God, in fitting any servant for special service, often subjects
him to painful discipline of soul: the end of this training is
the breaking down self-confidence, so that when at last the servant
goes forth to his work he says, "Who am I?" The flesh will not
say, "Who am I?" But to this we must be brought ere God can put
us to honourable use.
We are not the most useful when most wordy, but when most prayerful.
Though God marks that which is wrong in His servants, notwithstanding
all their faithfulness, He never forgets that which is right
in them, notwithstanding all their imperfections.
If we do not live _beyond_ time, we are not fit to live _in_
time.
We cannot bestow kindnesses upon the unconverted for Christ's
sake without obtaining peculiar fellowship with God.
That man is miserable who is wrapped up in himself and cares
not for others; such a man keeps happiness outside, and bolts
the door against her.
The ways of Christ in the days of His flesh are the true pattern
for His people.
It is a mark of steady progress in the ways of God, when a servant
of Christ, like his Master, makes no choice of service, seeking
only to please his Lord.
If by walking before God we rise above the praise of men, we
shall not be vexed or discouraged by their disapproval and blame.
He that is humble, and ever desiring to serve others, will surely
find others desiring to serve him.
If we have but the heart to serve Christ, He will surely employ
us; and if He have any special service for us, He will grant
us special guidance. (Acts 8:26.)
The conversion of sinners, the prosperity of saints—these
are precious things, but not the object of the soul: that should
be to please God.
The moment a servant acts independently, he acts from himself,
and out of character. (John 21:3.)
In all you do be the servant of Christ, forgetting yourself --
engrossed with Him.
We need readiness of heart, and skilfulness of hands, to serve
the church of God aright.