Take Courage

Lay Aside Every Distraction

I like the writing of J. C. Ryle and want to encourage you to look at the book giveaway post below. They will draw a winner for the book on Saturday March 13, 2010. Even if you don’t want to enter the contest for the book, “Meet the Puritans” consider learning about Ryle and his ministry. Most of the daily quotes encourage me and cause me to think about the Lord. I hope they do the same for you too.

“We must cast away everything which hinders us upon our road towards heaven – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life; the love of riches, pleasures and honors, the spirit of lukewarmness and carelessness and indifference about the things of God – all must be rooted out and forsaken if we are anxious for the prize. We must mortify the deeds of the body, we must crucify our affections for this world.”

~ J.C. Ryle

The Christian Race & Other Sermons, “The Christian Race”, [Moscow, ID: Charles Nolan Publishing, 2002], 129.

(1) Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (2) looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (3) For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. (4) You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. (Hebrews 12:1-4 NKJV)

GRACE and peace to you,

Bill  (a fellow-laborer)

Romans 15:13; Psalm 16:11