“Wholly For Christ”

Christ died for everyone…so that those who receive His new life will no longer live to please themselves. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Paul describes here a threefold life. First, the life of the Christian who lives according to his old nature: for himself alone. The second, the life of the true Christian: he lives wholly for Christ. Third, the life of Christ in heaven: He lives wholly for us.

We need to be convinced of the foolishness of living only for ourselves. At conversion we focus more on our own salvation and less on the claim that Christ has on us. Many Christians continue to live for themselves, content with doing little for the Master. Happiness comes to the believer who realizes the privilege of consecrating one’s life entirely to God.

The great hindrance to such a life is the unbelief which says it is impossible. But when the truth takes hold–Christ in heaven lives for me and will impart His life to me–then we know that He will enable us to live wholly for Him.

May this be your earnest desire, your prayer, and your firm expectation: Christ has not only died for me but lives in heaven to keep me, His purchased possession. Christ will keep you as a member of His Body, to work and live for Him. Pray for grace to live completely for God, whether in sharing with unbelievers or in serving His people. Take time to be united with Christ in prayer so that you can say with all your heart: I live wholly for Him.

From “God’s Word For Growing In Prayer: Devotional Thoughts On Talking With God”, Compiled From The Works Of Andrew Murray, pg. 30

 

 

“The Spirit Of Love”

For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. Romans 5:5

Is it impossible for a Christian to live this life of love? Often we make little progress in this spirit of love because of our unbelief and lack of faith in God’s promises.

We need continually to remind ourselves that it is not in our own strength that we can reach the love of Christ. The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts daily by the Spirit of God. It is only as we are wholly surrendered to the Spirit that we will be able to live according to God’s will. When the inner life of love is renewed from day to day, we shall love others.

You can pray with Paul: “When I think of the wisdom and scope of God’s plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father… that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will give you mighty inner strength through His Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in Him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love really is” (Ephesians 3:14-18). You may know this love on one condition: You must be strengthened by the Spirit so that Christ may dwell in your heart.

Take this message from God’s Word. Unless you are on your knees you cannot live in this love. A life of prayer will make a life of love to Christ, other Christians, and those without Christ a reality in your experience.

From “God’s Word For Growing In Prayer: Devotional Thoughts On Talking With God”, Compiled From The Works Of Andrew Murray, pg. 24

“The Importance Of Faith”

“Don’t be afraid. Just trust Me.” Mark 5:36

This is a lesson of the greatest importance. When praying alone in the presence of God, we must trust implicitly in the love of God and in the power of the Lord Jesus. Take time to ask yourself this question: Is my heart full of a steadfast faith in God’s love? If this is not the case, focus on this before you begin to pray. Faith does not come of itself.

Consider quietly how impossible it is for God to lie. He is ready with infinite love to give you His blessing. Take some text of Scripture in which God’s power, faithfulness, and love are revealed. Apply the words and say: “Yes, Lord, I will pray with firm faith in You.”

It is a mistake to limit the word “faith” to the forgiveness of sins and to our acceptance as children of God. Faith includes far more. We must have faith in all that God is willing to do for us. We must have faith according to our special needs. Jesus Christ gives grace for each new day, and our faith must reach out according to the needs of the day.

When you enter into the Father’s presence and before you begin to pray, ask yourself: “Do I really believe that God is here with me and that the Lord Jesus will help me to pray?” Jesus often taught His disciples how indispensable faith was to true prayer. He will teach us as well.

From “God’s Word For Growing In Prayer: Devotional Thoughts On Talking With God”, Compiled From The Works Of Andrew Murray, pg. 13

“Obey The Word Of God”

People need more than bread for their life; they must feed on every word of God. Matthew 4:4

Bread is indispensable to life. We all understand this. However strong a person may be, if he takes no nourishment he will grow weaker and eventually die. Even so with the Word of God.

Bread must be eaten. I may know all about bread. I may give it to others. I may have bread in my house and on my table to great abundance, but that will not help me. I must eat the bread. If through illness I am unable to eat it, I shall die. Likewise, mere knowledge of God’s Word and even preaching it to others will not help me. It is not enough to think about it. I must feed on God’s Word and take it into my heart and life.

Bread must be eaten daily, and the same is true of God’s Word. The psalmist says: “They delight in doing everything the LORD wants; day and night they think about His law” Psalm 1:2). “Oh how I love Your law! I think about it all day long” (Psalm 119:97). To secure a strong and powerful spiritual life, spending time in God’s Word every day is indispensable. When on earth the Lord Jesus learned, loved, and obeyed the word of the Father. If you seek fellowship with Him, you will find Him in His Word.

From “God’s Word For Growing In Prayer: Devotional Thoughts On Talking With God”, Compiled From The Works Of Andrew Murray, pg. 14

 

“From Day To Day”

Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

All Christians, young or old, must learn the absolute necessity of fellowship with Jesus each day. This lesson is not always taught at the beginning of the Christian life. The grace we have received of the forgiveness of sins and of joy in the Holy Spirit can only be preserved by daily renewal in fellowship with Jesus Christ Himself.

Many Christians backslide because this truth is not clearly taught. Some are unable to stand against temptation or their old nature. Though they strive to do their best to fight against sin and to serve God, they have no strength. They have never really grasped the secret that the Lord Jesus will continue His work in the believer every day from heaven. But there is one condition: Time alone with the Lord Jesus each day is the indispensable condition of growth and power.

Read Matthew 11:25-30. Listen to Christ’s word: “Come to Me…and I will give you rest…Let Me teach you…and you will find rest for your souls.” Let the Lord teach you just how gentle and humble He is. Bow before Him, tell Him that you need Him and His love; He will let His love rest on you. This applies not only to young Christians but to all who love the Lord.

From “God’s Word For Growing In Prayer: Devotional Thoughts On Talking With God”, Compiled From The Works Of Andrew Murray, pg. 9