April 4
One evening, Abigail Luffe was accosted on her way home. “What’s in your bag, lady?” Abigail held up her Bible: “I will give you this, the most valuable thing I possess, for it says, ‘For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever…’” Paralyzed with fright, she lost the ability to finish, only repeating “whosoever.” The thief angrily pushed her into a snowbank. Abigail hurried home where prayer was asked for the assailant. Four years passed. Traveling on a streetcar, Abigail was jostled as she paid the fare—then discovered her purse missing. The next morning,...
Read MoreApril 3
I think of my fellow-sinners; my companions in crime and guilt. I would fain make some suitable amends to them. And what can be more appropriate in that view than the resolution, with reference to them, and all my fellow men, “I will teach transgressors Thy ways, and sinners shall be converted to Thee” (Ps 51:13). This is, and should be—it must be—the immediate and instinctive purpose of one who has himself known the ways of God, so as to be himself converted to Him. Can anyone who has really been thus taught and thus changed, refrain from the cry, “Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I...
Read MoreApril 2
In the fourth century, the “golden-mouthed” Chrysostom of Antioch wrote: “I do not think of Christ as God alone, or Man alone, but both together. For I know He was hungry, and I know that with five loaves He fed five thousand. I know He was thirsty, and I know that He turned the water into wine. I know He was carried in a ship, and I know that He walked on the sea. I know that He died, and I know that He raised the dead. I know that He was set before Pilate, and I know that He sits with the Father on His throne. I know that He was stoned by the Jews, and I know that He was worshipped by...
Read MoreApril 1
“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Ps 14:1). Is the Bible being unkind or painfully truthful in making this statement? The story is told of a Christian and an atheist who were debating the question of the dependability of the Bible. The atheist asked, “Can you prove to me that an atheist is a fool, as your Bible says?” “Let me answer that by asking you a few questions. First, as it was stated when you were introduced, is it true that you have spent most of your adult life arguing against the existence of God?” “Well, yes,” responded the atheist. “Is it also true that a man...
Read MoreMarch 31
I was at a friend’s in Vancouver when two Mormons approached. As we engaged in conversation, I felt led to ask the older of the two, who was carrying the discussion, if he could say he loved the Lord Jesus. “I don’t know what you mean,” he replied. “Do you mean, do I admire him?” “No,” I insisted, “do you love Him?” “I don’t understand what you mean,” he repeated. “Are you married?” I asked. “Yes, I am.” “And do you love your wife?” “Yes, I do,” he said with a smile.” “Ah, you do know what I mean! Let me ask you again, Do you love the Lord Jesus?” “No, I can’t say that I do,” he replied...
Read MoreMarch 30
Robert Candlish (1806-1873), renowned Scottish preacher, was described thus by his biographer, William Wilson: “Destitute of natural oratorical gifts and somewhat ungainly in his manner,” he nevertheless “riveted the attention of his audience by a rare combination of intellectual keenness, emotional fervor, spiritual insight and power…of character and life.” In his book, Prayer of a Broken Heart, Candlish wrote: “Then open ye your own lips; at once; now; this very day. Wait not for any sign, or any impulse; any favorable opportunity; any pressing call. Begin now. Let some friend, or...
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