Saturday, June 2, 2007

This is soooo good!

Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: A Lamp For My Feet

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1 Matthew 16:24 Philippians 2:7

The Path of Lonliness
Shop for Elisabeth Elliot Resources

A Chance to Die

To be transformed into the image of Christ I must learn his character, love his obedience to the will of the Father, and begin, step by step, to walk the same pathway. For Christ the pathway of obedience began with emptying Himself. I must begin at the same place.

He "made Himself nothing." (Phil 2:7 NEB)

"You must arm yourselves with a temper of mind like His." (l Pt 4:1 NEB)

"If anyone wishes to be a follower of mine, he must leave self behind." (Mt 16:24 NEB)

What does this mean? Is it mere words? How can one leave self behind, make himself nothing? The answer will not come in a vacuum. If a man or woman honestly wishes to be a follower, the opportunity will present itself. Christ will say, "Here is your chance. Now, in this situation, you must make your choice. Will it be self? Or will you choose Me?"

An older missionary said something to Amy Carmichael when she was a young missionary that stayed with her for life. She had spoken of something which was not to her liking. His reply was, "See in it a chance to die."

What a simple explanation of dying daily.

How blessed we are to have written explanations of how to do what God expects us to do.

I will post another post after I fix Paw Paw breakfast.


2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great post Sharon! I just wanted to say something to you -- you've been a faithful reading/commenter on my blog, but I want you to feel free to not comment anytime. I know you've got a lot on your 'plate' and please don't feel pressed to read my blog always!! Of course I love having you there and reading your comments & feeling your prayers & support -- but do you know what I mean?? ((( hugs ))) Again, you're doing a great thing!! D

TammieFay said...

I love Elisabeth Elliot! I used to listen to her on the radio daily when picking my older two up from school. She tells it like it is in such a firm, authoritative, but gentle way. One of my favorite EE quotes from years ago that has always stuck with me is..."delayed obedience is disobedience." Thanks for sharing!