Jonathan Edwards
What cause have they who have an interest in Christ, to glory in their Redeemer! They are often beset with many evils, and many mighty enemies surround them on every side, with open mouths ready to devour them. But they need not fear any of them. They may glory in Christ, the rock of their salvation, who appears so gloriously above them all. They may triumph over Satan, over this evil world, over guilt, and over death. For as their Redeemer is mighty, and is so exalted above all evil, so shall they also be exalted in him, They are now, in a sense, so exalted. For nothing can hurt them. Christ carries them, as on eagle's wings, high out of the reach of all evils, so that they cannot come near them, to do them any real harm.
http://www.yale.edu/wje/index.html
David Livingstone
If a commission by an earthly king is considered a honour, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?
http://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/biorplivingstone.html
Benedict of Nursia
We believe that God is present everywhere, and the eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the good and the bad.... We must therefore consider how we should behave in the sight of Divine Majesty, and as we sing our psalms let us see to it that our mind is in harmony with our voice.
http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/Benedict_Nursia.htm
Robert R. C. Chapman
Faith looks straight to the command in order to obey it, and takes the promise for her support. She pushes on her way, regardless of dangers. Moses must go forward, though the next step lead the people into the sea. Whatever appearances may say to us, it is by advancing in the narrow way of obedience that we prove the truth of the promises, and the faithfulness, wisdom, and power of our promise-keeping God.
Peter Kreeft
The greatest Christians in history seem to say that their sufferings ended up bringing them the closest to God - so this is the best thing that could happen, not the worst.
http://www.peterkreeft.com/
Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.
The challenge of hospitality, both personally and professionally, comes when we are stressed out or tired and we offer it grudgingly. The gift of hospitality comes when we find in the welcoming face of hospitality the welcoming face of God.
http://www.calvinseminary.edu/
William Cowper
His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour, The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower.
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/c/o/w/cowper_w.htm
Author Unknown
Pray unceasingly. Fight with confidence. Believe God's promises. Take Him at His Word. Wait for His victory.
C.S. Lewis
Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say "My tooth is aching," than to say "My heart is broken."
John MacArthur
The question in salvation is not whether Jesus is Lord, but whether we are submissive to His lordship.
http://www.gty.org/