We cannot have flowers without roots, or fruit without trees. We cannot have the fruit of the Spirit, without vital union with Christ, and a new creation within.
– JC Ryle –
from Expository Thoughts on the Gospels (Volume 2: Luke 6:27-38), 1856
Holy Spirit
Entertain the Holy Spirit – Richard Sibbs
Keep the soul open to entertain the Holy Ghost, for he will bring in continually fresh forces to subdue corruption.
– Richard Sibbs –
from The Bruised Reed, 1630
Listening to What God Says – Andrew Murray
I want my spirit to be a listening spirit waiting to hear what God says.
– Andrew Murray –
The History of God’s Specific Movements – T. Austin-Sparks
The history of God’s specific movements with the Church is not the history of His adding something, but of His bringing back to the primal fullness with which He filled His Son.
– T. Austin-Sparks –
May Jesus Always Be in the Thoughts – Henry Scougal
Oh! that the holy life of the blessed Jesus may be always in my thoughts, and before mine eyes, till I receive a deep sense and impression of those excellent graces that shined so eminently in him; and let me never cease my endeavours, till that new and divine nature prevail in my soul, and Christ be formed within me.
– Henry Scougal –
from The Life of God in the Soul of Man
Your Support and Comfort for Affliction – Brother Lawrence
Continue, then, always with God; it is the only support and comfort for your affliction.
– Brother Lawrence –
from The Practice of the Presence of God
Prayer Develops the Life of God In Us – Oswald Chambers
Prayer is not meant to develop us, but to develop the life of God in us after the new birth.
– Oswald Chambers –
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
My Response to God’s Ability – Corrie ten Boom
It is not my ability, but my response to Gods ability, that counts.
– Corrie ten Boom –