I know most of you are used to me updating every day for the past 2 weeks, but tonight is just for God and me. However, I wanted to post some amazing quotes from the new book I’m reading: The Journals of Jim Elliot.
“Your speech betrays you.’ (Genesis 27) However clearly I may cover my hands, do acts which make me seem someone I am not, and deceive by the gifts my hand might provide, the ultimate test for who I am is by my voice. ‘That voice is Jacob’s voice’—that could not be doubted. Out of a heart that is full of either sweet water or bitter springs, the fountain at my tongue and who or what I really am is at my heart. Clear out the source and fill it with Thy love that my speech may be sound and uncondemned—today!”
“(Genesis 31) Rachel and Leah manifest an attitude toward the family which I would have toward earthly ties. There is now no longer an inheritance for me down here. I’ve been bought by the labors of that great Shepherd who came from afar to gain me as His bride. Lead on Lord, I am now ready to go. Jacob’s leading away from Laban would see the world’s countenance different toward me than before. It has smiled and shown itself congenial, but now that Thou hast blessed me above measure, it can only be envious of me as it was of You, Lord Jesus.”
“(Genesis 35) Lord, that I would recenter my spiritual life as Jacob does in this portion. Instead of Beth-el, he centers his experience on El Beth-el—not the house of God but the God of that house. Often I feel compassion for Thy Church, because it is visivle and can be physically apprehended, but I would not have that be my concern any longer. Lord, I want to be centering my interest on Thee, the God of God’s house. Be then revealed to me that my desires might be fixed on the primary thing. Christ, the Son of sorry, has now become the Son of His right hand. Praise God, the Savior is exalted in heaven and there given His deserved place. ‘As in Heaven, so in earth.’ Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
“God I pray, light these idle sticks of my life and may I burn up for Thee. Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine. I seek not a long life but a full one like Yours, Lord Jesus. As I came our of Harper’s study, several were enjoying a social time, and I had thoughts of self-righteousness as I turned away. But God knows my heart. To that soul which has tasted of Christ, the jaunty laugh, the taunting music of mingled voices, and the haunting appeal of smiling eyes—all these lack flavor—and I would drink deeply of Him. Fill me, O Spirit of Christ, with all the fullness of God.”
“(Genesis 40) Lord, I confess to Thee that now that it is well with me I have not remembered Thee aright. Thou knowest how it is easy to get into service after release from chains and to be so active that it is possible to forget the One who ministered when there was no hope of escape. I would remember Thee, Lord Jesus, because of the seven famine years coming upon earth—the future of the entire peoples depends upon my not forgetting to make mention of Thy Name. Show me, I pray, the difference between budding and blossoming worship and service (the vine) and those ‘prepared’ foods. In worship of the Great Kind, I would know how to press into Thy hand the fresh juice of living worship, not the hardened dead meat which is only in my head and quickly plucked away by the Plunderer. I would put Thy truth to practice—in the hand; not only have it for display—on the head. Not as the baker, but as the butler. O God, save me from a life of barrenness, following a formal pattern of ethics called Theism and give instead that vital contact of the soul with Thy divine life that fruit may be produced and Life-abundant living may be known again as the final proof for Christ’s message and work!”
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