Daily Readings in Life of Christ - J.R. Miller (1890)

November 5. Life Worth Living

"I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.." John 17:15

It would be a great deal safer, in one sense, for believers to be taken at once to Heaven — as soon as they are saved. They would then have no temptations, no enemies to fight, no conflicts and struggles to pass through. But who would then do Christ's work in the world? There would be . . .
none to tell sinners about the Savior, 
none to show to men the beauty of Christ in a holy life, 
none to witness for God and to fight His battles.

There is another reason why Christians are left here. They are not the most majestic trees, which grow in the sheltered valleys, where no storms break — but those rather which are found upon the hill-tops and on the mountains, where they must encounter the fierce gales. It is just so with men: the noblest men are grown amid difficulties and hardships — and not in pampered ease. Even Jesus Himself was trained in the school of conflict and struggle. It may be the easiest thing to have no battles in life, to grow in some sheltered plain where the storms never blow, to meet no hardships, to have no burdens to carry; but what sort of life comes in the end — from such a smooth career? If we would reach the heights of blessedness — we must be content to pass through the fields of struggle.

When armies return from victorious war, the loudest cheers are not for those who have fought the fewest battles, nor for the flags which are cleanest — but for the regiments which are cut down to a few men, and for the colors that are shot to pieces. So it will be in Heaven, when the redeemed are welcomed home: those who have fought the most battles, and bear the most "marks of the Lord Jesus," will receive the highest honors. It is better, then, even for Christians themselves to stay in this world, and to grow to strength through duty and conflict.

 All Profits go to the Church Foreign Missions -

Contemplations on the Ways of the Lord 

by Bishop Jerry L. Ogles

A 216‑page collection of short stories, devotions, and poetry exploring a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, authored by Anglican Orthodox Church minister Bishop Jerry L. Ogles 

Overview and Content

Contemplations on the Ways of the Lord is a spiritual and literary work that blends short stories, devotional reflections, and original poetry centered on the Christian faith The book offers meditations and narrative pieces that invite readers to reflect on their own relationship with Jesus Christ, combining personal insight with biblical themes. It is designed for both private devotion and group contemplation.

 

available for purchase from, the Anglican Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 128, Statesville, N.C. 28687  (https://aocinternational.org

or

from Harvard Book Store, https://www.harvard.com/book/9781714438440

Meaning, Nature and Purpose of Christian Hymns and Music

 THE FAMILY ALTAR - F.W. Hertzberger

November 4.

"The man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him,

and he went his way." John 4:50.

Seeing is not believing. Seeing trusts in the evidence of the

senses, and is often deceived. Faith trusts in the sure and truthful

Word of God, and never is deceived. We all too much resemble

this nobleman of Capernaum who thought Jesus had to come in

person and lay His hand on his sick son in order to heal him.

But Jesus chides him for his weak faith, and gives him only the

word of promise: "Go thy way; thy son liveth." This word of

Jesus so strengthens* the weak faith of the nobleman that he re-

turns home, firmly persuaded that it will accomplish what Jesus

promised. And his trust in Christ's word did not deceive him.

On his return home he hears the joyful news that his dying boy

revived and grew well the very hour Jesus had said so. Now he be-

lieves with even greater and firmer trust, and brings his whole house

to saving faith in Christ. Oh, how joyfully we could go our way

through life if we would not look so often for signs of God's favor

in happy feelings of our heart or fortunate circumstances of our life,

but would simply and solely rely on the sure and infallible Word

of our Savior! But our faith grows so lamentably weak when

our sins assail us or sorrow and sickness or poverty darken the sky.

At such times we crave for a reassuring sign from God, when all

the while we have His unfailing promise: "Son, daughter, be of

good cheer; thy sins are forgiven thee." Or: "I will never leave

thee nor forsake thee." "He shall deliver thee in six troubles;

yea, and in seven there shall no evil touch thee." We ourselves

are often to blame if our faith grows weak and our hearts often

are so downcast and unhappy, because we read and meditate so

little in the precious Word of our God. Let us learn to cling

simply to the blessed Word of Jesus. Then we can also go on

our way through life comforted and rejoicing.

Lord, open Thou my heart to hear,

And by Thy Word to me draw near,

Let me Thy Word still pure retain,

Let me Thy child and heir remain.

Thy Word doth move the inmost heart,

Thy Word doth perfect health impart,

Thy Word my soul with joy doth bless,

Thy Word brings peace and blessedness.

Glory to God, the Father, Son,

And Holy Spirit, Three in One!

To Thee, 0 blessed Trinity,

                               Be praise throughout eternity!