We are not built for the mountains and the dawns and aesthetic affinities, those are for moments of inspiration, that is all. We are built for the valley, for the ordinary stuff we are in, and that is where we have to prove our mettle. Spiritual selfishness always wants repeated moments on the mount. We feel we could talk like angels and live like angels, if only we could stay on the mount. The times of exaltation are exceptional, they have their meaning in our life with God, but we must beware lest our spiritual selfishness wants to make them the only time.

God's training ground, where the missionary weapons are found, is the hidden, personal, worshiping life of the saint.

Our natural virtues can never come anywhere near what Jesus Christ wants.

It never cost a disciple anything to follow Jesus; to talk about cost when you are in love with anyone is an insult.

Never water down the Word of God, but preach it in its undiluted sternness. There must be unflinching faithfulness to the Word of God, but when you come to personal dealings with others, remember who you are- you are not some special being created in heaven, but a sinner saved by grace.

We are in danger of being stern where God is tender, and of being tender where God is stern.

We actually slander and dishonor God by our very eagerness to serve Him without knowing Him.