The life of those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High may be called a Hidden Life, because the animating principle, the vital or operative element, is not so much in itself as in another. It is a life grafted into another life. It is the life of the soul, incorporated into the life of Christ; and in such a way, that, while it has a distinct vitality, it has so very much in the sense, in which the branch of a tree may be said to have a distinct vitality from the root.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

The Present Moment

It is difficult to attach too much importance to the present moment, considered in its relations to inward experience. The value of our past experience, in itself considered, can never be changed; and the untried future is wholly unknown to us. It is obvious, therefore, that we are what we are NOW. We are, and we can be, only what we are, when we are estimated by the facts, the relations, and the duties of the present moment. It is only in the facts, the relations, and the duties of the present moment that God offers himself to our notice.  We must meet with him there, and harmonize with him there, or meet with him and harmonize with him no where.

Religious Maxims (1846) CXLVII.

1 comment:

  1. The soul cut off of self, trusting in the Holiest Jesus Christ in communing Spirit, to come alive again when grafted by the Father's loving heart and hand -- putting us whosoever that believe in Christ. Christ in us, the hope of glory ... who for the hope set before Him endured the cross. How wonderful, how wonderful, our loving Savior lives. He performs His word, and He's good at it, His life He longs to live -- to whosoever will obey, abiding still in Him, laboring to enter into His rest and in His soul 'ever poured out and given. This is grace personified, the Fruit of the Spirit in truth, the measure of the endless life and the conduit of faith that enters into shouts of joy from "can He to He can" and "will He to He will." (quotes attributed to Pastor Tracy Harris)

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