Monday, August 31, 2015

THE MISCONDUCT OF THE CHILD


A lesson from the Chinese: There are about 3,000 Chinese boys & girls in a certain area of New York City. During the past 8 years there have been among them only 2 cases of Juvenile delinquency.

A recent legislature & court investigation has discovered that Chinese percentage of delinquency is the lowest of any racial or sectional group, the ratio being almost negligible.

Chinese teachers were questioned by the investigators concerning the reason for this remarkable showing. What they learned should be broadcast throughout America.

It was a precept of Confucius: "The misconduct of the child is the fault of the parent." 

- (moreillustrations.com)

Pro 29:15 (GNB): "Correction and discipline are good for children. If they have their own way, they will make their mothers ashamed of them."

"A child who is allowed to be disrespectful to his parents will not have true respect for anyone."  -  Billy Graham.

Pro 22:15 (GNB): "Children just naturally do silly, careless things, but a good spanking will teach them how to behave."

Sunday, August 30, 2015

THE HOLY SPIRIT


The story is told about a little boy who was flying a kite. It was a windy day & the kite kept going higher & higher. Finally it got so high that it was out of sight.

A man passed by & saw the little boy holding onto the string. The man could not see the kite & he asked the boy, “How do you even know you have a kite up there?”

The boy replied, “Because I can feel it.”

Although we cannot see the Holy Spirit, we should be able to sense His work in our lives changing us into the image of Christ.

-  Paul Chappell (ministry127.com)

"This desire for heart purity is a creation of the Holy Spirit at work in the heart."  - Duncan Campbell.

Eph 5:18 (ISV): "Stop getting drunk with wine, which leads to wild living, but keep on being filled with the Spirit."

"Being born-again is a prerequisite to the in filling of the Holy Spirit."  - Rod Parsley.

Act 2:38 (GNB): Peter said to them, "Each one of you must turn away from your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven; and you will receive God's gift, the Holy Spirit."

Saturday, August 29, 2015

CELEBRITY OR SERVANT?


In 1971, the eyes of millions of Americans were on the Apollo 15 moon mission. You may remember the astronauts David R. Scott & James B. Irwin, who landed on the moon & spent 18 of their 66 hours there outside the spacecraft. They covered over 17 miles of the surface in a specialized vehicle people dubbed the “moon buggy.”

Upon returning to earth, James Irwin, a professed Christian believer, declared, “As I was returning, I realized that I am not a celebrity but a servant. So I am here as God’s servant on Planet Earth to share what I have experienced, that others may know the glory of God.”

Most of us will never attain the status of a James B Irwin, but all of us can have the attitude he possessed - the attitude of a servant.

- Tom Farrell (ministry127.com)

Jesus said: "… The most important one of you should be like the least important, and your leader should be like a servant."  (Luke 22:26 CEV) 

"The measure of a man is not how many servants he has, but how many people he serves." – D.L.Moody.

Jas 4:6 (KJV): "…God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."

Friday, August 28, 2015

KNOWLEDGE MUST BE ACTED UPON


Scientists studied a native tribe in South America whose people have been dying prematurely for generations. After thorough investigation, the cause of premature death was determined.

The disease was transmitted by an insect that lived in the walls of their adobe homes.

This knowledge presented several options. They could move to another area where such insects did not exist, tear down their homes & rebuild them, use insecticide to rid their homes of the bugs, or, continue as they have & die early.

Surprisingly, these people have opted to remain as they are & do nothing about their problem.

Many people behave similarly. They know how to be saved, but they opt to remain unchanged.

- 'The Power to Be Your Best' by Todd Duncan (ministry127.com)

"The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives."  - D.L. Moody.

Heb 3:15 (GW): Scripture says, "If you hear God speak today, don't be stubborn. Don't be stubborn like those who rebelled."

"Knowledge without repentance will be but a torch to light men to hell. - Thomas Watson.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Jesus’ Blood Cleanses Sin


A preacher was speaking from the text, “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Suddenly he was interrupted by an atheist who asked, “How can blood cleanse sin?”

For a moment the preacher was silent; then he countered, “How can water quench thirst?”

I do not know,” replied the infidel, “but I know that it does.”

“Neither do I know how the blood of Jesus cleanses sin,” answered the preacher, “but I know that it does.”

- Sunday School Times (ministry127.com)

Heb 9:14 (CEV): "But Christ was sinless, and he offered himself as an eternal and spiritual sacrifice to God. That's why his blood is much more powerful and makes our consciences clear. Now we can serve the living God and no longer do things that lead to death."

"If not washed in Christ's blood and clothed in His righteousness, no heaven for you, no heaven for me."  - William Tiptaft.

Heb 10:4(ASV): "For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins."

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

GOD AND GOLD


Roger Babson, an American historian, was visiting the president of Argentina about 100 years ago when the president said to him: 

“You are a student of history, Will you please tell me why it is that South America, with her unlimited resources & having been settled earlier than North America, has nevertheless made much slower progress in civilization & material prosperity?”

Mr. Babson threw the question back upon the president by saying, “Mr. President, you evidently have studied this question yourself & I would be interested to know your answer to it.

The President replied that he thought the explanation lay in the fact that South America was settled by Spaniards who came seeking gold while North America was settled by the Pilgrim Fathers who came seeking God.

Source: The University Of Colorado Journal Of Engineering, Volume XVII, No. 2 (ministry127.com)

"The reason America is a special nation is because it was founded by people who were first on their knees before they were on their feet. We are a nation rooted in our faith."  -  Mike Huckabee (former Arkansas governor).

"It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible."  -  George Washington (first President of the USA).

Psalms 33:12 (GW): "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD. Blessed are the people he has chosen as his own."

Monday, August 24, 2015

KNOW YOUR CALLING


Timothy Stackpole was a New York Firefighter, who was severely burned in a 1998 fire. After he recovered, he returned to the force despite the advice of some friends & family & the fact that he could retire comfortably.

He was a great fire fighter & passionate about his work & was soon promoted to captain. Timothy was one of the fire fighters that ran into the 2nd tower to try to save some people. When he did, it collapsed & took his life.

He knew his calling - to save people. The Holy Spirit has called us to a life of service. We should live for Him.

-  'Empire City' by Kenneth T. Jackson & David S. Dunbar (ministry127.com)

"Serve God by doing common actions in a heavenly spirit, and then, if your daily calling only leaves you cracks and crevices of time, fill them up with holy service."  - Charles Spurgeon.

2 Pet 1:10 (NLT): "So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Doing this, you will never stumble or fall away."

"Next to faith this is the highest art - to be content with the calling in which God has placed you."  Martin Luther.

Sunday, August 23, 2015

OPENNESS FOR CORRECTION


During the Civil War someone reported to Abraham Lincoln that Edwin Stanton, one of the President’s cabinet members, had referred to him as a fool.

Mr. Lincoln replied, “Well, I must check into that, for I have found that he is usually correct in his judgments.”

- H. H. Hobbs (ministry127.com)

Ecc 7:5 (GNB): "It is better to have wise people reprimand you than to have stupid people sing your praises."

"A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them."  -  John C. Maxwell.

Pro 12:1(GNB): "Those who love knowledge want to be told when they are wrong. It is stupid to hate being corrected."

Friday, August 21, 2015

TACT


Tact is one of the lost arts of the 20th century. I heard about a man who lacked tact. He was the type of person who just couldn’t say anything graciously.

He & his wife owned a poodle. They loved this dog. It was the object of their affection.

The wife was to take a trip abroad & she made it to New York on the first day. She called home & asked her husband, “How are things?”

He said, “The dog’s dead!”

She was devastated. After collecting her thoughts, she asked, “Why do you do that? Why can’t you be more tactful?”

He said, “Well, what do you want me to say? The dog died.”

She said, “Well, you can give it to me in stages. For example, you could have said, ‘The dog went out on the roof.’ And then when I travel to London the next day & call, you could tell me, ‘Honey, the dog fell & had to be taken to the vet. In fact, he’s in the hospital, not doing well.’ And finally, when I call you from Rome, ‘Honey, brace yourself. Our dog died.’ I could handle that.”

The husband paused & said, “Oh, I see.”

Then she asked, “By the way, how’s Mother?”

He said, “She’s on the roof.”

-  Michel LeBoeuf (ministry127.com)

Pro 14:13 (GNB): "Laughter may hide sadness. When happiness is gone, sorrow is always there."

"The Lord gives His people perpetual joy when they walk in obedience to Him." -  D.L. Moody.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Afraid of the Master’s Touch


Mendelssohn (1809-1847; was a great German composer, pianist & organist) once visited the cathedral at Fribourg & having heard the great organ, went into the organ loft & asked to be allowed to play it.

The old organist, in jealousy for his instrument, at first refused, but was afterward prevailed on to allow the great German composer to try the colossal “thunderer” of the cathedral.

After standing by in an ecstasy of delight & amazement for a few moments, he suddenly laid his hands on the shoulders of the musician & exclaimed: “Who are you? What is your name?”

“Mendelssohn,” replied the player.

“And can it be that I had so nearly refused to let Mendelssohn touch this organ!”

Christians often refuse to let God have His way in their life because they are afraid of the outcome.

-  I. K. Funk & D. S. Gregory (ministry127.com)

Jer 10:23 (KJV): "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps."

"It is foolish to move into the future on our own when God is waiting to guide us. His plan is the best. If we yield to Him, He can save us from Satan's snares."  - Zac Poonen.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

LIKENESS OF JESUS CHRIST


Dr. William Barker tells about the actor, Ben Kingsley who "starred as the main character in the motion picture GANDHI.

He spent months preparing for the role, visiting the various Indian locales Gandhi had frequented. He even learned to spin cotton thread on a wooden wheel while holding conversations as Gandhi did. The physical resemblance between Gandhi & Kingsley was almost startling.

After filming a scene in a village south of Delhi, Kingsley stepped out of a car & an elderly peasant knelt to touch his feet. Embarrassed, Kingsley explained that he was merely an actor playing Gandhi. 'We know,' replied the villager, 'but through you he will surely live again.'"

As Christians, if we truly follow & serve the Lord, we will become more & more in every way like Christ.

Eph 4:15 (CEV): "Love should always make us tell the truth. Then we will grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head."

- Dick Innes (aksermonillustrations.blogspot.in)

"We are not saved in order to be a blessing to other people - you will be that inevitably - but primarily we are saved in order to be conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ, God's Son."  - Alan Redpath.

HEEDING HIS TAPS


It was Mother’s Day. A man stopped at a flower shop to order some flowers to be wired to his mother who lived 200 miles away.

As he got out of his car he noticed a young girl sitting on the curb sobbing.

He asked her what was wrong & she replied, “I wanted to buy a red rose for my mother & I don’t have enough money.”

The man smiled & said, “Come on in with me. I’ll buy you a rose.”

He bought the little girl her rose & ordered his own mother’s flowers.

As they were leaving he offered the girl a ride home. She said, “Yes, please! You can take me to my mother.”

She directed him to a cemetery, where she placed the rose on a freshly dug grave.

The man returned to the flower shop, canceled the wire order, picked up a bouquet & drove the two hundred miles to his mother’s house.

- (academictips.org)

“Form the habit of heeding His taps, and you will be less likely to receive His raps.” - A. W. Pink.

Pro 27:17 (GNB): "People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron."

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

YOU ARE BEING FOLLOWED


The story is told about a little boy who had been invited to a friend’s birthday party. He was so excited & started counting the days until the party.

But the morning of the party he was devastated when he found that a blizzard had struck their little town. The snow was falling in wet, heavy flakes & the wind was howling. “I don’t think you should go to the party,” his father said. The little boy was so disappointed.

He began to importune his father, begging to be allowed to go. Finally, much to his surprise, his dad said, “All right, you can go to the party.” The little boy bundled up in his hat & coat & started down the street to his friend’s house.

When he got to the door, he turned around & saw his father turning to walk back home. It was then he realized that his father had been walking behind him all the way to make sure he was safe.

There may be times when we feel like we are alone, but in truth we are always surrounded by the love & goodness of God.

- (ministry127.com)

"And he who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, because I always do what pleases him."  - Jesus (John 8:29 GNB)

"When you put your hand in God's hand, you will never walk alone."  -  Woodrow Kroll.

Monday, August 17, 2015

SACRIFICIAL GIVING


In 1995 the nation was stunned when news broke that an elderly woman named Oseola McCarty had donated $150,000 to the University of Southern Mississippi for their scholarship fund.

This 87 yr old woman had been forced to drop out of school in the 6th grade to care for her family. For more than 60 yrs she made a living washing clothes for hire in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, saving as much as she could from her meager pay.

She wanted others to have the opportunity for the education she never received, so she gave away the money she had saved for so many years.

Rather than waiting until you have enough to give, be generous & give what you have to help others today.

- Robert T. Grimm (
ministry127.com)

Mar 12:43-44 (GW): Jesus called his disciples and said to them, "I can guarantee this truth: This poor widow has given more than all the others. All of them have given what they could spare. But she, in her poverty, has given everything she had to live on."

"Giving is true having."  -  Charles Spurgeon.

Friday, August 14, 2015

FREEDOM


Elizabeth Keckley was a slave in Missouri before the Civil War. Her greatest desire was to purchase freedom for herself & her son. Her owner agreed that if she could raise $1,200 she could gain her freedom.

Keckley worked as a seamstress & came up with a plan to go to New York City & work there to raise the money, but her owner feared that she would not return.

Instead, some of her wealthy clients in St. Louis contributed the money she needed & Elizabeth Keckley paid the price for her freedom as well as her son’s. She moved to Washington, DC, where she counted Mary Lincoln (wife of President Abraham Lincoln) among her dressmaking clients.

Without the help of someone else, Keckley would never have been able to purchase her freedom.

All of us were enslaved to sin with no hope of ever gaining freedom. In mercy & compassion, Jesus gave His life for us, purchasing our salvation by shedding His blood on the cross.

We are now free from sin, but that freedom does not mean that we do whatever we want. Instead we are to live how Jesus wants us to live.      

- (ministry127.com)

"There are two freedoms - the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where he is free to do what he ought."  - Charles Kingsley.

Gal 5:1 (GNB): "Freedom is what we have - Christ has set us free! Stand, then, as free people, and do not allow yourselves to become slaves again."

"If you want to be free, just start doing what God wants you to do, one step at a time, and you'll eventually walk out of your messes."  - Joyce Meyer.

Thursday, August 13, 2015

UNCONSCIOUS OF BONDAGE


One reason many have never realized their bondage to sin may seem very paradoxical, but it is, nevertheless, very true. It is because they have never tried to get free.

There is a yard where a dog is heavily chained. The dog, however, is fast asleep & so he does not realize his bondage. Later on we may even notice the dog eating his food, still chained, but as the food is close to the kennel his chain is not irksome & he is thus still unconscious of his bondage.

But soon comes the owner of the dog & calls him. The animal springs up, eager to reach his master. What happens then? All his efforts are vain & now for the first time he feels the irksomeness & restraint of his fetters.

It is exactly similar with sin. Try to get free & you feel your bond¬age.

 - Dr. W. H. Griffith Thomas.  (moreillustrations.com)

"Nobody can be set free from a problem until they're willing to admit they have one."  - Joyce Meyer.     

Rom 6:6 (GNB): "And we know that our old being has been put to death with Christ on his cross, in order that the power of the sinful self might be destroyed, so that we should no longer be the slaves of sin."

"If you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ you are free."  -  D.L. Moody.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

GIVE YOUR MOTHER THAT HAPPINESS


President Abraham Lincoln once summoned an Army surgeon to the White House. The major assumed that he was to be commended for some exceptional work.

During the conversation Mr. Lincoln asked the major about his widowed mother. “She is doing fine,” he responded.

“How do you know?” asked Lincoln. “You haven’t written her, but she has written me.” Lincoln continued, “She thinks that you are dead & she is asking that a special effort be made to return your body.”

At that, the Commander-in-Chief placed a pen in the young doctor’s hand & ordered him to write a letter letting his mother know that he was alive & well.

- (ministry127.com)

Pro 23:25 (GNB): "Let your father and mother be proud of you; give your mother that happiness."

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

THIS IS THE TIME TO GIVE


Marquis de Lafayette was a French officer who provided invaluable assistance to George Washington & the struggling American army. After the war was over, he returned to France & resumed his life as a farmer of many estates.

In 1783, the harvest was a terrible one & there were many who suffered as a result. Lafayette’s farms were unaffected by the devastating crop failures. One of his workers offered what seemed to be good advice to Lafayette, “The bad harvest has raised the price of wheat. This is the time to sell.”

After thinking about the hungry peasants in the surrounding villages, Lafayette disagreed & said, “No, this is the time to give.”

God blesses us not just for our own benefit, but also so that we can be a blessing to others in need. The tendency to hoard & try to build up more & more is a dangerous one & the best antidote to greed is to be a generous giver.

There is certainly no shortage of people in need today & while we cannot meet every need, if we do what we can, God will multiply resources so that it is enough.

- Daniel Lioy (ministry127.com)

Pro 19:17 (GNB): "When you give to the poor, it is like lending to the LORD, and the LORD will pay you back."

BAD TEMPER


It is said that a woman once approached the great preacher, Billy Sunday, after one of his meetings who was well known for her bad temper.

She sought to defend her actions by saying: “But Mr. Sunday, although I blow up over the least little thing, it’s all over in a minute.”

The evangelist looked her straight in the eye and said, “So is a shotgun blast! It’s over in seconds, too, but look at the terrible damage it can do.”

- (aksermonillustrations.blogspot.in)

Ecc 7:9 (GW): "Don't be quick to get angry, because anger is typical of fools."

"Do not say, 'I cannot help having a bad temper.' Friend, you must help it. Pray to God to help you overcome it at once, for either you must kill it, or it will kill you. You cannot carry a bad temper into heaven." - Charles Spurgeon.

Sunday, August 9, 2015

OPEN THE DOOR


A Christian worker once visited a poor woman in order to bring her a sum of money which she badly needed. He knocked at her door, not once or twice only, but got no response & he had to go away disappointed with the money still in his pocket.

Meeting her a few days later, he told her of his fruitless visit. She replied, with tears in her eyes, that she had heard him knocking, but thought he was the rent collector & she dare not open the door, for she had not the money to pay the rent.

C. H. Spurgeon used this as an illustration of the Gospel. He who stands at the door & knocks has come with a gift; the knock is the Savior's knock, not that of a taskmaster. The Gospel is good news; news of a debt paid, not of rent required. It is not a demand but a free gift, which no one has deserved or could win by merit, but which is offered to all.

- (moreillustrations.com)

Rev 3:20 (CEV): "Listen! I am standing and knocking at your door. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will eat together."

Rom 3:24 (KJV): "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

Saturday, August 8, 2015

KNOWING THE SHEPHERD


Some years ago at a drawing-room function, one of England's leading actors was asked to recite for the pleasure of his fellow guests. He consented & asked if there was anything special that his audience would like to hear.

After a moment's pause, an old clergyman present said: "Could you, sir, recite to us the 23rd Psalm?"

A strange look passed over the actor's face; he paused for a moment & then said: "I can & I will, upon one condition; and that is that after I have recited it, you, my friend, will do the same."

"I?" said the clergyman, in surprise. "But I am not an elocutionist. However, if you wish it, I will do so."

Impressively, the great actor began the psalm. His voice & his intonation were perfect. He held his audience spellbound & as he finished, a great burst of applause broke from the guests.

Then, as it died away, the old clergyman arose & began the psalm. His voice was not remarkable; his intonation was not faultless. When he had finished, no sound of applause broke the silence - but there was not a dry eye in the room & many heads were bowed.

Then the actor rose to his feet again. His voice shook as he laid his hand upon the shoulder of the old clergyman & said: "I reached your eyes & ears, my friends; he reached your hearts. The difference is just this - I know the 23rd Psalm, but he knows the Shepherd."

- The War Cry. (moreillustrations.com)

"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power." – Paul (1Co 2:4 KJV)

Thursday, August 6, 2015

The "Blues" or the Gospel?


In "Today in My Vineyard," the Annual Report of the Open Air Mission, an evangelist describes his part in a social evening at the Y.M.C.A. hut at Carnarvon Camp during the Great War.

The man before him sang, "The Wibbly-Wobbly Blues." Then the evangelist went on the platform and said, "Boys, this morning I visited a poor fellow who lay with pneumonia. It wouldn't have been of much comfort to him if I had sung 'The Wibbly-Wobbly Blues,' would it? I gave him `The Old, Old Story' - and now I'm going to give it to you."

When they closed that night there were twenty men on their knees, seeking Christ.

- Sunday School Times. (moreillustrations.com)

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God's power for the salvation of everyone who believes, of the Jew first and of the Greek as well." – Paul (Rom 1:16 ISV)

"The gospel is not speculation but fact. It is truth, because it is the record of a Person who is the Truth."  - Alexander MacLaren.

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

PERFECT PEACE


In 1555, Dr. Nicholas Ridley was sentenced to be burned at the stake in England because of his witness for Christ.

On the night before Ridley’s execution, his brother offered to remain with him in the prison chamber to be of assistance & comfort.

Nicholas Ridley declined the offer saying, “I intend to go to bed & sleep as quietly tonight, as ever I did.”

Because he knew the peace of God, he could rest in the strength of the everlasting arms of his Lord to meet his need.

Most of us will never face a trial of our faith that is quite that severe, yet all of us go through difficult times.  During those times, we have the opportunity to fix our minds on God & receive His peace.

Isa 26:3 (CEV): "The LORD gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm."

- ('Foxe’s Book of Martyrs' by John Foxe)

"When our lives are filled with peace, faith and joy, people will want to know what we have." - David Jeremiah.

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST


The American agent for General Motors in Shanghai asked a Christian leader in China if he had much competition, in his missionary work, from the sages and philosophers of Confucianism (philosophy taught by an ancient Chinese philosopher, Confucius).

The Chinese Christian answered by asking the motor dealer a question, "When you try to sell a Cadillac or a LaSalle car, do you have much competition with the Chinese merchant who sells wheelbarrows?"

- Good News. (moreillustrations.com)

The Bible says: Jesus is the one of whom the scripture says, 'The stone that you the builders despised turned out to be the most important of all.' Salvation is to be found through him alone; in all the world there is no one else whom God has given who can save us. Act 4:11-12 (GNB).
.
"In contradistinction to the Gospel of Christ, the gospel of Satan teaches salvation by works."  -  A.W. Pink.

WEIGHT LOSS


The army of Alexander the Great was advancing on Persia. At one critical point, it appeared that his troops might be defeated. The soldiers had taken so much plunder from their previous campaigns that they had become weighted down & were losing their effectiveness in combat.

Alexander commanded that all the spoils be thrown into a heap & burned. The men complained bitterly but soon saw the wisdom of the order.

Someone wrote, "It was as if wings had been given to them - they walked lightly again." Victory was assured.

The Bible likens Christians to runners. To win the race, we must "lay aside every weight" that would drag us down and rob us of our strength and endurance (Hebrews 12:1).

This weight may be an excessive desire for possessions, the captivating love of money, an endless pursuit of pleasure, slavery to sinful passions, or a burdensome legalism.

- Richard De Haan

"If your Christian life is a drag, worldly weights may be holding you back."

(preceptaustin.org)

Sunday, August 2, 2015

FRIENDSHIP


One cannot always choose his vocation or surroundings in the world. But one can choose his friends.

The philosopher Antisthenes used to wonder that men would examine carefully an earthen vessel which they were about to buy, worth just a few cents, to see if there were any cracks or flaws in it, and yet the same men would exercise no thought or care in the choice of friends.

When John Wesley was a student at Christ Church, Oxford, he made the resolution that he would have only those friends that would help him on the road to heaven.

- (moreillustrations.com)

"He is your friend who pushes you nearer to God."  -  Abraham Kuyper.

Jas 4:4 (KJV): "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."

"The dearest friend on earth is a mere shadow compared to Jesus Christ." - Oswald Chambers.