Hearing David Brainerd Pray

This is how Jonathan Edwards described his experience of listening to David Brainerd pray:

We enjoyed not only the benefit of his conversation, but had the comfort and advantage of hearing him pray in the family, from time to time.  His manner of praying was very agreeable; most becoming a worm of the dust, and a disciple of Christ, addressing an infinitely great and holy God, and Father of mercies; not with florid expressions, or a studied eloquence; not with any intemperate vehemence, or indecent boldness.  It was at the greatest distance from any appearance of ostentation, and from everything that might look as though he meant to recommend himself to those that were about him, or set himself off to their acceptance.  It was free also from vain repetitions, without impertinent excursions, or needless multiplying of words.  He expressed himself with the strictest propriety, with weight, and pungency; and yet what his lips uttered seemed to flow from the fullness of his heart, as deeply impressed with a great and solemn sense of our necessities, unworthiness, and dependence, and of God's infinite greatness, excellency, and sufficiency, rather than merely from a warm and fruitful brain, pouring out good expressions.

And I know not that ever I heard him so much as ask a blessing or return thanks at table but there was something remarkable to be observed both in the matter and manner of the performance.  In his prayers, he insisted much on the prosperity of Zion, the advancement of Christ's kingdom in the world, and the flourishing and propagation of religion among the Indians.  And he generally made it one petition in his prayer, "that we might not outlive our usefulness."

— The Life and Diary of David Brainerd, p. 349 —

The Romans Rover is rolling — you on board?

From "Dispatches From the Front;" some quotes from an article by David Hosaflook titled "Yonder Village."

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The Romans Rover is stuffed with soteriological treasure, but it is designed for travel - preferably off road. The front bumper says, "Not Ashamed of the Gospel of Christ!" (Romans 1:21); the back bumper says, "Unreached Territory or Bust!" (Romans 15:20).   

Paul taught us that the essence of missions is going places where Christ is not already named (Rom. 15:20).  

Roughly 35% of the world has no access to the gospel. I'm talking about the 2,400,000,000 people who couldn't find a Christian if they tried.  How many mission workers are targeting them? It's less than 5%!  

Five measly percent is a yawn in the face of the Great Commissioner, a shrug at the plight of the damned. It's tantamount to telling the unreached to go to Hell.  

Our main problem isn't fear. Christ is not our life (Phil. 1:21). We're self-absorbed. Distracted. Apathetic. Unimpressed at the stunning honor of fulfilling biblical prophecies. Passionate about anything other than the harvest fields of unreached souls - unreached not because they're unreachable, but because we've chosen not to reach them.  

The Romans Rover is warmed up and ready to roll. Jesus is driving. The ride won't be smooth. But there's a seat with your name all over it. You in?

The Christian's Call To Courage

From Gurnall's January 1 devotional (it's a day late, but still worthy of great attention!):

Who among us has not learned from his own experience that it requires another spirit than the world can give to follow Christ fully.

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All may have a desire to be successful soldiers, but few have the courage and determination to grapple with the difficulties that accost them on the way to victory.

They preferred the bondage of Pharaoh to the promised blessings of the Lord.

How many part with Christ at the crossroads of suffering! When put to the test, they quickly grow sick of the journey and refuse to endure for Christ.

They will content themselves with their own stagnant cisterns and leave the Water of Life for others who will venture farther for it.

Who among us has not learned from his own experience that it requires another spirit than the world can give to follow Christ fully.

Let  this exhort you, then, Christian, to petition God for the holy determination and bravery you must have to follow Christ. Without it you cannot be what you profess.

Dare to be holy in spite of men and devils.
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From "The Christian in Complete Armour: Daily readings in spiritual warfare."  William Gurnall. Edited by James S. Bell Jr.
ISBN-10: 0-8024-1177-0