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Post by Eli Brayley on Sept 15, 2008 8:00:07 GMT -7
The Purpose of God for Our Life on Earth (J. R. Miller, "Garden of the Heart" 1906)
We should get it settled in our minds, that the purpose of God for our life on earth, is to have us grow into Christ's image. We are not in this world merely to accomplish a certain amount of work--but to be fashioned into strength and beauty of character. If we would always remember this, we would not be perplexed so often by the mysteries of our lives.
If joy is ours--it is to make us better and a greater blessing to others.
If sorrow is ours--it is to purify us and bring out some line of Christ's image in us more clearly.
If our hopes are disappointed--it is because God has some better things for us, than that which we so earnestly desired.
If we are called to endure pain--it is because the best in us can be called out only by pain.
If bereavement comes and we are left without the strong human arm we have leaned upon heretofore--it is because there are elements of strength in our life, which never could be developed unless the human supports were taken away.
If our burdens are heavy--it is because we grow best under burdens.
If we are wronged by others--it is to teach us better, the great lessons of patience and sweet temper.
If our circumstances are uncongenial and our condition hard--it is that we may be disciplined into self-control, and may learn to be content in whatever state we are in.
The Master is always teaching us new lessons, making us into the beauty of the pattern He has set for us, and preparing us for greater usefulness and better service.
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Post by 4him on Sept 15, 2008 20:10:38 GMT -7
Hi Eli,
I hope things are going well in your ministry on the university campuses !
I found this write up to be a blessing. It's so true that the Lord uses the varied circumstances of our lives to teach us lessons that flow out of these circumstances. Often, it seems we learn best and grow the most during the most difficult times. I know that when things are going well, I am most prone to become proud and self reliant and to forget my need of the Lord to sustain me spiritually and otherwise. However, I know it is His desire that we come to realize our need of him at all times, both in seasons of difficulty and in seasons of prosperity.
I like that verse where Paul says, something to the effect, 'I know what it is to be in want and to have plenty' (I couldn't seem to find the exact verse I was looking for).
May we learn more each day about what it means to abide in Him.
In Jesus, John
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Post by Eli Brayley on Sept 16, 2008 8:09:36 GMT -7
Amen, thank you John. We've been up on campus preaching for three weeks now and still going strong. Miles has been with us since last week; it's been a huge blessing for me to have him here. Keep praying for us. The word is going forth and many are hearing the good news, and there have been some very special conversations as well. Pray that God would open students eyes and ears to receive the gospel and be saved. Mormonism is a veil that blinds their eyes from seeing the light, that they might be converted and healed. Please pray!
Yours, -Eli
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