As the Lord makes use of all the seasons of the year, frost and heat, to produce the harvest, so all prosperous and adverse providences are for the promoting of the work of holiness in the soul.
– Thomas Watson –
from The Godly Man’s Picture
Trials
God Takes Part With Those Who Fear Him – John Bunyan
The great God, the former of all things, taketh part with them that fear him, and engage themselves to walk in his ways, of love, and respect, they bear unto him; so that such may boldly say, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:6).
– John Bunyan –
from All Loves Excelling, 1692
Turn Loneliness Into Solitude and Prayer – Elisabeth Elliot
Turn your loneliness into solitude, and your solitude into prayer.
– Elisabeth Elliot –
from The Path of Loneliness
Radical Christians – Paul Washer
Radical Christians are not people who wear Christian t-shirts. Radical Christians are those who bear fruit of the Holy Spirit. … A little boy, Andrew, a Muslim shot him five times through the stomach and left him on a sidewalk simply because he said, “I am so afraid, but I can not deny Jesus Christ! Please don’t kill me! But I will not deny Him!” He died in a pool of blood, and you talk about being a radical Christian because you wear a t-shirt!
– Paul Washer –
A Concern Too Small for Prayer? – Corrie ten Boom
Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.
– Corrie ten Boom –
Strong Paths, Strong Shoes – Corrie ten Boom
If God sends us on strong paths, we are provided strong shoes.
– Corrie ten Boom –
Empty to Restore Life – Jim Elliot
Naomi had to become empty before God could restore life (1:21, 4:15). The weakness of two widows at the mercy of God He uses to give ancestry to great David and David’s Lord. Naomi’s tendency was to become embittered at her loss, not knowing this was God’s way to make Hi and her name remembered (4:11) in Israel. How like Orpah I am prone to kiss, to display full devotion and turn away; how unlike Ruth, cleaving and refusing to part except at death (1:14-17). Eternal Lover, make Thou Thyself inseparable from my unstable soul. Be Thou the object bright and fair to fill and satisfy the heart. My hope to meet Thee in the air, and never more from Thee to part!
– Jim Elliot –
from his Journals
Is Your Commission Considered a Sacrifice? – David Livingston
If a commission from an earthly kin is considered an honor, how can a commission from a heavenly king be considered a sacrifice?
– David Livingston –
Context of Persecution – Leon Morris
The work of the Holy Spirit in the church is done in the context of persecution. The Spirit is not a guide and a helper for those on the straight way perfectly able to manage on their own. He comes to assist people caught up in the thick of battle and tried beyond their strength. Jesus makes it quite plain that the way before his followers is a hard and difficult way.
– Leon Morris –