Dead Things Never Grow! (and others)

Dead Things Never Grow! (and others)

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful" (John 15:1-2).

Why is it that so many professing Christians make no spiritual progress, and indeed make no efforts to grow in grace? Why? Because they care nothing about it! To take up a "mere profession" is all they desire; but to proceed from one degree of piety to another; to grow in grace - is no part of their desire.

What! No solicitude to have more experimental knowledge of truth, faith in Christ, likeness to God, fitness for heaven!

No desire to advance in such things! Is it possible to be a Christian and yet destitute of this desire to grow in grace? No! It is not! I tell you, it is not!!

If you have no concern to grow in grace - there is no grace in you!

You are a piece of dead wood - and not a living branch!

You are a spiritual corpse - and not a living man!

In this state there can be no growth - for dead things never grow!

~John Angell James~
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I Follow Like A Little Blind Child

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Strong faith has a firm persuasion of God's over-ruling Providence - so comprehensive as to include the destinies of empires and worlds; and so minute as to extend to individuals. Strong faith believes that God's Providence is ever active, ever directing, ever controlling, and ever subordinating all things to His own purposes and plans.

Strong faith is a  conviction of this great truth - so deep, so satisfying, and so tranquilizing - as not at all to be shaken by the chaotic aspect of human affairs, or the prevalence of gigantic evils.

A weak faith must give way before the deep mysteries, the confounding events, the defeats of what is good, and the triumphs of what is evil, which are perpetually going on in our world's history.

The stream of Providence is so twisting, so dark, apparently so murky, and occasionally so devastating; that it requires strong faith, believe that it is the work of God and not of chance; and that if it is the work of God - it must be just, and wise, and good.

Faith assures us that the darker, the more confounding, the more disappointing events - are all right and just, and good.

Strong faith walks on amid shadows and darkness, grasping the arm of God, believing that He is leading us, and will lead us right. Strong faith gives up all into His hands, saying, I cannot even see a glimmering of light! I cannot see where to place my next  step! But I can most implicitly trust in the wisdom, power, and truth of God! I follow like a little blind child, grasping the hand of his Father!"

Times of great troubles and difficulties, are seasons and opportunities for the exercise of faith. God is always the Christian's best refuge - and often his only one! He is sometimes reduced to extremity, and is compelled to say, "He alone is my rock and my salvation! My help comes only from the Lord! No one else will help me - no one else can!"

Sense and reason both faith. No door of escape presents itself - nor any way of relief. There is nothing left for him to do, but to take up the promise and carry it in the hand of faith, knock by prayer at the door of mercy, and as he stands there to say, "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone! My hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation! He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Yes, Lord, You have bid me come, when I could go nowhere else. And here according to Your command and promise I will remain - waiting, trembling, yet believing and hoping. I am sure You will come and help me. My heavenly Father knows the necessities of His poor helpless child, and He will come in His own time, and in His own way, and I will wait for Him. My bread will be given to me, and my water will be sure."

~John Angell James~