If I am concerned that my flock be men and women of prayer, then, as their pastor, I must lead the way; apathy in me will produce apathy in them. The church prayer meeting ought to be the best attended in the week, and if it is, success will follow the ministry of the Word at the weekends. I would rather a thousand times set men and women to pray than teach them to preach.
– JD Drysdale –
Loneliness itself is material for sacrifice. The very longings themselves can be offered to Him who understands perfectly. The transformation into something He can use for the good of others takes place only when the offering is put into his hands. Loneliness is a required course for leadership.
– Elisabeth Elliot –
God is not looking for brilliant men, is not depending upon eloquent men, is not shut up to the use of talented men in sending His Gospel out in the world. God is looking for the broken men who have judged themselves in the light of the Cross of Christ. When He wants anything done, He takes up men who have come to the end of themselves, whose confidence is not in themselves, but in God.
– Harry A. Ironside –
A true shepherd leads the way. He does not merely point the way.
– Leonard Ravenhill –
The mind can only absorb what the seat can endure.
– Unknown –
Learn to say, “No,” and it will be of more use to you than to be able to read Latin.
– Charles Spurgeon –
I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.
– GK Chesterton –
A man can not lead others where he is not willing to go himself. Therefore, beware of the prayerless church leader who no longer readily admits his own need for more of the person and power of Jesus Christ. Only a seeking, praying heart can truly encourage spiritual HUNGER in others!
– David Smithers –
“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established” (Proverbs 16:3). By works he means not only every enterprise and business we undertake, but every puzzling, intricate and doubtful event we fear. These being once committed by an act of faith, and our wills resigned to His, besides the comfort we shall have in the issue, we shall have the present advantage of a well-composed and peaceful spirit.
– John Flavel –
from The Mystery of Providence, 1678