It is Not Necessary That We -Dietrich Bonhoeffer

It is not necessary that we should discover new ideas in our meditation. It is sufficient, and far more important, if the Word, as we read and understand it, penetrates and dwells within us.

Taken from the book Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer 1906-1945

If a Man Can But Pray - Charles Spurgeon

The power of prayer can never be overrated. They who cannot serve God by preaching need not regret. If a man can but pray, he can do anything.

Charles Spurgeon 1834-1892

When We Look at Ourselves - Hudson Taylor

When we look at ourselves, at the littleness of our love, the bareness of our service, and the small progress we make towards perfection, how soul-refreshing it is to turn away to Him; to plunge afresh in "the fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness"; to remember that we are "accepted in the beloved" ..."who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." Oh! the fullness of Christ, the fullness of Christ.

Taken from the book Hudson Taylors Spiritual Secret - Hudson Taylor 1832-1905

Gratitude and Thanksgiving - EM Bounds

"We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks!" Psalm 75:1

Gratitude and thanksgiving always look back at the past, though they may also take in the present. But prayer always looks to the future. Thanksgiving deals with things already received. Prayer deals with things desired, asked for, and expected. Prayer turns to gratitude and praise when God has granted the things asked for.

Taken from the book The Best of EM Bounds EM Bounds 1835-1913

Man Can Avoid Conviction by Truth - Ichabod Spence

Man can avoid conviction by truth, just as he can avoid burning by fire - getting out of its way, refusing contact with it - and no other way. So of the frost, so of the light of the sun, so of the thunder. These  may be shunned, but not directly resisted. The truth is just like them. 

Taken from the Sermon "The Truth Held in Unrighteousness: Romans 1:18"

from the book Doctrinal Sermons by Ichabod Spencer 1798-1854

Where it Might be Least Expected

True faith may sometimes be found where it might have been least expected.

 

Taken from the book Expository Thoughts on the Gospels by J.C. Ryle 1856

The Best of Men Fall Below Their Own Standard - Stephen Olin

It is universally true that the best of men fall below their own standard. This they do by a sort of moral necessity, for they are weak and imperfect; while the gospel rule is divine, and therefore perfect.

The Works of Stephen Olin Sermons and Sketches Stephen Olin 1852

Page 225-226

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