Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6. There are political parties and organizations and individuals who what to be responsible for training up your children. They hate God. They do not want the love principles God has laid down for children to be instilled in children. God laid down a specific plan of operation for parents to follow with regards to the teaching of their children. “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:6, 7.
Our churches have fallen. They are all Babylon. We are not sitting down with our children and diligently teaching the Ten Commandments to them. We are not diligently teaching our children how to live in obedience to the Ten Commandments. No, we are diligently teaching our children how to watch TV, surf the internet and talk on a phone. We are diligently teaching our children how to do whatever it takes to get ahead in this world.
Let us listen to Paul as he talks to his “son” Timothy. Are you talking to your children in like manner?
2 Timothy 1:1 to 2 Timothy 1:18
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, . . .
I wonder how many parents even know what the fifth Commandment says? “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12. Do you see the correlation? Paul takes what is in the Ten Commandments and extrapolates it to real-world application. Paul is an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God. Parents are instructors of Jesus Christ by the will of God. Paul is the “father” of Timothy. All of this is according to the promise that if we are obedient to our Father in Heaven and teach our children how to live in obedience to God, we will live long in the land and have eternal life.
. . To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
I am not sure we know how to belove our children. Many parents want the grace, mercy and peace of the world for their children. That isn’t the same as from God the Father and Jesus. Most parents have no understanding of grace, mercy and peace that God offers. They simply leave it up to the church, society or osmoses to teach their children.
I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.
Do we really remember our children in our prayers night and day? Few even pray night and day. Few know what it truly means to pray, let alone to beseech God on behalf of our children. I am not sure we understand the dangers that face our children in this world. Evil is a terrible thing. But most of the time, it is masked as “wonderful”. We think we love our children if we allow them to have a phone, computer, stylish clothes, lots of worldly friends and a worldly education. Even the “Christian” education of today has nothing to do with “Christian”.
As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.
Timothy loved Paul. I am sure he wept whenever he saw or heard of Paul, his father in the faith, being beaten, stoned, flogged and put in prison. None of us want to see our children hurting over us, the parents. We want to bring them as much joy as possible. But sometimes, life has a way of bringing pain to our children through the actions of the parents.
I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.
Most have “church” faith. Not many have a “hand-me-down” faith from our past generations; a faith that teaches the children to live in obedience to the Ten Commandments and to walk as Jesus walked: “Sincere faith”. Not many have that. Most have a superficial faith. “Just believe” is what you hear. We need to have a “sincere faith” that leads to obedience in every aspect of our lives.
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, . . .
We each of gifts that have been given to us. I never knew half the gifts God had given me until He called me to this ministry. I need to “fan into flame the gifts of God” that He has given me. Under the medical condition I am in, along with old age, I do get lazy sometimes. I’m working at “fanning”.
. . . for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
I think most have forgotten “of power and love and self-control”. Most just do whatever insane thought enters their mind. Eat, eat, eat and drink, drink and drink some more. Love? Not really! Most have a superficial love, but to give of yourself to live as Jesus would live in every situation; not really. Therefore, we do not have the power of God that He wants us to have.
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, . . .
“Share in suffering”. Not many like that. Most are ashamed to testify about Jesus when in the company of the world. How sad. As we deny Jesus to those around us, so He will deny us a place in His kingdom when He comes. Is this world really worth it? Maybe we really don’t believe.
. . . who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, . . .
Ok, this is where theologians go way off track. You see, to make a name for yourself in any discipline, you have to show yourself to be novel, unique and extraordinary. “Not because of our works”. There it is, they say, we can’t do anything for our salvation. Jesus paid it all on the cross and did all the work for us, we just have to “believe” and we are in! We are “saved”.
Of course that would make a lie out of the Bible and four thousand years of God’s working with man for His salvation before the cross. Secondly, people get so involved with one tree, they forget there is a forest of trees around them. There was no “new” testament, as we have it today, until 300 years after Christ. Therefore, none of the early Christians would have understood anything being taught today by the churches and theologians. Why? They studied the Old Testament for their salvation.
Let us look at this from the perspective of Paul who only knew the Old Testament. Our works can never “save” us. If they could, Jesus would not have had to die on the cross. The concept of “save” is to “open”. The suffering and death of Jesus “saved” or “opened” the door of salvation for us. Our works could never do that. But once that door of salvation was opened for us, now we do have a work to do. We are now “called” to be holy. That is our work. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10.
Jesus can’t make us holy. If Jesus could make us holy, or save us eternally, then He would have to save Lucifer. That would go against every principle of God. We are free moral agents and must make the choice free of influence. Our work is to work with the calling of God to be holy. We are to live in obedience to the “holy” Law of God. That is how we become holy. That is the gospel. That is what He gave us before the beginning of time, the holy Ten Commandments to make us holy as God is holy. “obedience to the faith.” Romans 1:5.
. . and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, . . .
Prior to the “appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus”, the Savior was manifested in types and symbols. The Old Testament saints were saved in the exact same way as the New Testament saints, faith in the Messiah and obedience to the Ten Commandments to make them holy. He made the promise in the Old Testament that He would abolish death and bring life and immortality to light. Then He kept His word in the New Testament. Therefore, in belief in the Word of the Messiah, Enoch, Moses, Elijah and others were partakers of that “abolished death” and of the “life and immortality” that was brought to light by the life and death of Jesus. That is the gospel: obey the Ten Commandments, and believe in Jesus as the only one who can open that door, and you have eternal life. Your church, pastor or denomination can’t open that door. But you must work at walking through it and keeping on the narrow path.
. . . for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, . . .
Yes he was! Very few pastors, preachers, teachers and others are “appointed” by God. Not many of us have been specifically called by God. Those of us who have been appointed are held to a higher standard than those who simply choose.
. . . which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.
All who have believed from the day of Adam have suffered for Jesus. Those in the Old Testament, and those in the New Testament, who believed in the Messiah knew Who they believed in, and were “convinced that He is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted” to them. They were not ashamed. Are you?
Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
That word “pattern” caught my attention. The official definition goes like this, “A pattern is a regularity in the world, in human-made design, or in abstract ideas. As such, the elements of a pattern repeat in a predictable manner.”
“Repeat in a predictable manner”. How interesting. Are you repeating in a predictable manner the life of Christ? Or are you on-again-off-again and ashamed of Jesus who died for you? In other words, is your Christianity predictable?
By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
Only God is good. All good comes from God. When the Spirit of God dwells within us, we are good. We must “guard the good deposit entrusted” to us. If we grieve the Holy Spirit He will leave. Two cannot walk or live together unless they agree. He does not force us or try to manipulate us, it is a choice. Therefore, guard it well. Live in obedience to everything the Holy Spirit teaches you and tells you. But to do that, you must learn to listen to the still, small voice. That means, you must learn to be still and quiet for hours in order to accustom yourself to His voice.
You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.
Living for Jesus is a choice. We cannot let our feelings get so tied up with people, even those who claim to be Christian, that it would lead us away from Jesus. Paul was sad, but he had to keep to the path no matter what others did.
May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.
Those who support the Lord’s workers are truly blessed. God’s eye is on those who are not ashamed of our difficulties, trials and “chains”. He will bless those who bless His servants. God bless all of you for your love and support of this little ministry.
Inmate Letters
Good Morning,
Today I’m writing your ministry to request info and if possible sign up for your free book program and newsletter. Your information was provided through one of the Bible courses currently that I’m enrolled with. I would be forever grateful for whatever your ministry can provide. I’m trying to grow in my wisdom and faith in Jesus Christ. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
Nicholas, IL
To Whom It May Concern,
I’m excited to start learning new and exciting ways about the Bible and what you have to offer. God bless.
Peter, MN
JCPM,
I would like to have some information on your Bible courses, please. Also, I would like to become a minister to help others to the path of God and His son Jesus Christ. Would you please send me the info? Thank you.
Marcelino, FL
JCPM,
I have a 115 year sentence. I was convicted of murder and sentenced to 99 years in prison in the state of Texas. Since being locked up in prison, I picked up 3 more sentences. Recently I have had a breaking point after being isolated in Segregation for 5 years. I have been trying to walk with Christ, but have failed one to many times. I heard you offer a Bible study which I would like to sign up for. Thank you.
Jonathan, TX
To Whom This May Concern,
I recently received a postcard from your ministry. I appreciate you reaching out to me and am interested in what it is exactly that you do. The card asked if I was interested in a career. I’m assuming with the church. My answer is “yes”. I am currently studying for a bachelor’s degree in sociology as well as paralegal studies. I haven’t entirely decided if I want to get into more law or behavior sciences. But, I know that I want to do something in the humanitarian field.
Gino, MI
Hello,
I am 31 years of age. I stumbled across this little packet that was titled “Jesus Christ Prison Ministry”. As I read through it, I see there is a book called, “Change Your Life Biblically”. I instantly got curious. So curious that I decided to write you this letter. As of right now, I have just got sentenced to 7 years. I am on a non-aggravated charge, so I am hoping to make parole in a few months. But I want everything that God wants me to get out of this. The little packet I found was just laying on my rack when I made it to my cell. I went two weeks without opening it, and then I decided to check it out. To make a long story short, I instantly felt a connection. I know God hasn’t forsaken me. I just want to get all the way right with Him.
Roderick, TX
Hello,
I received a postcard a while back about signing up for a Bible study. I am a believer in Christ, so I am interested. I also have a friend next door to me who wants to participate as well.
Matthew, AZ
Dear Brother John,
I am writing back to the letter I received. I didn’t read your letter until today. I’m not really what the world would call a faithful person, but my little girl talks about Jesus so much that it makes me think that there is a God out there. I want to learn the way to teach my little girl the way of life. I am currently 19 years old and I have 10 months until I go home.
Marcus, TX
Hi,
You sent me this card. I am sending it back requesting the free Bible study so when I am done, I can get a certificate. It would also be cool if I can get a pen-pal to talk to me about God with this life sentence. I have to keep faith that God will free me one day.
Garvey, FL
Hey,
I received a postcard from you. The words were encouraging. You asked if I would want to learn and do a Bible study. I would love to learn more about God. To live in His grace. To understand more about the love He shows us.
Stacey, AR
Dear man of God ( Bro Ron )
Greetings in Christ’s name! I recently learned about your incredible mission of providing free Christian books and materials worldwide through Sister Christine Suckling from New Zealand. I am deeply moved by the work your organization is doing, providing free Christian books and materials to inmates across the USA, and offering free Bible studies and other resources online. Your commitment to spreading God’s Word to those who need it most is truly admirable.
My name is Zaigham , and I would be honored to assist in your mission by translating your materials into Urdu language which is our native. I am spreading the Word of God in areas of Pakistan where there is no pastor, no church, and people only call themselves Christians but have weak faith. They are hungry and thirsty for the Word of God. I visit these places, preach the Gospel, and bring people closer to the Lord. When they hear the Word of God, they accept Him with joy and tears, and their faith is strengthened.
I believe that these resources could profoundly impact those who are seeking God’s truth and comfort, especially in challenging environments like prisons. It would be a privilege to contribute to making your valuable materials accessible to a broader audience, helping to share the message of hope and salvation with more people. Thank you for your dedication to this important work. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with you.
In Christ, Evg. Zaigham Pakistan
Greetings,
I have served 22 years in North Carolina state prison on a 67 year sentence. My faith with God had burned out a long time ago. The time that I have left on my sentence, I would like to try and get back to my roots and studying the Word. I really want to get my life right with God before I am released.
John, NC
Testimony For God’s Children
My Dear Family in Christ,
Entire Consecration is not easy. Fighting against the desires of this world is very hard. I think we have become so accustomed to living in this world, even though we sit in a church, that we don’t realize how far away we are from “Entire Consecration”. Let us listen as the Lord shares His thoughts on this with us.
Entire Consecration
The following testimony was written in January, 1875, and its truthfulness was acknowledged by Brother C, who said that it gave him light and hope.
Brother C, you are backslidden from God. Your views of God’s requirements have never been too well defined nor too strict. It is no excuse for you to become remiss in duty and less vigilant because the course of so many professed Christians is wrong. You have not been consecrated to God. You have not felt your dependence upon Him to keep you, and therefore you have been overcome and brought into the slavery of doubt; the bondage of unbelief has chained your soul. You do not glorify God in your life. Our faith sometimes looks to you very questionable. The reason of this is in yourself. In the world, truth and falsehood are so mixed that one is not always clearly discerned from the other. But why has one who professes the truth so little strength? Because he understands not his own ignorance and his own weakness. If he knew this, if he were distrustful of himself, he would feel the importance of divine help to preserve him from the wiles of the enemy. We need to be active, working Christians, unselfish in heart and life, having an eye single to the glory of God. Oh, what wrecks we meet everywhere! what silent lips and fruitless lives! “This,” said the angel, “is because of falling under temptation. Nothing mars the peace of the soul like sinful unbelief.”
You should not give up in despair, thinking you must live and die in the bondage of doubt and unbelief. In the Lord we have righteousness and strength. Lean upon Him; and through His power you may quench all the fiery darts of the adversary and come off more than conqueror. You may yet become sanctified through the truth; or you may, if you choose, walk in the darkness of unbelief, lose heaven, and lose all. By walking in the light and working out the will of God, you may overcome your selfish nature.
You have been ready to give of your means, but have withheld yourself. You have not felt called upon to make sacrifices which would involve care; you have not had a willingness to do any work for Christ, be it ever so humble. God will bring you over the ground again and again until with humble heart and subdued mind you bear the test that He inflicts and are wholly sanctified to His service and work. Then you may win immortal life. You may be a fully developed man in Christ Jesus, or you may be a spiritual dwarf, gaining no victories. My brother, which will you choose? Will you live a life of self-denial and self-sacrifice, doing your work with cheerfulness and joy, perfecting Christian character, and pressing on for the immortal reward? or will you live for yourself and lose heaven? God will not be trifled with; Christ accepts no divided service. He asks for all. It will not do to withhold anything. He has purchased you with an infinite price, and He requires that all you have shall be yielded to Him a willing offering. If you are fully consecrated to Him in heart and life, faith will take the place of doubts, and confidence the place of distrust and unbelief.
My brother, you are in positive danger through neglecting to carry out health reform more strictly in your own life and in your family. Your blood is impure, and you are still corrupting and inflaming it by the gratification of taste. Never be betrayed into indulging in the use of stimulants; for this will result not only in reaction and loss of physical strength, but in a benumbed intellect. Strictly temperate habits in eating and drinking, with firm trust in God, will improve your physical, mental, and moral health. You are of a highly excitable temperament. You have but little self-control and under excitement frequently say and do things which you afterward regret. You should call a determined will to your aid in the warfare against your own inclinations and propensities. You need to keep the avenues of your soul open to the reception of light and truth. But when something occurs to test and prove you, prejudice frequently comes in, and you rise at once against what you deem a restriction of your liberty or an infringement upon your rights.
The word of God plainly presents before us this truth, that our physical natures will be brought into warfare with the spiritual. The apostle charges us to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. Every perverted appetite becomes a warring lust. Appetite indulged to the injury of physical strength causes disease of the soul. The lust which the apostle mentions is not confined to the violation of the seventh commandment, but every indulgence of the taste which lessens physical vigor is a warring lust. The apostle declares that he who would gain special victories and make higher attainments in righteousness must be “temperate in all things.” Temperance in eating and drinking at our tables, as well as the exercise of temperance in every other respect, is essential if we would overcome as Christ overcame. God has given us light, not to be treated indifferently, but to be our guide and help.
You need to cultivate self-control. The lesson you should have learned in your youth should be mastered now. Discipline yourself to die to self, to bring your will in subjection to the will of Christ. A deep and thorough conversion is essential, or you, my dear brother, will fail of eternal life. Your service in the cause of God must be more hearty, full, and thorough. You cannot perfect a Christian character by serving God when you feel inclined to do so and neglecting it when you please. A decided change must take place in your life, and you must obtain a different experience from any you have yet had, or your service will not be accepted of God.
Our heavenly Father has been very gracious to you. He has dealt tenderly with you. Sickness and disease came upon you when you were unprepared to die, for you had not perfected a Christian character and had not a moral fitness for heaven. Satan stood by your side to afflict and destroy, that you might be numbered with the transgressors. Fervent and effectual prayer prevailed in your behalf. Angels were sent to wait and watch about you, to guard and protect you from Satan’s power and preserve your life. God has, in His matchless love, granted you another trial. Not because of any goodness or virtue in you but, because of His mercy, He has answered the prayers of faith. Your probation has been lengthened that you may have an opportunity to redeem the past, overcome the defects in your character, and show in your life that devotion to God which He claims from you. You have had emotions of gratitude, but you have not experienced that heartfelt thankfulness and becoming humility that should have been kindled by His unsurpassed love.
You have not sufficiently felt your obligations to God for sparing your life. You have, for pettish reasons of your own, excused yourself time and again from religious duties which devolve upon us at all times and under all circumstances. Feelings of discouragement are no apology before God for the neglect of a single duty. You are not your own; you have been purchased by the blood of Christ. He claims all that you are capable of doing; your time and strength are not your own.
God indicated that you could be educated to act a part in His cause, but it was necessary that your mind should be trained and disciplined to work in harmony with the plan of God. You could gain the required experience if you would; you had the privilege presented before you of denying your inclination, as your Saviour had given you an example in His life. But you have not placed yourself in a position to learn all that you could and all that it was important for you to learn in order to become a correct worker in the cause of God. There were some things to reform in yourself before the Lord could use you effectually as His instrument.
Brother C, it was a sacrifice for you to leave your farm; you enjoyed your life there. You did not come to —– from choice. You had no knowledge of the work in connection with the publishing interest. But you were determined to do the best you could, and in many respects you have done well. But many things have arisen as stumbling blocks in your way. The course of Brother F was wrong in many respects; but you did not preserve your consecration to God; you united with him in spirit, and did not stand free; you displeased God in many things and separated your soul from Him. Satan was obtaining great power over you; your steps had well-nigh slipped; you were almost gone in unbelief, when sickness arrested your course. It was in great mercy that God spared you and gave you a new lease of life. But you have not made an entire surrender to Him; your stubborn will has not been subdued and softened; you need a new conversion. You have been easily fretted and annoyed; you have braced yourself to resist everything that you thought reflected upon you; your feelings have arisen like a flash when anything has touched your pride. Now, my dear brother, this is all wrong. This you must overcome, or the enemy will gain the victory over you.
You have felt sick at heart because you did not love the work in —–. You have looked back toward —–, for your heart is there, and your body should be where your heart is. God has been testing and proving you; how have you borne the test? You needed to be planed and polished, to have the rough and jagged points of your character removed, that you might become refined for the kingdom of heaven. How hard it is for human nature to deny inclination; how hard for men to leave flattering worldly inducements and, through love of their Saviour and their fellow men, to deny their own pleasure in order to engage more directly in the service of God.
Brother C, you do not enter heart and soul into the work. You have never made it a direct personal interest, and it is not agreeable to you. Had you been so disposed you could have trained your mind to better understand the work; but you have, in a measure, held aloof from it; you have not connected yourself closely with it and tried to become familiar with its various branches.
You are not as social and courteous as you should be, and your cold, unapproachable manner is not pleasing to God. You allow your feelings to be easily excited. No man can properly fill a position in connection with the work of God who is controlled by feeling and moves from impulse. Your mind must come in closer connection with God, and in sympathy and interest you must be more closely identified with those who are engaged in His work, or you can be of no use in advancing the cause in —–. You are too independent and exclusive; you need to soften and assimilate your disposition to the mind and feelings of others. You can, as a businessman and as a Christian, do much valuable service for the cause of God if you will only surrender your will and your way to the Lord. You need to be sanctified by the truth, having your mind elevated above every personal consideration and every selfish interest.
I point you to the life of Jesus as a perfect pattern. His life was characterized by disinterested benevolence. Precious Saviour! What sacrifices has He made for us that we should not perish, but have everlasting life! Heaven will be cheap enough if we resign every selfish interest to obtain it. Can we afford to have our own way, and take ourselves out of the hands of God, because it is more pleasing to the natural heart? God requires perfect submission and perfect obedience. Eternal life is worth everything to us. You may come in close connection with God if you will agonize to enter in at the strait gate.
You could never be aware of your deficiencies unless you were brought where these deficiencies were developed by circumstances. You have not felt as you should since you have come to —–. You have not entered freely and heartily into the work and made it your chief interest. You have cherished an independence that could not be maintained if you realized your true position—that you are an apprentice, learning how to work in the very best manner for the prosperity of God’s cause; that you are a scholar, seeking to obtain knowledge concerning that with which you are unacquainted. You could have made much greater progress had you earnestly tried to serve God as an efficient worker.
You have been too reserved. You have not come into close relation with men engaged in the different departments of the work; you have not consulted with them as familiarly as you should to move understandingly. Had you done this you might have been a more efficient helper. You have moved too much according to your own judgment and carried out your own ideas and plans. There has been a lack of harmonious connection between the workers. Those who might have helped you have been reluctant to impart their knowledge to you on account of this lack of familiarity on your part, and also because you move so much from impulse and feeling that they have dreaded to approach you.
The Saviour of the world was the adored of angels, He was a prince in the royal courts of heaven; but He laid aside His glory and clothed His divinity with humanity. He became the meek and lowly Jesus. He left His riches and glory in heaven and became poor that we, through His poverty, might be made rich. Three years He journeyed from place to place, a homeless wanderer. But selfish men will repine and murmur if called to leave their little earthly treasure for Christ’s sake, or to labor in the work of saving souls for whom He gave His precious life. Oh, what ingratitude! No one can appreciate the blessings of redemption unless he feels that he can joyfully afford to make any and every sacrifice for the love of Christ. Every sacrifice made for Christ enriches the giver, and every suffering and privation endured for His dear sake increases the overcomer’s final joy in heaven.
You know but little of real sacrifice and genuine denial of self. You have had but little experience in hardships and taxation of your energies. Your burden has been light, while others have been loaded down with serious responsibilities. The young man who asked Jesus what he should do that he might have eternal life was answered: “Keep the commandments.” He confidently and proudly replied: “All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?” Jesus looked pityingly upon the young man; He loved him, and He knew the words He spoke would forever separate the youth from Himself. Nevertheless Jesus touched the plague spot of his soul. He said to him: “Go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me.” The young man wanted heaven, but not enough to withdraw his affections from his earthly treasure. He refused to yield to the conditions required by God in order to enter into life. He was very sorrowful; for he had great possessions, which he thought were too valuable to exchange for eternal rewards. He had asked what he must do to be saved, and the answer had been given; but his worldly heart could not make the sacrifice of his wealth to become Christ’s disciple. His decision was to give up heaven and to cling to his earthly treasure. How many are now making the very same decision which fixed the destiny of this young man?
Have any of us an opportunity of doing something for Christ, how eagerly should we seize it and with the greatest earnestness do all we can to be co-workers with Him. The very trials that test our faith most severely, and make it seem that God has forsaken us, are designed to lead us more closely to Christ, that we may lay all our burdens at His feet and experience the peace He will give us in exchange. You need a new conversion; you need to be sanctified through the truth and to become in spirit like a little child, meek and humble, relying wholly upon Christ as your Redeemer. Your pride and independence are closing your heart to the blessed influences of the Spirit of God and rendering it as unimpressible as the hard-beaten highway. You have yet to learn the great lesson of faith. When you surrender yourself entirely to God, when you fall all broken upon Jesus, you will be rewarded by a victory the joy of which you have never yet experienced. As you review the past with a clear vision, you will see that at the very time when life seemed to you only a perplexity and a burden, Jesus Himself was near you, seeking to lead you into the light. Your Father was by your side, bending over you with unutterable love, afflicting you for your good, as the refiner purifies the precious ore. When you have thought yourself forsaken, He has been near you to comfort and sustain. We seldom view Jesus as He is, and are never so ready to receive His help as He is to help us.
What a victory you will gain when you learn to follow the opening providences of God with a grateful heart and a determination to live with an eye single to His glory, in sickness or health, in abundance or want. Self is alive and quivering at every touch. Self must be crucified before you can overcome in the name of Jesus and receive the reward of the faithful. 4T 213-221.