2003-01-14 - Encouragement from the Past

Ephesians 4:12 For the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.

From time to time I share some tid bits from my reading. I read a lot, remember little, but I do write things down. Don't expect to see any of these people I have quoted at your next local Christian conference. They have all been dead since your great great grand parents were born. However, I love to read in the "Old Time." They had a different faith. These are quotes I liked and find either profound, insightful, challenging, or encouraging. They can hit on almost any topic. There is no order to this process. I always hope that at least one of them hits you right and helps you to focus and grow in the Lord Jesus Christ. So here are the shots I am aiming at you this time:

"Some flowers yield their fragrance only when bruised. See the Rose of Sharon trodden under foot by earth and hell; but again lifting its head, filling heaven with incense, and shedding its fragrance from India to the pole. How beautifully is this typified in the entrance and return of the High Priest into the holy of holies ! In his own fragrance He presents our persons and prayers to the Father." -- Howels

"Temptation serves to awaken faith. Not one moment passes but we have occasion to say, 'Lord save.'" -- Quesnel

"There is a great deal of difference between a willingness not to be damned and a being willing to receive Christ for your Saviour. You have the former, and so, doubtless, you are willing to be saved from eternal misery. But that is a very different thing from being willing to come to Christ." -- Jonathan Edwards

(I love this one -- It is so true)

"Vice is first pleasing, then easy, then delightful, then frequent, then habitual, then confirmed; then the man is impudent, then he is obstinate, then he resolves never to repent, and then he is lost." -- Jeremy Taylor

"Good example is an unspeakable benefit to mankind, and hath a secret power and influence upon those with whom we converse, to form them into the same disposition and manners. It is a living rule that teacheth men without trouble, and lets them see their faults without open reproof and upbraiding." -- Tillotson

I will end with a neat poem from Willis (I love poetry -- wish I could write it.)

Lord, when I think who vainly and how long
I've wasted the brief hours of mortal life,
Waging the useless intermitting strife
With unborn sin; this world's ways among,
Following to evil with the giddy throng;
By conscience urged yielding to sin's desire;
I wonder that thy mercy doth not tire
Of daily blessing, so repaid with wrong.
Then comes the peaceful thought -- 'tis all for thee
O lamb of God, who bled on Calvary,
Not for the sinless, or the earthly strong --
But to deliver sinful men like me.
Thou art my refuge, Lord! -- and life. and strength;
Following thy steps I find the narrow gate at length.

Soli Deo Gloria,
T-

tim@cfdevotionals.org
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