PURE GRACE

I've been reading a book by Martha Christian called: Searching for Mrs. Oswald Chambers. It is an amazing story of the life, not only of Oswald Chambers for his well-know work - My Utmost for His Highest, but of his wife, Biddy Chambers, who actually was responsible for his work being published after his sudden death at age 43. That all happened in 1917 when Mrs. Chambers was only 33 years of age and was left a widow with a 4 year old daughter to care for. Imagine during that time in history just what that would entail. She loved her husband, but she loved Jesus more. She trusted Him with her very life when Oswald was gone. She continued the work that her husband had started. She never knew what an impact those writings would have on the entire world, but she was diligent to make a difference for Christ just as Oswald preached about.

These are two of my favorite quotes from Oswald Chambers that I have as the "signature" on my computer e-Mail settings as they are THAT important to me.

1 Corinthians 15:10

"By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain…"

There is only one relationship that really matters, and that is your personal relationship with your personal Redeemer and Lord. If you maintain that at all costs, letting go of everything else, God will fulfill His purpose through your life. One individual life may be of priceless value to God's purposes, and yours may be that life. - Oswald Chambers

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2 Corinthians 2:14

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us
in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. "

Remember that you can never give another person what you have found, but you can cause him to have a desire for it." - Oswald Chambers

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There is one more quote that I have shared with many people over the last twenty years or so. A pastor quoted it one day in his sermon and I have never known where the quote came from. I have always thought it sounded like an "Oswald" quote - but have not been able to trace it. It fits right along with living our lives in such a close relationship to our Jesus that our lives will make a difference for His kingdom purposes! [NOTE: If anyone knows the author of this quote - let me know in the comment box - thanks.]

"Never allow your service for God to become a substitute for your relationship with Him." -Unknown Author

Looking Upward and Choosing JOY,

Stephanie

[Led by the Spirit]