The Vine
"I am the true vine" (John 15:1)
All earthly things are shadows of heavenly realities. They are the expression, in created, visible forms, of God's invisible glory. The Life and the Truth are in heaven. On earth, we have figures and shadows of these heavenly truths. When Jesus says, "I am the true Vine," He tells us that all the vines of earth are pictures and emblems of Himself. He is the divine reality, of which they are the created expression. They all point to Him, preach Him, and reveal Him. If you want to know Jesus, study the vine.
Many eyes have gazed on and admired a great vine with its beautiful fruit. Come and gaze on the heavenly vine until your eye turns from all else to admire Him. Many who live in a sunny climate sit and rest under the shadow of a vine. Come and be still under the shadow of the true Vine, and rest under it from the heat of the day. What countless numbers rejoice in the fruit of the vine! Come, take, and eat of the heavenly fruit of the true Vine. Let your soul say, "I sat under His shadow with great delight, and His fruit was sweet to my taste."
I am the true Vine. This is a heavenly mystery. The earthly vine can teach you much about this Vine of heaven. Many interesting and beautiful points of comparison suggest themselves. They help us to understand what Christ meant. But, such thoughts do not teach us to know what the heavenly Vine really is, in its cooling shade, and its life-giving fruit. The experience of this is part of the hidden mystery, which no one but Jesus Himself - by the Holy Spirit - can unfold and impart.
I am the true Vine. The vine is the living Lord, who Himself speaks and gives and works all that He has for us. If you want to know the meaning and power of that word, do not look for it in thought or study. These may help to show what you need from Him in order to awaken desire, hope, and prayer. But, they cannot you the Vine. Jesus alone can reveal Himself. He gives His Holy Spirit to open the eyes to gaze upon Himself, to open the heart to receive Himself. He must Himself speak the word to you and me.
I am the true Vine. And what am I to do if I want the mystery, in all its heavenly beaut and blessing, opened up to me? With what you already know of the parable, bow down and be still. Worship and wait until the divine word enters your heart, and you feel His holy presence with you - in you. The overshadowing of His holy love will give you the perfect calm and rest of knowing that the Vine will do all.
I am the true Vine. He who speaks is God - in His infinite power able to enter into us. He is man - one with us. He is the crucified One, who won a perfect righteousness and a divine life for us through His death. He is the glorified One, who, from the throne, gives His Spirit to make His presence real and true. He speaks. Oh, listen, not only to His Words, but to Himself as He whispers secretly day by day. "I am the true Vine! All that the Vine can ever be to its branch, I will be to you."
Holy Lord Jesus, the heavenly Vine of God's own planting, I beseech You, reveal Yourself to my soul. Let the Holy Spirit, not only in thought, but in experience, teach me all that You, the Son of God, are to me as the true Vine. Amen
~Andrew Murray~
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Recognizing God's Handiwork
The work God does is creative. He made heaven, earth, and all living creatures. He formed Adam and Eve in His image and knitted each of us in our mother's womb.
His work is also powerful. Through His Son Jesus, He accomplished a great salvation for all who trust in the Savior. Our heavenly Father worked mightily to open a way for us to be reconciled to Him and adopted into His family. Not only that, but God's work is ongoing, and Jesus is the One who holds all things together .
In order to recognize God's handiwork, we need to pray in an active, persistent manner. Christ-centered prayers narrow our focus to the Lord. Then we can more readily identify His actions and see how to join Him. Self-centered petitions serve to distract us from Him.
The Father also wants our heart and mind yielded to His will. Pursuing our own agenda shifts the focus to ourselves and makes us lose sight of the Lord. But a submissive attitude prepares us to listen and obey. Regularly concentrating on God's Word will clear our minds and help us understand what the Lord is doing.
When we combine these disciplines with discernment and patience, we will have positioned ourselves to discover how God is working in our lives and in our world.
Our Lord is at work today--calling nonbelievers to saving faith and the redeemed to a closer walk with Him. His plans include individuals, families, and nations. Have you been too busy or distracted to notice what He's doing? Confess your inattention and refocus your heart and mind on Him.
~Dr. Charles F. Stanley~
Friday, May 1, 2015
Christlike Living in a Sinful World # 6
Life's battles and crises
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble!" Psalm 46:1
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" Philippians 4:13
Many a great battle is won by the reserves. The struggle is perfectly balanced, and victory is uncertain. Then, one side or the other brings up the reserve army, and instantly the question is settled.
Life's battles and crises are often determined in the same manner: by reserve resources — or their absence.
Our days are not all bright, easy, and free of pain. The course is not always smooth. We all have tasks and duties which completely overwhelm our ability. We are all assailed by spiritual foes and temptations — and victory comes only if we can call our reserves into action. Blessed are those who have learned to draw on theinfinite resources of divine strength. With the fullness of God as a reserve, they can never fail.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes!" Ephesians 6:10-11
"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus!" Philippians 4:19
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble!" Psalm 46:1
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" Philippians 4:13
Many a great battle is won by the reserves. The struggle is perfectly balanced, and victory is uncertain. Then, one side or the other brings up the reserve army, and instantly the question is settled.
Life's battles and crises are often determined in the same manner: by reserve resources — or their absence.
Our days are not all bright, easy, and free of pain. The course is not always smooth. We all have tasks and duties which completely overwhelm our ability. We are all assailed by spiritual foes and temptations — and victory comes only if we can call our reserves into action. Blessed are those who have learned to draw on theinfinite resources of divine strength. With the fullness of God as a reserve, they can never fail.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes!" Ephesians 6:10-11
"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus!" Philippians 4:19
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Reckless words
Some people boast of their honesty and frankness, just because they "say what they think," flinging out the words right and left as they come, no matter where theystrike, or whom they wound. Do not call this honesty — call it rather miserable rudeness, reckless cruelty.
We have no right to say what we think — unless we think lovingly and sweetly. We certainly have no right to unload . . .
our jealousies,
our envies,
our bad tempers, and
our miserable spite upon our neighbor.
If we must be bad-tempered, we should at least keep the ugliness locked up in our own heart, and not let it out to hurt other people's happiness. Or, if we must speakour wretched feelings, let us go into our own room and lock the door and close the windows, that no ears but our own shall hear our hateful words!
"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing!" Proverbs 12:18
"Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones!" Proverbs 16:24
Some people boast of their honesty and frankness, just because they "say what they think," flinging out the words right and left as they come, no matter where theystrike, or whom they wound. Do not call this honesty — call it rather miserable rudeness, reckless cruelty.
We have no right to say what we think — unless we think lovingly and sweetly. We certainly have no right to unload . . .
our jealousies,
our envies,
our bad tempers, and
our miserable spite upon our neighbor.
If we must be bad-tempered, we should at least keep the ugliness locked up in our own heart, and not let it out to hurt other people's happiness. Or, if we must speakour wretched feelings, let us go into our own room and lock the door and close the windows, that no ears but our own shall hear our hateful words!
"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing!" Proverbs 12:18
"Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones!" Proverbs 16:24
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It is good for me that I have been afflicted!
"I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me." Psalm 119:75
Our spiritual life needs trials to bring out its greatest possibilities. It flourishes most luxuriantly, in adverse circumstances. The very trials and temptations which make our life full of unceasing warfare — train us to be true soldiers of Christ. The difficulties of our experiences, which seem to us to be more than we can possibly endure — are the very school of life for us in which we learn our best lessons, and grow into whatever beauty and Christlike character we attain.
"Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word." Psalm 119:67
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes." Psalm 119:71
"I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me." Psalm 119:75
Our spiritual life needs trials to bring out its greatest possibilities. It flourishes most luxuriantly, in adverse circumstances. The very trials and temptations which make our life full of unceasing warfare — train us to be true soldiers of Christ. The difficulties of our experiences, which seem to us to be more than we can possibly endure — are the very school of life for us in which we learn our best lessons, and grow into whatever beauty and Christlike character we attain.
"Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word." Psalm 119:67
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes." Psalm 119:71
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Pleasant words
"How delightful is a timely word!" Proverbs 15:23
"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones!" Proverbs 16:24
How much better would it be if we were more generous and lavish of our good words, when our friends can be cheered and blessed by them! Sometimes we let other hearts starve, for lack of kindly words which lie meanwhile on our tongues, ready to be spoken. It is not the lack of love for which we are to be blamed — but the stinginess which locks up the love and will not give it out in word and act to bless hungry lives. Is there any miserliness so base? We let hearts starve close beside us, when we have the bread to feed them; and then, when they lie in the dust of defeat or death — we come with our love to speak eloquent funeral eulogies. Would it not be far better to give out our kind words when it will do good?
"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29
"How delightful is a timely word!" Proverbs 15:23
"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones!" Proverbs 16:24
How much better would it be if we were more generous and lavish of our good words, when our friends can be cheered and blessed by them! Sometimes we let other hearts starve, for lack of kindly words which lie meanwhile on our tongues, ready to be spoken. It is not the lack of love for which we are to be blamed — but the stinginess which locks up the love and will not give it out in word and act to bless hungry lives. Is there any miserliness so base? We let hearts starve close beside us, when we have the bread to feed them; and then, when they lie in the dust of defeat or death — we come with our love to speak eloquent funeral eulogies. Would it not be far better to give out our kind words when it will do good?
"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29
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Choosing Friends
We should choose friends whom we can take . . .
into every part of our life,
into closest fellowship,
into each holy joy of our heart,
into each work and service,
into each hope, and
at every point be in sympathy.
We ought to accept only the friendship . . .
which will bring blessing to our lives,
which will enrich our character,
which will stimulate us to better and holier things,
which will weave threads of silver and gold into our web of life,
whose every influence will be a lasting blessing.
We should choose friends whom we can take . . .
into every part of our life,
into closest fellowship,
into each holy joy of our heart,
into each work and service,
into each hope, and
at every point be in sympathy.
We ought to accept only the friendship . . .
which will bring blessing to our lives,
which will enrich our character,
which will stimulate us to better and holier things,
which will weave threads of silver and gold into our web of life,
whose every influence will be a lasting blessing.
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Enlarge your desires and your prayers!
Enlarge your desires and your prayers! Do not ask merely for mercies, and favors, and ordinary gifts. Do not ask God merely to give you bread, and health, and friends, and prosperity. Do not content yourself with asking . . .
for grace to help in temptation,
or for strength to fill up your weakness,
or for wisdom to guide you in confusion,
or for holiness and purity and power.
Ask for God Himself, and then open your heart to receive Him. If you have God — then you have all other gifts and blessings in Him. God is willing to give you Himself for the asking, not merely the favors and benefits which His hand provides. Ask for great things!
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think!" Ephesians 3:20
"He has all — who has the haver of all." Augustine
Enlarge your desires and your prayers! Do not ask merely for mercies, and favors, and ordinary gifts. Do not ask God merely to give you bread, and health, and friends, and prosperity. Do not content yourself with asking . . .
for grace to help in temptation,
or for strength to fill up your weakness,
or for wisdom to guide you in confusion,
or for holiness and purity and power.
Ask for God Himself, and then open your heart to receive Him. If you have God — then you have all other gifts and blessings in Him. God is willing to give you Himself for the asking, not merely the favors and benefits which His hand provides. Ask for great things!
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think!" Ephesians 3:20
"He has all — who has the haver of all." Augustine
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The sacred and holy trust
Oh that God would give every mother a vision of the glory and splendor of the work that is given to her, when a babe is place in her bosom to be nursed and trained! Could she have but one glimpse in to the future of that life as it reaches on into eternity; could she look into its soul to see its possibilities; could she be made to understand her own personal responsibility for the training of this child, for the development of its life, and for its destiny — she would see that in all God's world, there is no other work so noble and so worthy of her best powers, and she would commit to no others hands, the sacred and holy trust given to her.
Oh that God would give every mother a vision of the glory and splendor of the work that is given to her, when a babe is place in her bosom to be nursed and trained! Could she have but one glimpse in to the future of that life as it reaches on into eternity; could she look into its soul to see its possibilities; could she be made to understand her own personal responsibility for the training of this child, for the development of its life, and for its destiny — she would see that in all God's world, there is no other work so noble and so worthy of her best powers, and she would commit to no others hands, the sacred and holy trust given to her.
~J. R. Miller~
Christlike Living in a Sinful World # 5
An unreached goal in this life
"She has done what she could!" Mark 14:8
No one can do all that he knows he ought to do, or that he wants to do. Yet when we have done our duty, faithfully and earnestly, according to the light and the wisdom given to us — we should not regret afterwards, if it appears that we might have done things with more wisdom or with greater skill. We cannot get thebenefits of experience, until we have already gone through the experience. We cannot have an elder's ripe wisdom, in the days of our youth. We are able to see when a day is done, how we might have lived it better. We should bring to every hour's work — our finest skill, our best wisdom, our purest strength — and then feel no regret, even if it does not seem well done. Perfection is always an unreached goal in this life. Duty is always too large for us. We can never do more than a portion of it.
"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect — but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14
"Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things — I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord!" Matthew 25:23
"She has done what she could!" Mark 14:8
No one can do all that he knows he ought to do, or that he wants to do. Yet when we have done our duty, faithfully and earnestly, according to the light and the wisdom given to us — we should not regret afterwards, if it appears that we might have done things with more wisdom or with greater skill. We cannot get thebenefits of experience, until we have already gone through the experience. We cannot have an elder's ripe wisdom, in the days of our youth. We are able to see when a day is done, how we might have lived it better. We should bring to every hour's work — our finest skill, our best wisdom, our purest strength — and then feel no regret, even if it does not seem well done. Perfection is always an unreached goal in this life. Duty is always too large for us. We can never do more than a portion of it.
"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect — but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14
"Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things — I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord!" Matthew 25:23
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No one gets the crown — without the conflict!
"To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God!" Revelation 2:7
The daily temptations which make every true life such a painful conflict from beginning to end — bring us constant opportunities for growth of character. Tostruggle — is to grow strong. The soldier's art can be learned, and the soldier's honors can be won — only on the field of battle.
If you would grow into the beauty of the Master, you must accept the conflicts, and fight the battles. You can live easy if you will, by declining every struggle — but you will then get little out of life which is truly noble and worthy. The best things all come after the battle — you must fight your way across the field to get them. Heaven is only for those who overcome. No one gets the crown — without the conflict!
"To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with Me on My throne!" Revelation 3:21
"To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God!" Revelation 2:7
The daily temptations which make every true life such a painful conflict from beginning to end — bring us constant opportunities for growth of character. Tostruggle — is to grow strong. The soldier's art can be learned, and the soldier's honors can be won — only on the field of battle.
If you would grow into the beauty of the Master, you must accept the conflicts, and fight the battles. You can live easy if you will, by declining every struggle — but you will then get little out of life which is truly noble and worthy. The best things all come after the battle — you must fight your way across the field to get them. Heaven is only for those who overcome. No one gets the crown — without the conflict!
"To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with Me on My throne!" Revelation 3:21
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A Beautiful Life!
"She has done what she could!" Mark 14:8
"Moreover it is required in stewards, that one be found faithful." 1 Corinthians 4:2
A life does not need to be great, to be beautiful. There may be as much beauty . . .
in a tiny flower — as in a majestic tree;
in a little gem — as in a great mountain;
in the smallest creature — as in a massive one.
A life may be very lovely in God's eyes — and yet be insignificant in the world's eyes. A beautiful life fulfills its mission in this world, and is what God made it to be, doing what God created it to do. Those with only common gifts, are in danger of thinking that they cannot live a beautiful life, and cannot be a blessing in this world. But the most obscure life which fills its place well, is far lovelier in God's sight, than the grandest and most splendidly gifted life which fails in its divine mission.
"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
"Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things — I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord!" Matthew 25:23
"She has done what she could!" Mark 14:8
"Moreover it is required in stewards, that one be found faithful." 1 Corinthians 4:2
A life does not need to be great, to be beautiful. There may be as much beauty . . .
in a tiny flower — as in a majestic tree;
in a little gem — as in a great mountain;
in the smallest creature — as in a massive one.
A life may be very lovely in God's eyes — and yet be insignificant in the world's eyes. A beautiful life fulfills its mission in this world, and is what God made it to be, doing what God created it to do. Those with only common gifts, are in danger of thinking that they cannot live a beautiful life, and cannot be a blessing in this world. But the most obscure life which fills its place well, is far lovelier in God's sight, than the grandest and most splendidly gifted life which fails in its divine mission.
"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
"Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things — I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord!" Matthew 25:23
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How slowly we learn it!
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you — so you must love one another." John 13:34-35
How did Christ love His disciples? How did He demonstrate His love to them? Was it not, among other ways . . .
in His wonderful patience with them — with their faults, their ignorance, their unfaithfulness;
in His considerate kindness;
in His ever-watchful thoughtfulness;
in His compassionate gentleness;
in His ministering to them in every possible way?
What is it, then, to love one another, as He loves us? Is it not to take His example for our pattern? But how slowly we learn it! How hard it is to be gentle, patient, kind, thoughtful, even perfectly true and just, to one another! Still, the lesson stands and waits for us, and we must never falter in learning it.
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you — so you must love one another." John 13:34-35
How did Christ love His disciples? How did He demonstrate His love to them? Was it not, among other ways . . .
in His wonderful patience with them — with their faults, their ignorance, their unfaithfulness;
in His considerate kindness;
in His ever-watchful thoughtfulness;
in His compassionate gentleness;
in His ministering to them in every possible way?
What is it, then, to love one another, as He loves us? Is it not to take His example for our pattern? But how slowly we learn it! How hard it is to be gentle, patient, kind, thoughtful, even perfectly true and just, to one another! Still, the lesson stands and waits for us, and we must never falter in learning it.
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The light, the joy, the blessing, the inspiration of a home!
Home is the true wife's kingdom. There, first of all places, she must be strong and godly. She may touch life outside in many ways — if she can do it without slighting the duties that are hers within her own doors. But if any calls for her service must be declined, they should not be the duties of her home. These are hers, and no other one's. Very largely does the wife hold in her hands, as a sacred trust, the happiness and the highest good of the hearts that nestle there. The best husband — the truest, the noblest, the gentlest, the richest-hearted — cannot make his home happy — if his wife is not, in every reasonable sense, a helpmate to him.
In the last analysis, home happiness depends on the wife. Her spirit gives the home its atmosphere. Her hands fashion its beauty. Her heart makes its love. And the end is so worthy, so noble, so divine — that no woman who has been called to be a wife, and has listened to the call, should consider any price too great to pay — to be the light, the joy, the blessing, the inspiration of a home!
Men with fine artistic gifts, think it worth while to live to paint a few great pictures which shall be looked at and admired for generations; or to write a few songs which shall sing themselves into the ears and hearts of men.
But the woman who makes a sweet, beautiful home, filling it with love and prayer and purity — is doing something better than anything else her hands could find to do beneath the skies!
Home is the true wife's kingdom. There, first of all places, she must be strong and godly. She may touch life outside in many ways — if she can do it without slighting the duties that are hers within her own doors. But if any calls for her service must be declined, they should not be the duties of her home. These are hers, and no other one's. Very largely does the wife hold in her hands, as a sacred trust, the happiness and the highest good of the hearts that nestle there. The best husband — the truest, the noblest, the gentlest, the richest-hearted — cannot make his home happy — if his wife is not, in every reasonable sense, a helpmate to him.
In the last analysis, home happiness depends on the wife. Her spirit gives the home its atmosphere. Her hands fashion its beauty. Her heart makes its love. And the end is so worthy, so noble, so divine — that no woman who has been called to be a wife, and has listened to the call, should consider any price too great to pay — to be the light, the joy, the blessing, the inspiration of a home!
Men with fine artistic gifts, think it worth while to live to paint a few great pictures which shall be looked at and admired for generations; or to write a few songs which shall sing themselves into the ears and hearts of men.
But the woman who makes a sweet, beautiful home, filling it with love and prayer and purity — is doing something better than anything else her hands could find to do beneath the skies!
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Plank-eye
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye — and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Matthew 7:3
Let us learn to seal our lips forever on the wretched, miserable habit of telling the world about the speck in our neighbor's eye! Who made us a judge of others?
"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over." Matthew 18:15. Tell him his faults, if you will, with love and sympathy in your heart, confessing your own in the meantime. Tell faults because you want to help your neighbor to become nobler, lovelier, and better, because you cannot bear to see your neighbor suffer — not because you want to humble him or triumph over her. Tell him his faults in secret — if you are ready for such holy work; but do not tell the world of these faults.
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye — and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Matthew 7:3
Let us learn to seal our lips forever on the wretched, miserable habit of telling the world about the speck in our neighbor's eye! Who made us a judge of others?
"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over." Matthew 18:15. Tell him his faults, if you will, with love and sympathy in your heart, confessing your own in the meantime. Tell faults because you want to help your neighbor to become nobler, lovelier, and better, because you cannot bear to see your neighbor suffer — not because you want to humble him or triumph over her. Tell him his faults in secret — if you are ready for such holy work; but do not tell the world of these faults.
~J. R. Miller~
Christlike Living in a Sinful World # 4
A powerful, silent, personal influence
There is a powerful, silent, personal influence, like a shadow, which emanates from everyone — and this influence is always leaving results wherever it touches another person. You cannot live a day — and not touch some other life with this influence. Wherever you go, your shadow falls on others — and they are either better or worse for your presence.
Our influence depends upon what we are — more than upon what we do. It is by living a beautiful life, that we bless the world. I do not underestimate good works. Good deeds must characterize every true life. But if your life itself is noble, beautiful, holy, Christlike, one that is itself a blessing and an inspiration — then the worth of your influence is multiplied many times!
There is not a Christian who cannot preach sermons every day, at home and among neighbors and friends most eloquently — by the beauty of holiness in his or her own everyday life. Wherever a Christian goes — his life ought to be an inspiration. Our silent influence ought to touch other lives with blessing. People ought to feel stronger, happier, and more uplifted — after meeting us. Our very faces ought to shed light, shining like holy lamps into sad, weary hearts. Our lives ought to be blessings to repair human sorrow and need all around us.
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Building monuments to yourself
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit" Philippians 2:3
No grace shines more brightly in a Christian, than humility. Wherever SELF comes in — it mars the beauty of the work we are doing. Seek to do your work quietly. Do not try to draw attention to yourself, to make people know that you did this or that beautiful thing. Be content to pour your rich life into other wasted, weary lives, and see them blessed and made more holy — and then withdraw and let Christ have the honor. Work for God's approval, and even then, do not think much about reward. Seek to be a blessing to others — and never think of self-advancement. Do not worry about credit for your work, or about building monuments to yourself; be content to do good in Christ's name.
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved — clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12
"All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another" 1 Peter 5:5
There is a powerful, silent, personal influence, like a shadow, which emanates from everyone — and this influence is always leaving results wherever it touches another person. You cannot live a day — and not touch some other life with this influence. Wherever you go, your shadow falls on others — and they are either better or worse for your presence.
Our influence depends upon what we are — more than upon what we do. It is by living a beautiful life, that we bless the world. I do not underestimate good works. Good deeds must characterize every true life. But if your life itself is noble, beautiful, holy, Christlike, one that is itself a blessing and an inspiration — then the worth of your influence is multiplied many times!
There is not a Christian who cannot preach sermons every day, at home and among neighbors and friends most eloquently — by the beauty of holiness in his or her own everyday life. Wherever a Christian goes — his life ought to be an inspiration. Our silent influence ought to touch other lives with blessing. People ought to feel stronger, happier, and more uplifted — after meeting us. Our very faces ought to shed light, shining like holy lamps into sad, weary hearts. Our lives ought to be blessings to repair human sorrow and need all around us.
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Building monuments to yourself
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit" Philippians 2:3
No grace shines more brightly in a Christian, than humility. Wherever SELF comes in — it mars the beauty of the work we are doing. Seek to do your work quietly. Do not try to draw attention to yourself, to make people know that you did this or that beautiful thing. Be content to pour your rich life into other wasted, weary lives, and see them blessed and made more holy — and then withdraw and let Christ have the honor. Work for God's approval, and even then, do not think much about reward. Seek to be a blessing to others — and never think of self-advancement. Do not worry about credit for your work, or about building monuments to yourself; be content to do good in Christ's name.
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved — clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12
"All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another" 1 Peter 5:5
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Two men look at the same scene:
"Be joyful always!" 1 Thessalonians 5:16
"In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy!" 2 Corinthians 7:4
Thankfulness or unthankfulness is largely a matter of the attitude of our heart.
Two men look at the same scene:
one sees the defects and the imperfections;
the other sees the beauty and the brightness.
If you cannot find things to be thankful for today, and every day — the fault is in yourself, and you ought to pray for a changed heart — a heart to see God's goodness and to praise Him.
"Be joyful always!" 1 Thessalonians 5:16
"In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy!" 2 Corinthians 7:4
Thankfulness or unthankfulness is largely a matter of the attitude of our heart.
Two men look at the same scene:
one sees the defects and the imperfections;
the other sees the beauty and the brightness.
If you cannot find things to be thankful for today, and every day — the fault is in yourself, and you ought to pray for a changed heart — a heart to see God's goodness and to praise Him.
A joyful heart transfigures all the world around us! It finds something to be thankful for in the barest circumstances, even in the dark night of the soul. Let us train ourselves to see the beauty and the goodness in God's world, and in our own circumstances — and then we shall stop grumbling, and be content and thankful in all situations.
"A happy heart makes the face cheerful!" Proverbs 15:13
"The cheerful heart has a continual feast!" Proverbs 15:15
"A cheerful heart is good medicine — but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
"A happy heart makes the face cheerful!" Proverbs 15:13
"The cheerful heart has a continual feast!" Proverbs 15:15
"A cheerful heart is good medicine — but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22
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Have a dart ready to draw and hurl at our adversary!
"Jesus answered: It is written . . . " Matthew 4:4
We must all meet temptation. The tempter comes so suddenly and so secretively, that if we cannot instantly repel his assault, we shall be defeated.
There is nothing like texts of Scripture hidden in the heart, to drive Satan away. We need to have our quiver full of these polished shafts, these invincible darts, and to keep them ever ready to shoot on a moment's notice, and to hurl at our enemy. The only way to do this, is to make the Word of God our daily study, storing in our memory . . .
its precious texts,
its counsels,
its promises, and
its warnings.
Then we shall never be surprised, unprepared or defenseless — but for every temptation, shall have a dart ready to draw and hurl at our adversary!
"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
"Jesus answered: It is written . . . " Matthew 4:4
We must all meet temptation. The tempter comes so suddenly and so secretively, that if we cannot instantly repel his assault, we shall be defeated.
There is nothing like texts of Scripture hidden in the heart, to drive Satan away. We need to have our quiver full of these polished shafts, these invincible darts, and to keep them ever ready to shoot on a moment's notice, and to hurl at our enemy. The only way to do this, is to make the Word of God our daily study, storing in our memory . . .
its precious texts,
its counsels,
its promises, and
its warnings.
Then we shall never be surprised, unprepared or defenseless — but for every temptation, shall have a dart ready to draw and hurl at our adversary!
"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
~J. R. Miller~
Immortality
Question: How do you prove the immortality of the soul?
In the Bible, immortality as applied to man is used of the body and not of the soul, but I suppose the question means: How do you prove that there is a future existence after death?
We prove it from the Bible. In another of my books, I have proven that the Bible is the Word of God and that all its teachings are absolutely reliable. ("Powerful Faith"). The Bible teaches beyond a doubt that all men will be raised from the dead - the righteous to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment (John 5:28-29). It furthermore teaches what the exact state of those who accept Christ and of those who reject Christ will be in the future eternal existence. Moreover, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the best-proven facts of history and demonstrably proves that death is not the end of everything.
There are scientific and philosophical arguments for immortality, but if we leave out the arguments that are built on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, all these other arguments prove is the probability of life after death, the probability of a future existence. However, when we include the arguments based on the Bible - above all, the resurrection of Jesus Christ - our belief in a future existence is no longer based on a mere probability. It is removed from the domain of the merely probable into the domain of the absolutely certain and proven.
Question: Do the Scriptures teach conditional immortality?
The doctrine of conditional immortality is that man is naturally mortal and only gains immortality in Christ. There is an element of truth in the belief that man is naturally mortal. Since man began to exist at one point, he could, of course, cease to exist. But it is the plain teaching of Scripture that all the sons of Adam receive endless existence through Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:22, we are told that "as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive." If we deal fairly with these words, one "all" is as comprehensive as the other. Everyone who loses existence in Adam, who returns to the dust (Genesis 3:19; 5:5), is raised from the dust in Christ. The whole race gets back in Christ what it lost in Adam.
But whether this existence, this immortality that we receive in Christ, will be a resurrection to life or a resurrection to judgment and everlasting shame and contempt (John 5:28-29; Daniel 12:2) depends entirely on what we do with he Christ in whom we receive it. Every man's endless existence becomes an existence of unspeakable blessedness if he accepts Christ, but that existence becomes an existence of unspeakable misery if he rejects Christ. It is "the second death" (Revelation 21:8), a share with the devil and his angels in the lake of fire prepared for them (Matthew 25:41), a portion in the lake of fire where there is no rest, day or night, forever and ever (Revelation 20:10).
~R. A. Torrey~
In the Bible, immortality as applied to man is used of the body and not of the soul, but I suppose the question means: How do you prove that there is a future existence after death?
We prove it from the Bible. In another of my books, I have proven that the Bible is the Word of God and that all its teachings are absolutely reliable. ("Powerful Faith"). The Bible teaches beyond a doubt that all men will be raised from the dead - the righteous to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment (John 5:28-29). It furthermore teaches what the exact state of those who accept Christ and of those who reject Christ will be in the future eternal existence. Moreover, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the best-proven facts of history and demonstrably proves that death is not the end of everything.
There are scientific and philosophical arguments for immortality, but if we leave out the arguments that are built on the resurrection of Jesus Christ, all these other arguments prove is the probability of life after death, the probability of a future existence. However, when we include the arguments based on the Bible - above all, the resurrection of Jesus Christ - our belief in a future existence is no longer based on a mere probability. It is removed from the domain of the merely probable into the domain of the absolutely certain and proven.
Question: Do the Scriptures teach conditional immortality?
The doctrine of conditional immortality is that man is naturally mortal and only gains immortality in Christ. There is an element of truth in the belief that man is naturally mortal. Since man began to exist at one point, he could, of course, cease to exist. But it is the plain teaching of Scripture that all the sons of Adam receive endless existence through Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:22, we are told that "as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive." If we deal fairly with these words, one "all" is as comprehensive as the other. Everyone who loses existence in Adam, who returns to the dust (Genesis 3:19; 5:5), is raised from the dust in Christ. The whole race gets back in Christ what it lost in Adam.
But whether this existence, this immortality that we receive in Christ, will be a resurrection to life or a resurrection to judgment and everlasting shame and contempt (John 5:28-29; Daniel 12:2) depends entirely on what we do with he Christ in whom we receive it. Every man's endless existence becomes an existence of unspeakable blessedness if he accepts Christ, but that existence becomes an existence of unspeakable misery if he rejects Christ. It is "the second death" (Revelation 21:8), a share with the devil and his angels in the lake of fire prepared for them (Matthew 25:41), a portion in the lake of fire where there is no rest, day or night, forever and ever (Revelation 20:10).
~R. A. Torrey~
Adopting Christ's Attitude
"Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on the cross!" (Phil. 2:4-8, NIV).
Here the attribute of glory is ascribed to all three members of the Trinity. This glory is then confirmed as a glory that is eternal. It is not something added to or acquired by Jesus at some point in His earthly life and ministry. He held this glory at the beginning and will possess it for eternity:
"Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil. 2:9-11, NIV).
Though the form of servanthood covered Jesus and His life was marked by a willing humiliation, nevertheless there were moments in His ministry where the glory of His deity burst through. It was these moments that provoked John to write, "And we beheld His glory" (John 1:14).
Coram Deo: Living in the Presence of God
Ask God for an ever-increasing revelation of His glory.
For Further Study
Philippians 2:5-9: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name."
~R. C. Sproul~
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