Thought from A.W. Tozer

[PastorSBC1303]

Pastoral Ministry: Humble Service

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.
--2 Timothy 2:3-4

Save me from the error of judging a church by its size, its popularity or the amount of its yearly offering. Help me to remember that I am a prophet--not a promoter, not a religious manager, but a
prophet. Let me never become a slave to crowds. Heal my soul of carnal ambitions and deliver me from the itch for publicity. Save me from bondage to things. Let me not waste my days puttering around the house. Lay Thy terror upon me, O God, and drive me to the place of prayer where I may wrestle with principalities and powers and the
rulers of the darkness of this world. Deliver me from overeating and late sleeping. Teach me self-discipline that I may be a good soldier
of Jesus Christ....

And now, O Lord of heaven and earth, I consecrate my remaining days to Thee; let them be many or few, as Thou wilt. Let me stand before the great or minister to the poor and lowly; that choice is not mine, and I would not influence it if I could. I am Thy servant to do Thy will, and that will is sweeter to me than position or riches
or fame and I choose it above all things on earth or in heaven. God Tells the Man Who Cares, 105-106.

 

[gb93433]

Good thoughts.

So often I am reminded of Jesus' ministry--3 years long. Only 3 years but the impact it had to this very day.

 

[tfisher1]

You know, right or wrong, I can't help but categorize some preachers/teachers as great, some good, and some not so good. I know were not to put men on a pedestal, and my "great" list is pretty short, but Tozer is on it. Everything I read from him is top notch. I "classify" him in my book up there with Spurgeon. Check out his book "The Knowledge of the Holy", it is a great reminder of the awesomeness of our GOD!

just my opinion...

Todd

 

[Jim1999]

And gb, let us not forget that, humanly speaking, our blessed Lord spent 30 years in training for that 3 year ministry.

I had the privilege of listening to Tozer in his last years at the Avenue Road Alliance Church in Toronto. I have said this before, but it bears repeating. A few Baptist ministers went to hear Tozer. This man appeared at the pulpit in wrinkled suit and unassuming in approach. He read a scripture and prayed before speaking. He was not a great orator. His manner of speech was not the most elequent. Yet, when Tozer spoke, everyone listened and was quickened by what he said. One could not help but come away impressed, not by his oratory, but by his Saviour. Isn't this what preaching is supposed to be all about?

We learned, from his dear wife, that Tozer spent the night before in his study and in prayer. He always prayed on his knees, leaning on a chair, and fully dressed in suit and tie, as it were....that same wrinkled suit he adorned the pulpit the next day.

It was just a few short weeks later that Tozer went home to be with the Lord. He passed on in that same posture,,,on his knees before his Lord in prayer. Would that we all, in ministry, remembered the most important aspect of ministry....on our knees before God.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[PastorSBC1303]

Jim, what a great testimony...may God raise up more men like Tozer!