Monday, 30 March 2009

soul fire...

Busy reading Leonard Ravenhill (Why Revival Tarries), and every page is arrayed with ideas and points that are fiery and inspiring. Here are some of them:

Someone now warns us lest we become so heavenly minded that we are of no earthly use. Brother, this generation of believers is not, by and large, suffering from such a complex. The brutal, soul-shaking truth is that we are so earthly minded we are of no heavenly use.

He who fears God fears no man. He who kneels before God will stand in any situation.

Holiness teaching contradicted by unholy living is the bane of this hour.

God does not want partnership with us, but ownership of us.

We try to help God out of difficulties. Remember how Abraham tried to do this, and to this day the earth is cursed with his folly because of Ishmael. On the other hand, Elijah made it as difficult as he could for the Lord. He wanted fire, but he soaked the sacrifice with water! God loves such holy boldness in our prayers. "Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession" (Psalm 2:8)

Oh! my ministering brethren! Much of our praying is but giving God advice! Our praying is discoloured with ambition, either for ourselves or for our denomination. Perish the thought! Our goal must be God alone. It is His honour that is sullied, His blessed Son who is ignored, His laws broken, His name profaned, His Book forgotten, His house made a circus of social efforts.

I know my late Pastor, Ross, used to read and quote Ravenhill a lot, and reading this book, which he incidentally gave me, brings back fond memories, and stirs my soul for hunger for a heavenly fire to purify my wicked heart.

Have a great Monday...