Compassion costs. It is easy enough to argue, criticize and condemn, but redemption is costly, and comfort draws from the deep. Brains can argue, but it takes heart to comfort.
– Samuel Chadwick –
Martin Luther on the Black Plague
I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God.
– Martin Luther –
concerning The Black Plague death of his day
Are You a Reservoir or a Canal? – Bernard of Clairvaux
If then you are wise, you will show yourself rather as a reservoir than as a canal. A canal spreads abroad water as it receives it, and a reservoir waits until it is filled before overflowing, and thus without loss to itself communicates its superabundant water. In the Church at the present day we have many canals but few reservoirs.
– Bernard of Clairvaux –
The Secret to Successful Work – Andrew Murray
The secret of successful work is to give away daily what we ourselves are receiving from God.
– Andrew Murray –
from The Ministry of Intercession
A Life Willing to be Unseen – Samuel Brengle
O Lord, above all things, make me a blessing to my comrades. I am not anxious for a place or name, and if Thou canst better use me to this end at the rear than at the front, I shall rejoice. But let me be a burning and shining light to my comrades!
– Samuel Brengle –
Prayer is the Chief Work – Thomas Hooker
Prayer is my chief work, and it is by means of it that I carry on the rest.
– Thomas Hooker –
Dependency Upon the Lord – Henry Scougal
Let us neither presume on our own strength, nor distrust thy divine assistance; but while we are doing our utmost endeavours, teach us still to depend on thee for success.
– Henry Scougal –
from The Life of God in the Soul of Man
How You Can Know How Spiritual You Are – Leonard Ravenhill
Not how many meetings you go to.
Not how many gifts you have.
Not how many sermons you preach.
Not how many records you’ve made.
Tell me what time you spend alone with God …
and I’ll tell you how spiritual you are.
– Leonard Ravenhill –
Feed My Sheep – Oswald Chambers
After the resurrection, Jesus Christ did not invite the disciples to a time of communion on the Mount of Transfiguration; He said – “Feed my sheep.”
– Oswald Chambers –