts" 1907)

"For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory." 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

Like the apostle Paul, we should strive to be encouragers. He who makes it harder for a brother to live nobly and do his work well, has sinned against one of Christ's little ones.

We dare not go about among our fellows saying discouraging things, dispiriting things--for if we do, we are imperiling those whose burdens are already as heavy as they can bear. One disheartening word may cause them to weaken and sink down in despair.

The law of love bids us bear one another's burdens, and there is no other way in which we can do this so effectively, as by living a life of joy. He who goes among men throughout the day with glad heart and cheerful face, speaking some encouraging words to everyone he meets, saying something uplifting in every ear--is a wonderful inspirer of strength, courage, and hope, in others. His is a divine ministry of good to others. He makes every one a little braver and stronger. Weary plodders pluck up fresh energy after meeting him. Fainting ones awake to new courage when his hopeful words have fallen upon their ears. The influence of such a habitual encourager never can be measured!

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

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Do it as Jesus would do it!

(J.R. Miller, "Evening Thoughts" 1907)

"Whatever you do, whether in word or deed--do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus." Colossians 3:17

To do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, is to do it as Jesus would do it, if He were in your place. One may do the lowliest things in a heavenly way--and another may do heavenly things in a worldly way. One may work in the humblest calling--and live a saintly life; while another may be engaged in what is called a sacred calling--and yet may do his work in an undevout manner. A street-sweeper may be more saintly, may live nearer to God, and may be a better follower of Jesus--than a minister who is busy in incessant religious duties.

Browning represents the angel Gabriel taking a boy's tasks in this world, doing the work well, and praising God meanwhile.

We have something finer even than that, however, not in a mere poet's imagination--but in the gospel narrative. Jesus, the son of God, came to earth, lived a human life, and worked at a common trade!

"Yes, yes, a carpenter--same trade as mine,
 It warms my heart as I read that line.
 I can stand the hard work, I can stand the poor pay,
 For I'll see that Carpenter at no distant day!"

"I have set you an example that you should do as I have done." John 13:15

"Leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps!" 1 Peter 2:21

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The small coins of love!

(J.R. Miller, "Evening Thoughts" 1907)

"Be kind and compassionate to one another" Ephesians 4:32

We should be always kind. Nothing is more helpful than kindness. Nothing else does more to brighten the world and sweeten other lives.

Kindnesses are the small coins of love. We should always be ready to scatter these coins wherever we go. Kindnesses are usually little things that we do as we go along our daily path--wayside acts, touches, words, little helpful things. We never know when we do any little thing in love for Christ, what the end of it will be--what a harvest of good will finally come from it. It is better to do a thousand little kindnesses every day, than to do a great deed of love once in a year, and then fail to be kind in the common days.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

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The woman had left her only child dead in her home!

(J.R. Miller, "Evening Thoughts" 1907)

"Gehazi asked: Is it well with the child?
 And she answered: It is well." 2 Kings 4:26

The woman had left her only child dead in her home, and was riding in haste to the prophet Elisha to tell him of her sorrow. Yet on the way, in answer to an inquiry concerning her child, she answered, "It is well."

Our Christian faith may always say the same in any circumstances of affliction or trouble or sorrow. This is our Father's world! God has all power and could save us from any sorrow or suffering if He wished. He is all-loving, and when He permits any trial to touch us, it is because it will be a blessing to us. He is all-wise, and knows what is best for us.

We do not know what is best for us. We would make pitiful work of our life if, for even a single day, our affairs and experiences were left in our own hands! But in God's hands, no mistake will ever be made. Whatever may come, therefore, we may say always, "It is well!"

"He has done all things well!" Mark 7:37

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!" Romans 8:28

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We would not be so perplexed by the mysteries of our lives!

(J.R. Miller, "Evening Thoughts" 1907)

"God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:10-11

We are not in this world merely to have a pleasant time--but to be fashioned into beauty of Christly character. If we would always remember this, we would not be so perplexed by the mysteries of our lives.

If joy is ours--it is to make us a greater blessing to others.

If sorrow is ours--it is to bring out Christ's image in us more clearly.

If our hopes are disappointed--it is because God has some better thing for us, than that which we so earnestly desire.

If we are called to endure pain--it is because godly character can only be matured by affliction.

If bereavement comes and we are left without the human arm we have always leaned upon--it is because there are elements of character in our life which never could be developed unless the human support were removed.

If our burdens are heavy--it is because we grow best under burdens.

If we suffer wrong--it is to teach us better the great lessons of meekness, patience and sweet temper.

Always the Master is making us into the beauty of the holy pattern He has set for us, and preparing us for greater usefulness and better service!

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

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The unconscious influences of our lives

(J.R. Miller, "Evening Thoughts" 1907)

"After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." 1 Kings 19:12

It is not in noise that God usually reveals Himself in greatest power. He works silently, without noise.

Jesus was a still small voice in this world. He did not strive nor cry out; neither was His voice heard in the streets. He did not break a bruised reed, so gentle was He in His goings and in His workings. Yet that one sweet, quiet life, pouring forth its spirit of love and tenderness, wrought more than has been wrought by all the armies of conquerors since the world began!

In the same way, it is the silent things, the unconscious influences of our lives, which make the deepest and most lasting impressions--and not the things which get advertised in the papers, and are most talked about.

If we would be effective in our work, we must learn to work quietly.

The greatest preacher is the one who most deeply impresses men, in matters that affect their living and serving, inciting and inspiring them to worthy deeds and beautiful godly living. The best Christian workers are those who make the least noise. We never can do our best work if we have not learned to work quietly, for Christ glory, and not for our own exaltation.

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I love to trace there the footsteps of my Father!

(John MacDuff, "Ripples in the Twilight" 1885)

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge!" Psalm 19:1-2

GOD IN NATURE! I love to trace there the footsteps of my Father!

His watchful stars look down kindly and lovingly from their heights.

There is a touch of beauty even in Alpine solitudes--the piles of driven snow like white mantles woven by angels; the translucent light of fairy grottoes, their roofs pendent with icicle, and distant or overhanging peaks gleaming with the gold of the morning, or with evening ruby.

That great and wide sea, with its dancing waves and troughs of chameleon hue.

The whisper of the forest and the sympathetic music of its million leaves.

The pastures clothed with flocks, the valleys also covered over with grain.

The sparkling rivulet winding its thread of silver, singing with gentle ripple, and taking its part in the blessing of Creation.

The Almighty has thus put His loving and creative thoughts into His world. We can devoutly say, "How precious also are Your thoughts unto me, O God; how great is the sum of them!"

Yes, with all this apparent to his vision--who can see and recognize the Great Ruler of all--only in mists and storms, the boom of the thunder, the flash of the lightning, the tremors of the earthquake, and the havoc of the avalanche? These are the abnormal occurrences in His mighty sway--a few exceptional notes in the great hymn and harmonies of eternal love.

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So mighty--yet so loving!

(John MacDuff, "Ripples in the Twilight" 1885)

What a wonderful Savior! So mighty--yet so loving!

Spurning, indeed, all baseness and vileness, all mere lip-homage and hypocrisy.
Upsetting all false human ideals and empty philosophies.
At war with conventional empty religious rituals.
Denouncing every white-washed sepulcher that serves only to screen spiritual rottenness.

But welcoming . . .
  many of those who were looked at askance by their fellows;
  some who were the subjects of social ostracism;
  those deemed fit only to be trampled, as bruised battered flowers, underneath the feet;
  the repentant harlot and sinner, the prodigal, the outcast, the lost.

His heart is a very hive of tenderness . . .
  washing His disciples' feet in token of humility;
  standing by the grave of buried affection;
  wiping away the tear of bereavement;
  calming the paroxysms of untold sorrow;
  arrested by the penitential sighings of the contrite spirit.

In a word, imparting . . .
  rest to the weary and heavy-laden,
  hope to the desponding,
  sympathy to the mourner,
  healing to the brokenhearted; and
  finally showing, in the scenes of Gethsemane and Calvary which crowned that Incarnation of suffering love--what He the Divine Man could do and dare for perishing sinners.

The kindness of the kindest on earth has a limit--His had none.
Human affection and love may come and go--but His flows on forever!

"Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you!" Jeremiah 31:3

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The world's pleasures are often curses in disguise!

(John MacDuff, "Ripples in the Twilight" 1885)

"Jabez called on the God of Israel saying: 'Oh, that You would bless me indeed!' So God granted him what he requested." 1 Chronicles 4:10

There is much apparent good not worth calling by the name. What the world speaks of as blessings are, some of them, often worthless, and many of them positively evil and detrimental. They are counterfeits--they do not bear upon them the coinage and currency of Heaven. Satan has disguised them--stamped them as true metal--while they are base alloy!

Let us leave our blessings, and the method of their bestowal, with the Giver of every good and perfect gift--into His hand committing our earthly all, with this prayer of intense fervor yet of simple faith, "Oh that You would bless me indeed!" I want nothing which the world calls a blessing, unless You think it proper for me. I want no shadows--no baubles. I do not ask for riches--they may be a snare to me. I do not ask for . . .
  the cup running over,
  the barns full,
  the fig-tree blossoming,
  the home-nest without the thorn.
These might alienate me from Yourself, and bind me only closer to earth!

I want blessings indeed. God of Israel! I am no judge of this. Whatever YOU give, will be a true blessing to me. And even if You take it away--I will strive to believe that the dark, painful dealing, is Your kindness to me also.

Yes, we repeat, the world's pleasures are often curses in disguise--like Cleopatra's viper, which was hidden in a basket of flowers. There is often . . .
  an adder lurking in the bed of roses,
  a fly in the ointment,
  poison in the wine-cup!

But the blessings of God are blessings bearing His own divine seal and signature. They may come . . .
  in frowning providences,
  in baffling dispensations,
  in strokes of the chastening rod.
For the present they may seem not joyous, but grievous. But I am content to be in His hands--joyful or sorrowful, in health or in sickness, living or dying. O my Father, give Your own blessing, and I shall bow my head in submission; for I can only hear in it accents of paternal love!

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A child can lisp it--but an archangel cannot fathom it!

(John MacDuff, "Ripples in the Twilight" 1885)

"But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions!" Ephesians 2:4-5

MERCY! It is a sinner's word. A child can lisp it--but an archangel cannot fathom it!

"The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy!" Psalm 103:8

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Thank God for hiding the future!

(John MacDuff, "Ripples in the Twilight" 1885)

There is no more gracious provision for our happiness, than what is contained in that brief saying of Scripture, "You do not know what will happen tomorrow!" James 4:14

If we knew in full, in this grief-stricken world, all that would befall us in the future--how sad would existence be! It would leave even prosperity without a note of gladness; for the certainty of losing our blessings, would rob us of all their enjoyment while we retained them. And thus moments of unbounded pleasure, would be clouded with the dark characters of anticipated sorrow.

How would the mother's joy be marred, as the object of her tender solicitude and affection was sporting by her side, or as she hung over the infant cradle--if she could pry with certainty into the future, and read the mournful sequel of that little history--the lingering sickness, the early grave, the blighted hopes, the desolated household, the broken heart. To know the future, would convert the few brief years of possession of her blessing, into consecutive hours of agony--the consciousness and foreknowledge that every moment was drawing nearer the fatal one--sitting by Time's sand-glass and marking grain by grain, as they dropped and fell, until the last grain of the diminishing heap announced, "The long-dreaded hour has arrived!"

But, thank God that the future is veiled! The storm and coming wreck are concealed, in order that the calm of the present waveless sea may be enjoyed.

Yes, we again say, thank God for hiding the future, and allowing us only to be conversant with the joys and sorrows of today.

"You do not know what will happen tomorrow!" James 4:14