Nowhere can we get to know the holiness of God, and come under His influence and power, except in the inner chamber. It has been well said: “No man can expect to make progress in holiness who is not often and long alone with God.”
– Andrew Murray –
Spiritual Growth
A Pharisee vs A Spiritual Man – AW Tozer
A Pharisee is hard on others and easy on himself, but a spiritual man is easy on others and hard on himself.
– AW Tozer –
Unreasonable Expectations – JC Ryle
The hard judgments and unreasonable expectations of old disciples have often driven back and discouraged young beginners in the school of Christ.
– JC Ryle –
from Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, 1856
The Height and Depth of God’s Word – DL Moody
I thank God there is in (God’s Word) a height I have never been able to reach, a depth I have never been able to fathom, a length and a breadth I know nothing about. It makes the book all the more fascinating and proves it divine.
– DL Moody –
Praying for Others – Samuel Rutherford
I have been helped … by praying for others; for by making an errand to God for them, I have gotten something for myself.
– Samuel Rutherford –
1600-1661
Different From the Rest of Mankind – Richard Baxter
That this Spirit is given to all true believers is evident by the effects of his being given. They have ends, affections, and lives different from the rest of mankind; they live upon the hopes of a better life, and their heavenly interest overrules all the opposite interest of this world. In order to this they live under the conduct of divine authority, and to obey and please God is the great business of their lives.
– Richard Baxter –
from Dying Thoughts, 1683
No Need for Envy in Spiritual Things – Richard Sibbes
In spiritual things there is no basis for envy, for everyone may partake of everything. In the things of this life there is envy, because the more one has, the less another has. But for more to partake of spiritual things is a matter of glory and excellency.
– Richard Sibbes –
from Glorious Freedom, 1639
The Way of Simplicity – AW Tozer
If we would find God amid all the religious externals we must first determine to find him, and then proceed in the way of simplicity. …We must put away all effort to impress, and come with the guileless candor of childhood. If we do this, without doubt God will quickly respond.
– AW Tozer –
from The Pursuit of God
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 –