To keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 2 Corinthians 12:7 Martin Wells Knapp (1853-1901), the founding president of God’s Bible School & College, Cincinnati, Ohio, was once undergoing a painful trial. While in prayer, one day, he asked the Lord to remove the problem. In relating this painful encounter, Lettie Cowman (1870-1960) wrote, “As he waited before the Lord the vision of a rough piece of marble rose before him with a sculptor grinding and chiseling. … Continue reading “God Uses Thorns”
Month: March 2017
Take Time
And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” Mark 6:31 Dr. J. Sidlow Baxter (1903-1999) relates that when he became pastor of a church in Scotland many years ago, he began to hear many appreciative remarks about a former deacon, who had died a few years earlier. Baxter heard how people said of this brother, “that it was almost impossible to think or speak unworthily in his presence.” They said, “He always brought a sense of God’s presence when he came into a room.” This dear follower of Christ, Baxter said, made a difference … Continue reading “Take Time”
Unashamed
He is not ashamed to call them brothers. Hebrews 2:11 I experienced an epiphany some years ago while sitting in a local restaurant, watching my four-year-old grandson (now 14) entertain himself in the adjoining play area. Luke had quickly made friends with another boy, while the two frolicked on an assortment of play equipment designed for small children. After the boys made their way a number of times up the steps and down the slide, they ran over to the glass panel, which separated the booth where I was sitting. Pointing to me, while wearing a big smile, Luke said … Continue reading “Unashamed”
Where Shall I Work Today?
Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” John 21:17 Most of God’s children are not called to perform great deeds, neither are they chosen to labor and minister for Christ in a prominent place. For them, much of life is routine and quite ordinary. At times, we complain about our lot in life: I’m not as gifted as that sister in Christ. My colleague has been called to a large church. Why am I never chosen to serve in positions of leadership? I am serving in such a small, unknown place. Pastor Mead McGuire (1875-1967)must have been struggling one day about where … Continue reading “Where Shall I Work Today?”