The mark of a life governed by the Holy Spirit is that such a life is continually and ever more and more occupied with Christ, that Christ becomes greater and greater as time goes on.
– T. Austin-Sparks –
Christian Life
March 17, 2012
I started at the bottom and loved just one; and if you love one, you can love many; and if many, you can love all.
– Rees Howells –
from Rees Howells Intercessor, 47
March 16, 2012
Just as it is impossible to be both a plant and a seed, so it is impossible for us to be surrounded by worldly honor and at the same time bear heavenly fruit.
– Amma Syncletica of Egypt –
380-460 AD
March 15, 2012
The Holy Spirit is the immediate source of all holiness. The missionary must above all things be a holy man. The ideal teacher … is a holy man. He is entirely sincere, and perfect in love. He is magnanimous, generous, benign, and full of forbearance. He is pure in heart, free from selfishness, and never swerves from the path of duty in his conduct. He is deep and active like a fountain, sending forth his virtues in due season. He is seen, and men revere him; he speaks, and men believe him; he acts, and men are gladdened by him. He possesses all heavenly virtues. He is one with Heaven.
– Griffith John –
March 14, 2012
Self-sourcing asks, “How can I use you?” Spirit-sourcing asks, “How can I minister to you?” Self-sourcing sees inconvenience. Spirit-sourcing sees opportunities. Self-sourcing protects and guards. Spirit-sourcing flows and gives. Self sourcing is demanding; Spirit-sourcing is giving. I become the answer to the needs of your life, because He is the answer to the needs of my life.
– Stephen Manley –
from Eating at the Cross (Acts 2.42)
March 13, 2012
When He was crucified He “did that in the wild weather of His outlying provinces which He had done at home in glory and gladness.” From before the foundation of the world, He surrenders begotten Deity back to begetting Deity in obedience.
– CS Lewis –
from The Problem of Pain
March 12, 2012
A marble cutter, with chisel and hammer, was changing a stone into a statue. A preacher looking on said: “I wish I could deal such changing blows on stony hearts.” The workman answered: “Maybe you could, if you worked like me, upon your knees.”
– Arthur T. Pierson –
March 11, 2012
Men and women who hear the Gospel regularly, I often fear much for you. I fear lest you become so familiar with the sounds of its doctrines, that insensibly you become dead to its power. I fear lest your religion should sink down into a little vague talk about your own weakness and corruption, and a few sentimental expressions about Christ, while real practical fighting on Christ’s side is altogether neglected. Oh, beware of this state of mind! Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only. No victory—no crown! Fight and overcome!
– J.C. Ryle –
from The Great Battle
March 10, 2012
Reputation is what other people think of us. Character is what God knows of us.
– Thomas Paine –